Step Warning Light on Dash

[patmsp]

My step retracts just fine, but the dash warning light still is on. Any ideas?

2000 Monaco Dynasty

[LewF]

Not sure about your system but on our coach there is a proximity switch that indicates when the step is retracted. The warning only comes on when the ignition is in the run position and the sensor does not sense that the steps are in. The sensor is easy to see on our step and is easy to get to. We have a new coach and have experienced an interesting problem with this indication - when we are driving and it rains the step out warning light comes on. It turns out that the gap between the stationary and movable parts of the sensor is just a bit too wide and when there is water in the gap it weakens the signal coupling and the system thinks the step is out. Every thing is fine when it is dry. When the weather warms up a bit I am going to reposition the sensors and close the gap. Once again I am not sure what type sensor system you have but if you have an alarm or indicator light then it must get information from a sensor on the steps so that is where I would look first. Hope this helps.

Lew

[ShapeShifter]

Quote:

Originally Posted by LewF Once again I am not sure what type sensor system you have but if you have an alarm or indicator light then it must get information from a sensor on the steps so that is where I would look first. Hope this helps.

I agree. And the second place to look is for a pinched or shorted wire.

[MACRacing]

Are you talking about the dash light that just says warning? I saw on the dash the lights for check engine and a separate "warning" light. I was unsure of why two lights.

Mat

[ShapeShifter]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MACRacing Are you talking about the dash light that just says warning? I saw on the dash the lights for check engine and a separate "warning" light. I was unsure of why two lights. Mat

I'm not sure why there are two, but they both appear to be engine related. I may be wrong, but I think "check engine" has to do with engine diagnostics as detected by the engine control computer -- much like in an every day car. The only description in my manual about the check engine light is "Problem with the engine."

My manual has this to say about the "Warning" light:

Quote:

Out of range conditions exist with the engine protection circuits. Stop coach; check all fluid levels. Do not check the coolant level until it has had sufficient time to cool. The warning light may also signify that there is water in the fuel. Water is heavier than fuel and will collect in the primary filter bowl. Drain primary filter bowl using the valve on the bottom of the filter bowl.

I have had the warning light come on once when I had low oil pressure (a hot day, and I had lust let off the accelerator -- I'd guess the oil was very thin and there wasn't much pump pressure behind it.) There must be some tie-in with the engine as there was reduced power until the light went out a few seconds later.

[patmsp]

Thanks for the help. It is supposed to be warmer this weekend and I'll feel better about going out to the RV and climbing under the steps to take a good look. I'll post my findings here.

thanks again for all your hellp.

Pat (in frigid Tennessee)

[LewF]

Pat, were are down the hill in Oak Ridge and you are right it is cold by our standards. I will take a picture of our sensor and post it.

Lew

[patmsp]

Hey Lou:

Thats kind of you. We are located in LaFollette in Deerfield. Just moved down from Minnesota. Hoping for nicer weather here. Today seems that it may be the start of it.

[Diplomat Don]

I placed a mudflap in front of my steps. It sure keeps the road dirt off of the mechanism and the step carpet stays a lot cleaner. It might help with your water issue.

PB190005 - iRV2.com RV Photo Gallery

[patmsp]

GREAT Idea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[LewF]

Pat here is a picture of the front side of our step (only have one). The small white rectangle at the right top and its counter part on the step at the bottom of the front pivoting leg are the two parts of the sensor. Sorry if I knew how to draw a circle on the picture I would highlight. As you can see it finally warmed up enough here for the snow to go sway and for me to get the picture taken. Hope this helps you locate your sensor.

Incidentally the alarm indication on this 2009 coach is quite a bit different from the alarms on our 2007 so you may not have anything similar. Our coach shows a "Step Out" red warning on the dash panel and sounds an alarm when it thinks the step is out with the ignition on. All controlled by the step sensor pictured.




Lew

[Larry Geese]

I got the bright idea to add a peice of cool looking mat to my step. The mat was about 3/8" thick. Got ready to hit the road and the "step-out" light was on....what the heck the step was in and light was on. I had to "rip" my cool looking mat off the step. The proximity switch didn't like my cool looking new mat. The step is now happy.
The Goose

[distaff]

I think this can be something you beat your head agains. Mine is on about half the time. I just listen to hear it close and worry about the 150 other things that aren't working on my coach!

[jimkate]

I had this problem once. It's been a while, but I'm pretty sure of this. Mine is the Kwikee step. If yours is too, then there should be two white micro switches..... a micro switch on the door..you can see that when the micro switch closes, the step closes. There's another micro switch just like it down in the step motor. You've got to get down on your back with a few simple hand tools. Mine was held on with two sided tape, and the tape had loosened and the micro switch had fallen out of position. I can't remember how I fixed it, but it probably involved more two side tape, or even some duct tape!

Hope it helps!

Jim Sanderson
1995 Monaco Dynasty 36'
Canada, eh?