Community Forums

dlduck · 06-09-2015, 06:08 AM

I have just bought a 2006 National Dolphin 5335 with a Ford V-10 and the steps are stuck in the down position and won't retract. I don't know if it is a fuse that has blown, but when I turn on the ignition I don't hear the steps even trying to cycle. I have also tried using the override switch on the left side entry, but no luck there either. Could some one please tell me where I can find the fuses for the steps? I have looked at the main fuse box panel mid way of the coach and only see a large black panel at the bottom with several fuses, but none look blown and none seem to be accessible. Any ideas where else to look for fuses or help would be greatly appreciated. This is my first motorhome and I am a complete rookie.
Thanks

oldmattb · 06-09-2015, 09:43 AM

I have had this issue on three motorhomes, and I have never known where the fuse was! In every case, it was the external wiring - either the multi-connector or the ground wire. I cleaned up the connections and was fine.

I hope this helps. Keep firmly in mind that the step could activate during your repairs. Pull the pin from the arm so you won't lose an arm!

Matt B

Walter5555 · 06-09-2015, 05:17 PM

I have a 1997 Dolphin 36' I have had trouble with mine at one time or another.
If the switch on the side entrance is on that the first place to look.
The seconded place would be to check the side of the door those small magnets in planted in the door control the opening.
It is a loop if the electrics is broken the switch will not work.
I have had trouble with both situation.
Once I got to close to a high curb and when I open the door, well you can figure that one out.
Just a thought.
Lots of luck.

Tahiti16 · 06-10-2015, 08:50 AM

With our 06 it was ground and the multi pin molex connector. Take ground loose cleanup and tighten.
on the plug I opened it put dielectric grease in the holes plugged back together and threaded a tie - wrap around to hold it tightly together.

rvgrandma · 06-16-2015, 04:38 PM

On our Sea View the fuse was in the line near the motor under the motorhome. We replaced the magnet and the fuse but finally gave up and just had the motor replaced which was the problem.

onebrit · 06-16-2015, 05:20 PM

I had just fixed mine if they are quikee steps, just pull the plug going directly into the motor put a test light or meter across the Red and Yellow wire at contacts inside incoming wiring plug and open and close door to see if you have any incoming voltage if you do then I think you need to remove motor and clean the commutator where the brushes run on the copper collectors. I did this and now my steps work fine if you need more help reply to post.

Always-Going · 07-25-2015, 03:19 PM

I have a Tradewinds 39 DP which had a step problem for a few months after we had just purchase it, I could not figure out what was going on and after going thru the entire system even replacing the step with new gearbox and motor it would still not work, I then got back into the system and had found that the fuse (which was good ) wasn't making a complete contact on the circuit board to give the step motor a complete 12 volts. I would suggest first to look is at your fuse to see if there is any corrosion on the spades and then at the connections on the panel making sure they are tight, mine had both problems now my step works better than ever. I found that my panel uses a small clip connection for the fuse and then has a metal piece around that clip and if the fuse isn't touching both ends you won't get the 12 volts needed for the step also vibration is a big factor make sure it's firm when you plug in the fuse and touching both ends. You'll be surprise what 12 volts will do. Hope this helps.

Always-Going · 07-25-2015, 03:26 PM

I have a Tradewinds 39 DP which had a step problem for a few months after we had just purchase it, I could not figure out what was going on and after going thru the entire system even replacing the step with new gearbox and motor it would still not work, I then got back into the system and had found that the fuse (which was good ) wasn't making a complete contact on the circuit board to give the step motor a complete 12 volts. I would suggest first to look is at your fuse to see if there is any corrosion on the spades and then at the connections on the panel making sure they are tight, mine had both problems now my step works better than ever. I found that my panel uses a small clip connection for the fuse and then has a metal piece around that clip and if the fuse isn't touching both ends you won't get the 12 volts needed for the step also vibration is a big factor make sure it's firm when you plug in the fuse and touching both ends. You'll be surprise what 12 volts will do. Hope this helps.

dlduck · 07-30-2015, 09:11 AM

Richard,
Could you please tell me where the fuse was located?
Thanks

trode · 07-30-2015, 11:18 AM

Easy fix - I'll swap you my 2004 Seabreeze for your Dolphin...step fixed!! (tongue firmly planted in cheek!)

ippongachi · 07-30-2015, 12:17 PM

Hi,
if it is quikee step, I have had them stick several times. The first time I called a moble tech who came to the house. He took a rubber mallet and hit the gear/electrical box. The steps worked right after that. He explained the brushes sometimes misalign and whacking them sets them straight( I'm paraphrasing here). I have had the steps stick twice since and whacked them into working both times.

Always-Going · 07-31-2015, 07:12 AM

dlduck;

My fuse was located at f25 (15amp) on my main fuse panel which has the white/yellow wire going to the plug on the circuit board its located at the rear of my MotorHome in the right side compartment with the inverter and other electronics, remember this on a DP. Hope this helps.

legryz · 07-31-2015, 02:19 PM

If you haven't fixed it yet try, in the battery compartment under the step, there are three circuit breakers that the battery cables connect to, check to see if one of them are tripped. should have a small RED lever sticking out of it, push it in and you should be good.
I just purchased a new/old 2008 (10700 miles) and I was messing with the batteries and tripped the breaker, not knowing the step didn't go back in, we left the campground, luckily we were notified by someone stopped on the side of the road only a couple hundred feet from the CG.
Hope this fixes your problem.