Forward Door Interior Step Cover

[DutchStar38]

Our interior step cover, in front of the passenger seat, will not operate. I think a belt or something has broken or slipped off a pully. How can the area under this step be acessed?

["007"]

Not sure if this link will help but give it a try.
If you know MFG of step unit will check that out.

[DutchStar38]

Thanks for the link. However, our step cover does not extend outward. The interior steps themselves actually lift to form the floor/step cover. I will look to see if I can find any data for this.

[DutchStar38]

I finally got the step cover open and found that the motor had disassembled itself. After removing the retaining bolts and cutting the power wires I removed the motor. The top of the motor over the drive gears had unscrewed itself and pulled off. It also cut the red power wire in the process. The motor is a DUFF-NORTON LM100-1-100 series electromechanical actuator. SO unless I can fix the red power lead, which is doubtful due to the shortness of it inside the cover, I will probably have to get a replacement. From my research I also surmise that this series is no longer made and probably the LT100 series is now the replacement. So I guess I'll look for a replacement.

[Ernie Ekberg]

Can you solder a new wire onto the old stub?

[DutchStar38]

I'm going to give it a try. Maybe it will work and maybe not. The cover is really not that important. Just annoying that it didn't work.

[IamGadget]

I also have a 38 Dutch Star ( 2004 ) the steps do not rise to form the floor. I do hear the motor but do not know how to get to what is under the steps to see if i notice a belt slipped off or whatever. please advise as to what i can do...thank you, allen aka gadget

[gard1941]

I have a 2005 DSDP and had the same problem.(LM100-1-150 Duff-Norton) After Newmar replaced the first assembly, and it happened again, I removed the short screws,and drilled & retapped the holes to take a longer screw. The orig screws stripped the threads.
Also found when retracting the steps stop when they reach the lowered position, Don't wait for it to stop by itself, thats why the screws pulled out.

[IamGadget]

great info...however i do not now where to begin. do i rip up the carpet? The steps are carpeted.

[gard1941]

I found just enough room for my hands and arm to get to the bolt at the bottom step and riser. Very tight! See if you can lift the rubber to see if you have room to get to the nut & bolt. I was going to lift the rubber tread and cut the wood for access,but was able to get my hands in to the bolt

[DutchStar38]

Don't go ripping up any carpeting, you don't ned to.
The steps will come up for access just like when the motor should work. You may have to keep tugging and playing with the motor but eventually if you have enough room there is a square type shaft in the middle under the step with a bolt through it. If you can get a wrench on that bolt and remove it you will have complete access. When you get it open be prepared for a lot of dust and dirt.

[IamGadget]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DutchStar38 Don't go ripping up any carpeting, you don't ned to. The steps will come up for access just like when the motor should work. You may have to keep tugging and playing with the motor but eventually if you have enough room there is a square type shaft in the middle under the step with a bolt through it. If you can get a wrench on that bolt and remove it you will have complete access. When you get it open be prepared for a lot of dust and dirt.

thank you

[Bill0828]

I had the same problem withour '04 KountryStar and replaced two of the interior stair actuators which both broke at the motor cap. The actuator I got at the DuQuoin NKK International finally did the trick. Duff-Norton came out with a version "2" for the actuator. Contact Newmar parts. It won't be an inexpensive part (are there any?)$$$. I tried to buy it direct from Duff-Norton but was told it was a proprietary part. No sale.
If you can get the actuator unmounted from under the stairs (not always easy) the new actuator should be extended before re-attachment. Good luck.