Steps won't retract all the way

[tmw188]

Originally Posted by Bill WA6YBD

Like everyone is saying, try all the easy stuff first.



Take a real hard look at the wiring. Look for any corrosion inside the connectors and most important check the big ground wire connections at the chassis. Might even remove the screw and lug and wire brush the connector and spot on the chassis where they normally meet. A bad or corroded connection will lower the voltage to the motor and the motor will lose power.



You might even try disconnecting the motor from the controller and wire it directly to a battery with reasonable size wire say #12AWG. Connecting it one way will cause the steps to move in one direction then reversing the connections will cause the steps to go in the other direction. If the steps appear to work properly (full travel) the motor is probably OK. But remember with this test there is no shut off at the end of the travel so you must be ready to disconnect the battery when the steps reach the end of travel.



Be very, very, CAREFUL when working on the steps! There is a tremendous amount of power available and one could easily lose a finger or worse.



~Bill

Well it's 4 degrees outside this morning so no repair is going to happen today.


iPad using iRV2 - RV Forum

[Coloradodude]

FYI.. My first motorhome the steps went bad, just like you said,after we used the steps a few times with the step not fully open against a curb.

In the directions they say don't step on the step if it is not fully opened.
I ended up replacing the whole step assembly and it worked good for next 12 years that we owned the motorhome.

Ever since then we make sure to never step on the step if it is not fully exteneded.

[tmw188]

Well I guess I'll have to look at that. I hope it's salvageable. So maybe the step linkage might be tweaked just enough to cause the problem. I'll check that out thanks for that info.

[SmokyRV]

I believe this is same window motor can be purchased at Autozone for $41.99 ACI Auto/Window Lift Motor 83292 - Read Reviews on ACI Auto #83292

[sgtjoe]

Have you tried pushing the step in with your foot as it retracts?? Our's did this until I used a spray cleaner (brake clean) and then sprayed on a product called Fluid Film, it's usually sold at John Deere shops, but is now at Lowes. Sprayed it on in Nov 2014, still retracting today even in freezing weather.

[ga traveler]

If you check the owners manual, You will find that Quickee calls for lubing the steps every 30 days. I never had a customer in 15 years that did that. I have worked on dozens and dozens of steps. Most of the time the problem was rust and dried grease. (CRUD) I sprayed the hinge points with WD40. More as a cleaner than a lubricant. Work the steps several times. Respray and work again. After a week, clean the area and lube with spray grease. You MUST get under the motorhome and clean and lube the pivot points under the steps.

[tmw188]

Steps did finally retract with a little lubricating and lifting of the bottom step while helping it close. It still would not close completely after trying it a second time or two. At least now I can drive it up to my storage facility and get it out of my driveway for now. Thanks for all the help!


iPad using iRV2 - RV Forum

[sgtjoe]

Good, now you know all pivot points need to be cleaned good. Drop into Walmart and get a can or two of Brake Clean spray in the Automotive area. Get down on a warm day and spray the heck out of each pivot point. Let it dry for a few hours, then using Fluid Film in a gray can (available at Lowes $9.99) spray each pivot point. Fire the MH up and open and close the door a few times so the stairs can move in and out. If need be use your ball of your feet to help it move up. Then get down and spray the pivot points again if needed.

I did this to my stairs in Nov 2014 and they still go in and out real easy. Even in below freezing weather.


p.s. if you can't locate the Fluid Film locally, it's available on Amazon.com Great product.