Step switch

[npx84]

Does anyone have any experience wiring in a switch that will keep the step in when you open the door? If I pull up to a curb, and don't want the step out, it would be nice to hit a switch to make that happen. We have a 97 Beaver ( I think most are the same though with the "step" light switch that keeps the step out)

[barmcd]

That should be pretty easy to do. Get up under the step and you'll see two wires going to the motor, wire a switch into one of the lines and the motor won't operate unless the switch is closed. I don't think that motor pulls a lot of amps so I don't think you have to worry about overheating the switch. If you are, use the switch to activate a relay.

[Ray,IN]

Originally Posted by barmcd

That should be pretty easy to do. Get up under the step and you'll see two wires going to the motor, wire a switch into one of the lines and the motor won't operate unless the switch is closed. I don't think that motor pulls a lot of amps so I don't think you have to worry about overheating the switch. If you are, use the switch to activate a relay.

The motor "amps-out" to stop, there is no stop/start switch, it's an electric window motor. The specs are on the Kwikee website.

[ga traveler]

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

The motor "amps-out" to stop, there is no stop/start switch, it's an electric window motor. The specs are on the Kwikee website.

But that is exactly what barmcd is talking about. Putting in a stop start switch. (actually a on off switch) If you stop the power to the motor, it will not operate.

[bobmac]

The steps are activated by a two part magnetic switch on the inside of the door - one part is the magnet on the moving door and the second is a set of contacts that the magnet opens or closes. Normally, when the door is opened, the switch contacts close activating the switch/steps. All you would need to do is wire a switch in series with one of the wires and you have what you want. You definitely don't need to crawl under the coach, cut power leads and run them into the coach to do what you want.

[barmcd]

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

The motor "amps-out" to stop, there is no stop/start switch, it's an electric window motor. The specs are on the Kwikee website.

Okay Ray, but I don't understand what that has to do with putting a switch in the line. When the switch is open the step motor won't operate and when its closed (it adds zero resistance to the circuit) the motor will operate normally.

[npx84]

Thanks for the replies. My question is then, if the motor "amps" out, does it hurt it if it isn't fully extended and hits a curb while you are getting out? If it doesn't hurt it, I won't mess with it, but it seems like it wouldn't be good for it not to go its full travel before shutting down.
Thanks again!

[Podivin]

I don't believe it hurts anything.
If you listen carefully it doesn't push any longer against a curb than it does when at the end of travel when either raising or lower the steps.
The motor just runs until it meets resistance, then stops.

[anakin]

I let the step hit the curb once. The problem I had was that I left the step out and the air slowly leaked out of the airbags (normal). As the coach lowered, it striped the gear on the step motor.



So, if the step hits the curb or doesn't fully deploy, don't leave it there.

[Ray,IN]

Originally Posted by barmcd

Okay Ray, but I don't understand what that has to do with putting a switch in the line. When the switch is open the step motor won't operate and when its closed (it adds zero resistance to the circuit) the motor will operate normally.

I should have clarified my reply. What I was getting at was, the amp-draw at end of cycle must be considered when buying the switch. (addressing the comment about using a relay)
This quote from the Kwikee electric steps owners manual:

"The converter MUST
be capable of producing a
minimum of 30 amps for proper step operation."

[Houdoxi71]

I converted my auto steps to manual, using a GM power window switch, this was 10 years ago.

If you are interested/can wait I'll give you the info in a week. Sorry, don't have it on direct memory.

[ga traveler]

Originally Posted by bobmac

The steps are activated by a two part magnetic switch on the inside of the door - one part is the magnet on the moving door and the second is a set of contacts that the magnet opens or closes. Normally, when the door is opened, the switch contacts close activating the switch/steps. All you would need to do is wire a switch in series with one of the wires and you have what you want. You definitely don't need to crawl under the coach, cut power leads and run them into the coach to do what you want.

This would work on half of the steps but not all. About half of the steps use a normally open switch and the other half work on a normally closed switch. On half the steps opening the circuit would let the step out and on the other half opening the circuit would close the steps.

[rfonte649]

with the door closed, just put a magnet against the magnet on the door frame, they won't move.

[jackofalltra]

Hi: I'm sick and tired of my step problems on my 2006 Damon.I replaced the control module twice,and now it is bad again. I would love to wire in a switch for in/out. That's all we need. send me the wire diagram if you can, I really appreciate the information.
jnemeth16@tampabay.rr.com