Power Tongue Jack only goes up

[3940wez12]

The power tongue jack (Lippert Components model 181794) on our 2011 Keystone TT will go up (extends) but won't go down. Could a bad switch cause this? If so, should we order a new switch (about $50) and how do we get into the unit to replace the switch? Thanks for any help!

[BCX213]

Had a Lippert jack that came with my trailer when I purchased it new.... had to replace it under warranty. They replaced it with a heavy duty Atwood 3500...works much better and faster.

[westend]

3940wez12 wrote:
Bought a new switch ($6.75 at CW) and put new connectors on the wires that the switch plugs into and it works! I think the old switch was OK, but I broke it prying it out. Thanks to all who responded. My husband was impressed that I figured it out...I didn't tell him about all the help you guys gave me!

Good deal, we won't tell if you don't...:B

[3940wez12]

Bought a new switch ($6.75 at CW) and put new connectors on the wires that the switch plugs into and it works! I think the old switch was OK, but I broke it prying it out. Thanks to all who responded. My husband was impressed that I figured it out...I didn't tell him about all the help you guys gave me!

[guitarman]

Have had the same problem in both the extend and retract positions at various times. Most of the time, spraying contact cleaner in the switch has fixed it. In the winter, I think water freezes in the switch. Just have to keep playing with it until it works. Since purchasing a cover, the problems for us have decreased.

[harley4275]

Email lippert and schmooze them to see if they will ship you a switch n/c. I did that with Barker when my old trailers switch stopped working.it was 5 yrs old...and they shipped me a free one.

[myredracer]

Pull the switch out and leave the wires connected. Check for 12VDC at connections. But if the motor goes one way, it should work in the other because the switch just reverses the polarity and the wiring up to the motor should be fine. Could be a bad connector. Try jumpering across the "down" wires and see if the motor works. If it's the switch, I'd try and find a cheaper switch one than $50, that's a rip. The Lippert jack that came on our new TT failed within days of ownership and the dealer replaced it with an Ultra-Fab. Good ever since.

[jdfello]

Mine did the same when I was on a trip. The fella in the next site saw me having trouble. He said pull the switch then switch the wires walla it got me out of trouble until I could get a new switch.

[mhardin]

I had the same problem on my Barker jack. It turned out to be a corroded switch.

[dodge_guy]

From your description it sounds like Either a bad switch or a loose connection on the downside of the switch. If it works going up, then the jack itself is good. Buying a new jack will fix it, but at a huge cost compared to a $20 switch or a loose wire.

[rbtglove]

You might want to call Lippert customer support - I had an axel part I needed a few years ago and they sent me one for free since they were failing and the new repalcement was better.

[beemerphile1]

I honestly don't remember what brand jack I have but it had the same issue.

I found that my jack uses two micro-switches as limit switches. One of them failed. The jack manufacturer wanted over $30. I bought a new switch at the local electronics supply house for $2.50.

I suggest buying two while you are there. I installed the two new switches and tossed the good old switch in the junk drawer for a spare.

[westend]

You should be able to pry the switch out by using a flat blade screw driver under the lip of either the top or bottom flange.

That is a fairly simple switch. Here is a replacement 25 amp switch. You would have to change the wire connections to use it as this has six blades versus the original that has four blades and jumpers. For $45 difference, I would change the connections.

[Dog_Folks]

Also eliminate ground problems. Most of these jacks ground through the mounting bolts. Make sure you have a good ground with no corrosion.

With no load, (going up) the jack may get by on a so-so ground. When under load the so-so ground isn't enough.

[bguy]

Mine ( I don't know the model # ) has a plastic cover on the head with 4 Philips screws. Under there is a plate retained by more Philips screws. IRRC you will have to remove the ground wire to lift the plate then you can access the switch area. Don't forget to remove the fuse. All the wires will be live.