Coach Step Problem

[bluecoat]

I have a 2011 Holiday Rambler Ambassador with a 2 step Coach Step entry. Recently when opening the door the steps extend and after being fully extended the motor continues to run for about 2 seconds. This happens again when the steps retracts, the motor continues to run for about 2 seconds. They worked fine until about a month ago but I am afraid that since this is not normal they may stop working completly. Any ideas?

[RV Wizard]

Do you hear that the gearbox is clutching and this is how you know the motor is running? If not, please explain how the motor continues to run when the mechanism has reached its limits. Thank you.

[62_inrightlane]

My steps on my 2011 Mirada did a similar thing. When the steps went in they pulled back normally and then the motor continued to run and the steps pulsed in and out for about 2 seconds. By pulsing I mean they reached the retracted position and then they started to extend about an inch and then retracted again. They cycled like this a couple of times and then stopped in the position they were supposed to be in. They did this when extending and retracting.

The step motor was replaced under warranty and the problem went away.

[fillbert]

Had a similar issue with our steps a while back. I took the motor off and took it apart. It turned out to be a stripped worm gear. The worm gear was a plastic like material driving a metal output gear. Replaced the motor with a GM window lift motor I picked up at Autozone.

[mgscott4]

I read somewhere that a 96 Ford Taurus driver side window motor is an exact replacement.

[garym114]

Originally Posted by mgscott4

I read somewhere that a 96 Ford Taurus driver side window motor is an exact replacement.

It is a replacement for some step motors but not for all.

[bluecoat]

62_inrightlane, thanks for the info and it sounds like they will be replacing mine under warranty when I take it in for several other small issues. I took it to Motor Home Specialist yesterday where I bought it to check out a banging in the floor behind the drivers seat and even though they did not have time to work on it the tech told me how to fix that problem and said they would replace the steps when I brought them in, as my problem sounds exactly like yours on the retraction plus mine has the problem of running a couple of seconds on the extension. Thanks much.

[BobThompson]

Mine sometimes works normally, but other times does nothing, and recently operates in 3 steps: halfway, 90% and then all the way in or out. Just a delay, not a total stop. Weird. Any ideas. Dutch Star 99'

[RV Wizard]

Originally Posted by BobThompson

Mine sometimes works normally, but other times does nothing, and recently operates in 3 steps: halfway, 90% and then all the way in or out. Just a delay, not a total stop. Weird. Any ideas. Dutch Star 99'

The three most common problems with these steps I have found to be are:
Low voltage
bad ground
pivot points seizing from lack of use and lubrication

From these working conditions are motor and controller failures.

[rgreen45]

Originally Posted by RV Wizard

The three most common problems with these steps I have found to be are:
Low voltage
bad ground
pivot points seizing from lack of use and lubrication

You got it ...

[donhoward49]

"pivot points seizing from lack of use and lubrication"
Guys, I am using a white lithium spray grease on my step hinges. It that the recommendation??
Don

[OldChief7155]

Dry silicone is better than grease. Grease attracts and holds dirt and grit.

[BobThompson]

Thanks, Mike. I am suspecting it's voltage, possibly by bad ground. Seems to work fine with motor on genset running. I have lots to do. May unplug and reconnect everthing electrical on the coach. Bob

[JLDHELMS]

The drive motor just fell apart on my steps. I have a SCS/Frigette brand and they are out of business. Does anybody know what auto window motor might replace mine for less than the $200 they want for an aftermarket replacement. Thanks