Step cover and step problems & solutions

[Gary CA]

First problem, the electric step would not extend, but the motor would surge to retract the step when I opened and closed the door. The ground wire was good. I simply unplugged the 4-way connector above the step. I freshened up the contacts with a probe and reconnected the plug and the steps worked. The step manual showed many more tests but not this quick fix.

Second problem, (unrelated and on a different day) the step cover would not close. I removed the switch and found one of the hot white wires (pig-tailed into two wires) had pulled out of the bottom of the rocker switch. In removing the switch entirely I pulled out the second white wire. Easy fix, I had to make a clip for each wire and secure them back into the bottom of the rocker switch. The step cover was working and I drove off not knowing the step was not retracted.

Third problem, (related to second problem) in repairing the step cover wires I caused a short and cut out my electric step. Most important is the fuse location for the steps, this fuse is located in the front hood compartment and is labeled as "OPTIONAL FAN."

Just simple, do-it-yourself, on-the-road repair tips you won't find in manuals.

[wagonmaster2]

Good information to have Gary. Haven't had any problem yet with the step cover but the way everything else is going I figure it won't be long. I've been fighting a problem with the electric step, it wouldn't retract. Tapping on the linkage would make it work a couple of times the fail to retract. I removed the motor, let the step come in a couple of inches, then re-installed the motor which made it stop and start in a new location. Has been working now for a week or so, so hopefully this fixed the problem for a while post-poning spending $50-$60 for a new motor.

Can't imagine Winnebago listing the step fuse as "Optional Fan" but with some of the other things I've run into on my coach I really shouldn't be that surprised.

Wagonmaster2
2004 Meridian 36G