Community Forums

Suncruiser Ron · 07-24-2010, 08:15 AM

Upon returning from a trip I stopped to unhook the car. The step extended and hit a curb. Once I parked the coach, the step remained extended even with the ignition on. The light goes on & off when the door is opened/closed. The steps seem to be very tight in the extended position. Normally there is a slight wiggle room.

Help is urgently required as I must take the coach in for service and I can't drive it with the steps extended.

max49 · 07-24-2010, 08:25 AM

You'll probably have to get under it, pull the cotter pin out , since it is very tight , you'll probably need a hammer and small punch to drive the linkage pin out. Then you could strap them in the closed position.
You might get lucky and with you helper, after the pin is pulled, the motor and linkage may work fine. If so , oil it up and unplug the motor while it's in the halfway position, helper needed, then you can reinsert the linkage pin to the steps.
This worked for my steps when they locked in the extended position.
Good Luck

Suncruiser Ron · 07-24-2010, 08:47 AM

I have disconnected the linkage from the actuator and the steps. The actuator will still not function when the door is excercised

Grumpy Dave · 07-24-2010, 09:09 AM

Any chance you blew a fuse when the step jammed?

1ciderdog · 07-24-2010, 10:04 AM

Won't help with the solution for your step problem but a few years ago on a long trip my steps stopped working in the out position. I disconnected the linkage as others did but then moved the step to the in position and drilled a hole through two arms of the step brackets about the same size as the pin and was able to put the pin through these two holes to keep the step in the in position while traveling. When stopping overnight I'd remove the pin and extend the steps and the next morning pull the pin, move the steps in and replace the pin. A bit of a hassle but worked for me.

John Wayne · 07-24-2010, 12:41 PM

Just helped a friend repair his step for the same problem. In his case the gear in the gear box that the linkage is connected to striped out. He was able to find a new gear at Walts RV supplies in Rialto, Ca. for about 40.00. Replaced gear and all was well again. Can you hear the motor running? It's a power window motor if you need to replace it.

Suncruiser Ron · 07-25-2010, 05:40 AM

John Wayne, I suspect that it is the motor that is shot. When I apply power directly to the motor it will work once then quit, You mention that it is a power window motor. If so from what car manufacturer? I suspect it would be cheaper at an Auto Parts store than a RV dealer

Lt46 · 07-25-2010, 05:56 AM

Ron,
If it works when power is applied direct, then it works. Reverse the power leads on the 12v source and the motor will work in reverse. Do the disconnected steps move freely? They should. If not, check for what is binding it, lubricate freely.
Click this link for Kwikee Step 101 tutorial.

RV.Net Open Roads Forum: Tech Issues: KWIKEE STEP MOTOR REPLACEMENT SERIES 32-with photos

John Wayne · 07-25-2010, 11:30 AM

Ron if it is the motor most are a Ford used product take the motor to a parts store they should be able to match it.

Suncruiser Ron · 07-25-2010, 11:33 AM

It appears that I have the old style motor/gear actuator. I have a large cam with teeth on the edge. I don't know if they made a change to the motor.

Suncruiser Ron · 07-27-2010, 04:55 AM

I have ordered a new motor from AM Equipment the original supplier of the motor to Kwikee (Who is now out of business) The part no is 214-1001 and the cost is $28.41 plus shipping. I will report once I have installed the new motor. Thanks to all who replied.

nccamper · 07-27-2010, 07:38 AM

Is Kwikee out of busness?

Clay L · 07-27-2010, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nccamper

Is Kwikee out of busness?

No, but they were bought by Actuant and they now have zero customer service. They will not take calls from customers - only dealers - and a couple of dealers I talked to say they can't get return calls. Power Gear was also bought by Actuant with the same results.