Help with sliding cover for step

[txtode]

1999 Monaco Dynasty 40'. The sliding cover for the steps will extend (cover steps), but will not retract. Anyone ever had this problem and if so what did you do to correct?

[mahon1993]

On mine the step is air controlled by a electric air valve in the front by the generator mounted to the firewall. One way it gives the step cylinder air the extend, the other way to retract. Could be the valve or the cylinder. With the air dumped you should be able to manually move the cover in and out.
Greg

[Diplomat Don]

txtode.....I don't know how your year model functioned the slide cover (air or electric). If it's electric, take a look at this post Step Cover Stopped Working..Please Help

[Barrier2]

txtode
The Air Powered Step Cover on my 2001 Dynasty was not working as well. Look as was mentioned next to the generator on the Passenger side. You may be able to spray some WD40 inside after removing the air lines. I tried that and it still would not work. I did verify by connecting up the two hoses one at a time directly to the air in line and I was able to extend and retract the cover. I found a supplier who had originally sold them to Monaco in Indiana.
Neff Engineering 5742728282 it is part number 45A-AA2-DOBA-1BA that seems to be the correct one for my Coach although I have not installed it as yet. It is described as 4-way valve 1/8 NPTF Ports 12v Single Solenoid MAC Valve. I spoke with their Wakarusa Office just Google that location the number I listed is their South Bend office if you cannot find the other number. Price about $35.
Robert

[DtBt]

I think the steps on 99 were air operated. The following applies to a Windsor, my guess is yours is similar. First make sure you have air pressure. If they do not retract make sure you wait a couple on minutes to make sure they are not just very slow. You could clean, lube and perhaps adjust the MAC valve. They often get debris in the valve that prevents it from opening or closing correctly. The MAC valve is located on the fire wall one the center right afte opening the genny compartment. It is the smaller blue valve with a black solenoid attached. This particular valve is a two way. It either puts air pressure on one side of the cylinder or the other to extend or retract. You can check the mechanical operation by operating the button on the solenoid portion. You can dump the air pressure and remove the cover, internal parts and flush with WD-40 or the like, reassemble. The rate of pressure bleed is controlled by two screws on the left side. Open these up with extreme caution as going too far the step will slam in one direction or the other.
If they work using the button check the switches/fuse. My Windsor has a switch on the drivers console as well as passenger armrest. If you hear air escaping from the step check the cylinder itself.

[txtode]

OK, looks like I have enough info to get started on.
Thanks to everyone for their input.

[Happycarz]

txtode,
Does the slide mechanism make any noise when you push retract? If so, the mounting bolt for the air cylinder broke and the cylinder will move out to meet the extended step. Once you push the retract button, can you push the step back in? I had to replace that 1/4" mounting bolt twice on my 99 Dynasty.

[txtode]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Happycarz txtode, Does the slide mechanism make any noise when you push retract? If so, the mounting bolt for the air cylinder broke and the cylinder will move out to meet the extended step. Once you push the retract button, can you push the step back in? I had to replace that 1/4" mounting bolt twice on my 99 Dynasty.

Thanks, Happycarz, I can hear a loud 'THUNK' when I push the slide back in. It extends slow but does extend, just doesn't retract. How do I access the mounting bolt?

[txtode]

Quote:

Originally Posted by txtode Thanks, Happycarz, I can hear a loud 'THUNK' when I push the slide back in. It extends slow but does extend, just doesn't retract. How do I access the mounting bolt?

Anyone have a answer?

[Rex]

The MAC valve on the firewall in your generator compartment is the problem. You can dump air, remove the air lines from the valve and spray some WD40 in the valve to clean it. There should be an adjusting screw on the valve that controls how fast the step cover moves.

Don't think you have a problem with the cover mount as it does come out on its own, just will not retract. The same cylinder is used for both directions. The MAC valve reverses it.

[Happycarz]

Pull the face off the cover by extending it, lying on you back along the stairs (ouch,) and removing the screws from the back, including the cylinder rod mount. Now you will be able to see the air cylinder with a flashlight. Reach in and see if the cylinder just flops around or is attached. If loose, you will need to replace the 1/4 bolt that is attached to the cylinder end that goes through the plate below it. If this is the case, I'll give you more help with the bolt replacement.

[txtode]

Happycarz;
The only thing I could see under the slide was the control rod. The only way I could see to have access to the air ram was to disconnect the rod and see if the slide would extend out further and have access. Before I tried this I tried the way Rex suggested and it solved the problem.
I will file the other suggestion away for future possible use.
Thanks to ALL for tips.

[Rex]

Just for reference, you should hope you never have to access the air ram itself. Only way I have found to get to it is to pull the generator and remove a panel on the floor bottom. No I have not taken the slide out, but don't think I could reach the ram even with it out. The slide will come out if you disconnect the rod. Mine has a pin and retainer clip holding the pin in place. The the slide will go further out and is mounted on cabinet type slide extensions. These have a clip that must be pressed so they will come out all the way.

[Happycarz]

Actually, when the end cap is removed from the step cover, you have access to the ram. When the 1/4" bolt breaks, just swing the ram end for end and replace the broken bolt at the back end. Then reverse the procedure and try to poke the new bolt through the floor below. There is enough slack in the air lines to move the ram around without having to disconnect them. Once the bolt is through the floor, crawl underneath and put the washers and nut on the bolt. In 10 years, I had to do my 99 Dynasty twice.