Kwikee steps suddenly stopped extending

[timjet]

My Kwikee steps made my Lippert Industries and I guess previously Power Gear stopped extending. I called Lippert and since the magnetic switch which determines the entry door position was loose the tech suggested I focus on that. That magnetic switch controls the step functioning and also turns on the entry light. I reattached the magnetic switch and have determined that it is working correctly by observing the entry lights and also the amber light below the steps which is part of the step assembly. That amber light comes on with the door open and off with the door closed. So I think I can eliminate the magnetic switch as a cause.

All wires and connections appear to be normal. Any suggestions on the next (pun intended) step. Lippert is closed for the weekend.

[WinnieView]

Since it sounds like there's 12 volts to the steps then it may be a mechanical issue with the motor or linkage.
We suggest disconnecting the two from each other (usually just one pin) and confirming there's no binding of either. And that the motor works as expected when the sensor is activated.

Don't forget to take a good look around to confirm no connecting wires have been pinched or cut and that there's a good ground.

Please remember safety first! Don't put yourself, any part of your body, or clothing in the path of the steps, which may open or close without warning.

Let us know what you find.

[DoC808]

Usually the connection. There are several youtube videos on fixing this. I had the same problem, watched the videos, adjusted the connectors and fixed it myself.

[flyboy013]

Originally Posted by timjet

Any suggestions on the next (pun intended) step. Lippert is closed for the weekend.

Recommend you use their troubleshooting flowchart.

https://www.lci1.com/assets/content/...Flow-Chart.pdf

I recently had issues with my steps. It turned out to be both the mag switch on the door AND the control unit.

[timjet]

Thanks guys. I did find a video produced by Lippert that goes through an extensive diagnostic routine.
I think the magnetic switch is OK. I suspect the motor is not getting power. I'll post my findings.

[Toribk]

Timjet,

The faster way to troubleshoot whether it's binding or issues with the motor, or assembly, is to remove the clevis pin from the swing arm attachment to the shaft.

With that out, you should have no problems or resistance pulling the steps out to the full extended position.

If you do, its the steps themselves that are binding and in need of lubrication at all the pivot points.

[timjet]

Thanks Toribk. I'll remove the pin as you suggested just so I can use the steps. I don't think there is any binding in the mechanism as the motor doesn't appear to be getting power.
I supplied DC power directly to the motor as instructed in the Lippert video and got nothing.

Also I noticed that a yellow wire with a green strip in the wiring harness to the assembly had been cut. I know of no way of that happening when the steps stopped working. I was refueling when they stopped. I reattached that wire and that did not fix the issue.

I'll call Lippert on Monday.

[Toribk]

Just be cautious of the fact that without the swing arm attached, the steps will not stay extended, so you will have to place something solid under the first step when they are open!

Also, you should have a fuse for both the step motor and door switch. On my 2012 Fleetwood Discovery, these two fuses are located in the Battery Control Center (BCC)

This might explain no power to the step motor. The last one I worked on the bottom step was bent and the steps were binding half-way out causing the fuse to blow.

Hope this helps with your troubleshooting efforts.


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[timjet]

[QUOTE=Toribk;4057190]

Also, you should have a fuse for both the step motor and door switch. On my 2012 Fleetwood Discovery, these two fuses are located in the Battery Control Center (BCC)

This might explain no power to the step motor. The last one I worked on the bottom step was bent and the steps were binding half-way out causing the fuse to blow.

/QUOTE]

The tech at Lippert said there are 3 fuses associated with the steps. I've located the motor fuse and the ignition relay fuse which are good. I'll be on the phone Monday with Fleetwood and hopefully they can tell me where that 3rd fuse is which is protecting the white wire in the harness. I don't know what that's for - yet.

[Toribk]

Great....I've heard that there is an "inline fuse" somewhere as well, but since I've never had to find it, I don't know either.

Look forward to your response from Lippert.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using iRV2 - RV Forum mobile app

[Toribk]

Since you mentioned white wire...I'm thinking fuse to "Lock Out" rocker switch on dash?....we'll see.

[hayward3411]

So I had intermitent problems with my steps, I read on this forum that it's a good idea to simply unplug the power and slightly twist the male end and put back together. That's been 6 years ago.....troublefree.

[bonabob]

The motors on these steps are the same motors used on automobile power windows. They have a mechanism that locks them up if they get any interference like a hand stuck in the window when it is closing or the steps hardware sticking while opening or closing. My steps have given me the exact same problem. To resolve it, I lowered the motor by unscrewing the three screws releasing it from the gear box. Just doing that frees up the motor. Reinstall the three screws and the motor begins to work again. However make sure all the hardware and hinges are thoroughly greased. Kwikee sells a special spray grease but white lithium spray grease is also good. Once a month you should inspect and grease the hardware and all the hinges.
You may also take a hammer and tap the bottom of the motor while pushing the button switch on the door frame. Sometimes a jolt releases the motor and it begins to spin. Then make sure all the hinges and hardware are well greased.
Hope this helps.

Bob

[timjet]

Thanks Bob, I took the motor and gearbox assembly out and bench tested the motor and it did not spin. I did not tap it with a hammer. It's 11 years old so regardless it's on its last legs. I order a new motor and gearbox and will install this weekend.