SCS/Lippert Electric Steps

[texacon]

Have an 08 Newmar Ventana, equipped with SCS/Lippert Electric Steps. They open and close very slowly and do not open or retract fully. Checked the voltage at the connector, 13 V. WIth the motor disconnected, the motor moves slowly and the steps can be moved effortlessly by hand in and out. Interested in hearing if others have had this problem and what fixed it.

[RV Wizard]

Did you get 13 vdc while the motor was in operation? If not check connections as well as battery voltage and its connections both on the battery and the chassis ground. Be sure to check or add additional ground at the motor. If the voltage stays at 13 vdc with motor under load, the the gear reduction box or motor is the problem since the step mechanism is not binding and moves freely.

[Route 66]

Been there, done that.

See my thread here.

[texacon]

Thanks for the advice, haven't had a chance to get back under it but will as soon as the rain ceases. Read the thread Dirk, although similar symptoms, different. Mine aren't slow to respond, just slow to move and then don't move all the way and when they do, they don't extend or retract fully. Next step is to check the motor with direct 12v on it. Wondering if I should keep the steps connected to the motor or try without them connected, I suppose it really doesn't matter. Will also lub them. All I have is a silicon lubricatant, should I invest in the teflon?

[Route 66]

My steps were initially delayed in operating, then slow in moving.

You can momentarily apply 12v to the steps to see if the motor is working OK.

If the steps do operate OK, immediately remove the 12v to avoid burning up the motor. The controller senses the current increase when the motor stalls with the steps fully in or out and removes the 12v.

My steps had quite a bit of play in the linkage and lubrication was futile.

With the steps disconnected from the motor, they are free to move when stepping on them creating a hazard.