Entry Step Problem - stuck in the down position but hear motor running

[ghoticov]

Hey everyone... I have an issue. Well, I have many issues but only one with the RV at the moment. HA!

I went to take the MH to where I park it today. I turned the MH on and the entry steps would not retract. I checked my steps switch and it was off so they should have retracted. So I then flipped the switch to see if that did it, same outcome.

The strange thing is I can hear the motor trying to retract the steps but the steps don't move. My MH is a 2012 Thor Hurricane 30q.

Anyone have any thoughts on how I can diagnose and fix this?

For the time being, I loosened the screw where the heim joint is and then I was able to push the steps in and use two bungee cords to hold them up.

[Karakashian]

I just had a problem with this. I suspected the motor but after pulling it and bench testing on my truck's battery, it worked. It turned out to be the door switch on the screen door. Mine uses a magnet to actuate the steps. I unscrewed the switch and used a house magnet and it started to work. My steps run off the starting batteries or the alternator if the coach is running. So, knowing your starting batteries are charged is important, if it's been sitting awhile. New switch was $21 from local rv shop.

[rssnape]

What brand? Kwikee?


1997 Tiffin Allegro Bus 37', Cat 3126

[CLIFFTALL]

Sounds like the motor gears are stripped .
Here's a link to some previous threads about stripped gears.

https://www.google.com/search?q=Stri...com&gws_rd=ssl

[ghoticov]

Originally Posted by rssnape

What brand? Kwikee?


1997 Tiffin Allegro Bus 37', Cat 3126

I'm not sure the brand, where is it on the step? Based on the videos I've seen on Youtube, I don't think its a Kwikee, I think its referred to a "coach step".

[ghoticov]

Originally Posted by Karakashian

I just had a problem with this. I suspected the motor but after pulling it and bench testing on my truck's battery, it worked. It turned out to be the door switch on the screen door. Mine uses a magnet to actuate the steps. I unscrewed the switch and used a house magnet and it started to work. My steps run off the starting batteries or the alternator if the coach is running. So, knowing your starting batteries are charged is important, if it's been sitting awhile. New switch was $21 from local rv shop.

I don't believe its the magnet because when I open and close the door, I can hear the motor running and trying to either lower or raise the steps. The problem is the stairs don't move even though the motor is trying to raise or lower them.

[ghoticov]

Originally Posted by Clifftall

Sounds like the motor gears are stripped .
Here's a link to some previous threads about stripped gears.

https://www.google.com/search?q=Stri...com&gws_rd=ssl

Thank you! That makes alot of sense, sounds like you may be right. I will go read those threads now.

[Bluelagoon]

I have 1999 HR Endeavor with Kwikee 2 steps that intermittently I get steps stuck in or out. When it happens, it won't move in or out and the motor is burning hot. If I open or close the door or start the engine it has no effect.
I found that if I disconnect the controller module and let the motor cool down and retry it an hour later, it all starts working fine again for a few months and then it happens again. It seems to occur mostly when I leave the switch ON to leave the steps out for long periods of time/days.

Hope this helps you.

[bdpreece]

If the gears are stripped you should be able to manually push the step closed while the motor is running. Give it a try