Kwikee Steps acting in reverse

[94-Newmar]

Ok let me explain..If you use the wrong door switch and if the step is OUT and the override switch is OFF and the door is closed all is well. THEN when you turn the key ON the step will not retract automatically because it thinks the door is OPEN. You drive away and wipe your new step off from underneath. If it was as simple as reversing the motor polarity they wouldn't include a new door switch with the kits.

Originally Posted by texnet

I am 99.9% sure that ALL motorhomes that use the Kwikee steps come with the same switch

Absoluely wrong. Earlier models were opposite of those being produced today.

[Wayne M]

Try it. If it works, it is right. If it doesn't work send PowerGear/Kwikee an email on their web site with the problem. They have the right answer.

[gemini5362]

I agree with 94 newmar. There are several posts on this. What happens if I remember correctly is the new motor is made to work with the new configuration of switch ( either NO or NC I do not remember which) People change the new controller and motor and leave the old switch there because it worked. Now you have the condition you are talking about the motor thinks that the door is open when it is closed and closed when it is open. It is very easy to figure out whether it is the switch or reversed leads.

Close the door and get the steps out. Disable the switch that allows the steps to work when the door opens and closes so that the steps are out no matter what position the door is in. Lock the door in the full open position. Turn the ignition key on. If the steps go in then the motor is working and wired correctly. If the steps do not move then close the door. If the steps do not move when you close the door the motor is wired with reverse polarity.

[RV Wizard]

Replace the door switch with the correct one.

[kb9tf]

A simple check with a meter or test light will tell if the switch is different. But a call to them is even easier if you get someone that knows something.

[thunderjet]

had same problem. just order a white switch if you have a black switch or black if you have white.

[trode]

Yup, wrong switch.... the open vs closed switch is correct. You have wrong one.

[flintw]

WOW! I am a new member and have come to this site before just to look but this is my first post. Thank you, all for your great thoughts and ideas. I do have the new switch that came with the unit. I will play with it first before crawling underneath (if I have to) to switch out wires. When I did this originally I ate a lot of greasy dirt and rust specks--yum. Not anxious to do that again but if I have to..........

[gemini5362]

Flint try my suggestion first. It should tell you which one is bad without having to do anything other than open door and turn ignition key. But you are probably going to find out installing the new switch will fix it. I am only urging you to try my idea because I am curious to see if it will show you which is bad. It sounds good in theory but theory does not always stand up to a good practical test

[flintw]

I replaced the door switch and much to my surprise it fixed the problem. How does the new controller unit need a new switch to operate properly? Beats me. I was just glad I didn't need to go under the unit AGAIN and have oily dirt fall in my face as before when switching wires. Works good now. YEAH! Thanks everybody for your help.

[ga traveler]

Kwikee changed the switch to prevent the steps from coming out while underway. The old switch was holding in while underway. If the gap between the switch and the magnet got too wide, the steps would go out. With the new step switch, if the switch and magnet get too far away the step will go in. The old way the switch closed when the door closed. the new way the switch closes when the door is opened. This is just a design change to protect the steps from going out underway.

[gemini5362]

Originally Posted by ga traveler

Kwikee changed the switch to prevent the steps from coming out while underway. The old switch was holding in while underway. If the gap between the switch and the magnet got too wide, the steps would go out. With the new step switch, if the switch and magnet get too far away the step will go in. The old way the switch closed when the door closed. the new way the switch closes when the door is opened. This is just a design change to protect the steps from going out underway.

I wondered if that was the reason that they made the change. I saw a MH going down the road the other day and they had the steps going in and out while driving down the road. I tried to get their attention and tell them about their problem but they did not realize what I was pointing to. Hopefully they will find out before the steps hit something and get ripped off.

[BFlinn181]

THANKS for letting us know the solution, and ga traveler for explaining why. Its a good day when I learn something new!

[PanJH]

Originally Posted by Tha_Rooster

The older units work on different contact switches they are backwards from the new control units. One works on open contact and the other works off closed contacts.

Yep--- I changed our out a few yrs ago and they changed from closed to open magnetic switch on the door