Community Forums

distaff · 03-31-2013, 10:42 AM

My series 42 step stopped working. I have pulled it from the coach for some other repairs and because lying under the coach working on it in an Alberta winter did not appeal.

BTW - PowerGear/Kwikee technical support answered my email with some very helpful instructions on Saturday of the Easter long weekend.

I followed their test and it turns out the control unit (PN 90950600) has failed. I can't find one online. Is there a replacement part or does anyone know of some hidden stock?

This is what it looks like, but a lot of places offer a substitute part number 909506003. I'm a little concerned about a bait and switch.

macantic · 03-31-2013, 10:47 AM

when mine quit working I bought a $5.00 window switch and some wire and bypassed the controller.

distaff · 03-31-2013, 12:41 PM

Macantic - thank you for the suggestion. If I can't get the part at a reasonable price I may go that route.

I was thinking about what kind of switch would work but a window switch is naturally in "off" and has to be forced to one polarity or the other, so that would solve the problem. I suspect it would work better than the system that it came with with the sole exception that the step would stay out if you forgot to retract it and drove away.

I have been wondering how the controller works. Since there is no position sensor to stop the voltage to the step motor when the step is extended or retracted, I wondered how it avoided keeping 12v to the motor and burning it out.

macantic · 03-31-2013, 01:05 PM

yes,I forgot to mention that I made two reminder signs and put one on the instrument cluster and one on the back-up monitor.
QUOTE=distaff;1514756]Macantic - thank you for the suggestion. If I can't get the part at a reasonable price I may go that route.

I was thinking about what kind of switch would work but a window switch is naturally in "off" and has to be forced to one polarity or the other, so that would solve the problem. I suspect it would work better than the system that it came with with the sole exception that the step would stay out if you forgot to retract it and drove away.

I have been wondering how the controller works. Since there is no position sensor to stop the voltage to the step motor when the step is extended or retracted, I wondered how it avoided keeping 12v to the motor and burning it out.[/QUOTE]

bruceisla · 03-31-2013, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by distaff

Macantic - thank you for the suggestion. If I can't get the part at a reasonable price I may go that route.

I have been wondering how the controller works. Since there is no position sensor to stop the voltage to the step motor when the step is extended or retracted, I wondered how it avoided keeping 12v to the motor and burning it out.

The controller senses the "overload" (current sensing) when the step has reached full extension/retraction and stops applying voltage. That's why they sometimes stop midway (a bind).

bruceisla · 03-31-2013, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by macantic

when mine quit working I bought a $5.00 window switch and some wire and bypassed the controller.

I like that idea !! Where did you locate the switch? More than 1 switch?

I'm asking because my Step Switch and Power Light (original) are inside next to the entry door but on the hinge side. This is awkward because (from the outside) you need to step out of the way and lean around the door/screen to turn the switch on.

distaff · 03-31-2013, 04:41 PM

Wow, I love this forum. Great info.

Having said that, I had a a real WOW today. Tech support from Kwikee wrote me back yesterday (Saturday!) with some test procedures. As I posted, the control unit failed, so I wrote back and asked if the part was still available as I was having trouble finding it, or if there was a newer part.

They replied today that I can use a 909506003. They replied on Easter Sunday!

distaff · 04-02-2013, 10:08 AM

In case anyone else runs into this - Power Gear/Kwikee told me that P/N 909506003 is a plug compatible replacement for the 909506000. It seems to require that you drill new holes, which is not a big deal for me since the step is on my work bench (not much room under the coach to get a drill and bit).

Found it on Amazon for $150.

Clay L · 04-02-2013, 10:39 AM

If your control board is the older unencapulated version these GUYS rebuild them.

distaff · 04-02-2013, 05:07 PM

Clay,

Thanks for the link, but mine is enclosed or sealed and not one of the ones they can work on.

Paul.

esfritzi · 04-02-2013, 06:03 PM

Check out www.rvlifestyles.com or www.anyrvparts.com The first website is the retail outlet for Stag-Parkway and the 2nd is a good parts source in California.

Kiwipop · 05-07-2013, 03:35 PM

Anyone changing over to a switch system for their steps here is a good 30amp switch that I have used.
Waterproof 30 Amp Double Pole 3 Position Momentary On-Off-Momentary On Rocker Switch : Amazon.com : Automotive

With this setup, failure to release the switch as soon as the steps stop moving will likely blow the fuse and/or cook the motor. Therefore I will probably put a 10A circuit breaker on the power feed side of the circuit.

Hope this helps,

Geoff Arkley
Palm Desert, CA

AlanTerry · 05-07-2013, 03:57 PM

Wow that is great about how they answered your email...I emailed them Friday 03MAY13 no responce yet...I guess they are doing research ;D

distaff · 05-08-2013, 09:10 AM

Following instructions from PowerGear/Kwikee I ordered a 909506003 and it appears to be a replacement. The shape is different but the mounting holes line up and the plugs are identical.

I should have it installed this weekend.