Community Forums

RetiredBob · 06-17-2020, 05:49 PM

While in storage with no shore power, my steps stopped coming out. I thought the house batteries might be dead, but didn't have my voltmeter to check. Brought the rig home a couple of days ago, plugged it in and the steps started working. All is well, I thought. But today, they suddenly stopped working again. I can hear a switch under the hood (where the BIRD/solenoid is) trying to open the steps, clicking once every 30 seconds or so while the door is open and silent when the door is closed, but I can't isolate precisely where it is. Any thoughts on where to start checking?

Craig36 · 06-17-2020, 10:18 PM

On most coaches, the steps run on the engine battery. That's why they work when the coach master power switch is turned off. If you suspect possible low voltage on that battery, you might first try leaving the door open and pushing the battery emergency jump switch. If the steps then work, you know you have a low engine battery. The second thing I would check in the connector on the steps. I may just need a good dose of contact cleaner.

Good luck...

Pine Stump · 06-18-2020, 06:19 AM

Step module also could be the problem as they are funny and if never replaced in a 2011 ...Pretty quick easy job...Can u work the steps with your on off switch inside ok open and close door?

RetiredBob · 06-29-2020, 03:06 PM

Turns out it was the motor. Replaced it and the steps now work, but.....the steps now extend when the door is opened and retract when I turn on the engine with the door closed. However, they do not retract when the engine is off and the door is shut, no matter which way the Steps In/Out switch is pushed. Any ideas?

rffowler55 · 06-29-2020, 03:48 PM

The original clicking sound without the steps extending or retracting was probably the step control module sending a signal to the motor to engage but the motor was bad and unable. If the motor is now responding the only items that controls the process is the step control module or the door position indicator located at the bottom left door frame.

The door position indicator has a part that plugs into the step control module and a part that attaches to the screen door. If one of those parts is missing or does not line-up with each other then your signal is not being transferred correctly. The door position indicator switch is fairly cheap and the door step control module is in line with the step motors cost.