Entry Steps Door Switch replacement

[Cowboy0001]

Hello everyone, hope your Easter was great. I have a 2000 CC Affinity with the Kwikee 42 steps. Been having issues since we've had the coach for the last 6 years. Now the steps aren't working at all and are extended all the way out. I changed the control board (pic), the motor (pic) and now I am looking at the door switch mounted in the door frame. The switch is a plunger switch (pic) and one side isn't working. I contacted Lippert and worked with them for about 8 days and they can't help at this point. Does anyone have a source for the plunger switch that mounts in the door frame? I have pics of the control and step motor attached. The people at Lippert say what I have will work. I don't know. There seems to be a relay involved near the controller. Lipperet seems to think the relay is not involved but the brown wire from the relay plugs into the relay. Anyone have this setup for their steps? Thanks, K&K.

[phays]

I assume you checked the fuses. One 7.5 amp on the domestic fuse panel and a 30 amp on the front run board fuse panel. If the light for the steps does not come on then the 7.5 amp fuse may be bad or the bulb may be burned out. The 30 amp fuse powers the controller and the motor. I don't know if a faulty 7.5 amp fuse would cause your problem. If the 30 amp fuse is faulty then the steps will not work.

[birdhunter]

It's a Carling switch. I posted about it on this group. I don't have the part number handy but if you go search in this group you will find it. You can get one from Mouser Electronics. I replaced mine the next time with a Kwickee magnetic switch. Much better arrangement in my view. You will need to drill a little hole in the door.

[Cowboy0001]

My question is would the magnetic switch work more reliably than the mechanical plunger switch? I think the original owners had the door switch changed from using the magnetic switch and installed a mechanical plunger switch for reasons unknown but guessing the magnetic switch failed along the way. I really would like to get a reliable method to end my step operating like it should. Could someone share how to get my magnetic switches to work again? Any input is welcomed.

[CoCoDave]

Our 2002 Affinity had a plunger switch identical to the one in your picture. It went flaky and caused erratic step behavior.
Got it out to the same state that you're showing in your image and hosed it down with contact cleaner while actuating the plunger.
It stopped the erratic behavior and worked for several years. May still be working but we no longer have the coach.
Good luck!

[birdhunter]

Originally Posted by Cowboy0001

My question is would the magnetic switch work more reliably than the mechanical plunger switch? I think the original owners had the door switch changed from using the magnetic switch and installed a mechanical plunger switch for reasons unknown but guessing the magnetic switch failed along the way. I really would like to get a reliable method to end my step operating like it should. Could someone share how to get my magnetic switches to work again? Any input is welcomed.

I don't think there's any moving parts to wear out in the magnetic switch. It's also sealed and weatherproof. Mine's been in there for 2 years now no problems. The Carling switches are not inexpensive and while the original one lasted about 14 years, the replacement lasted about a year before it crapped out. So I went magnetic. It's also a Kwickee switch, the plunger switch is not.

[deandec]

Our magnetic door switch worked until we sold the rig at 28 years old.

My exterior steps repair efforts were substantial but resolved by cleaning the wire ground contacts fastened to the bottom of the steps.

[Cowboy0001]

Thank you everyone who offered information to my dilemma on our series 42 steps. I am working to re-establish the magnetic switch for the steps and that would simplify the light in the well connection and reduce the switch from what was to a simple plunger switch. I'm going to start the work over using what was there to see what I have for power and where. I checked the motor yesterday and found it works so I'm removing the new motor and the new control and using the original control and motor, hoping to get some movement with the steps. I'm not sure what to do with this relay that is being used by the control. If anyone has any experience on this relay I sure would like to talk to you. I did check the fuses suggested and can't find any blown fuses. The light in the well works and gets its power from a purple wire and that is all I am sure of now.

[Old Scout]

This may not help but my 2003 era Kwiki step worked with a mechanical switch in the door frame, but I learned it was a ground-out switch. Newer Kwiki steps used a positive 12v circuit interrupt switch to activate the steps. So wiring was completely different to trouble shoot.
PS -- newer magnetic switches may require an earth magnet in the door. This/these magnets can be affected my metal filing that accumulate in the PTL door body.

[birdhunter]

If you go to magnetic switch you will definitely have to install one side of the switch which is a magnet in the door. You will lose the light. The magnetic switch is two wires, the plunger switch is three wires. The light in the stairwell in my Magna was kind of pathetic anyway, to have a reliable door switch was worth losing the light. I also have an interior light above the steps that gets the job done. But I would like is a light on the outside steps which I will install one day.

Rereading your original post, I am not aware of any relay near the controller, at least on my coach. Also don't know how you got the controller you have but there are a number of different model controllers. You need to get the correct one for your system. When I had trouble with mine a Kwickee guy walked me through a series of steps (no pun intended) to narrow down what the problem was. You might want to call them.

[d23haynes57]

The switches and magnets are available here,

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=kwikee+st...ref=nb_sb_noss

Different years require a different switch, Normally Open or Normally Closed.
You will need to match it.

Here is a 3 wire switch as an option if needed for a light.

https://www.amazon.com/Magnetic-Rece...zcF9tdGY&psc=1

Dennis

[CntryCoachRV]

The original switch was probably what you have now. Here is some info I found through an AI search, not sure if it is helpful or not. Hope it steers you in the direction of a solution.

The plunger switch for your 2000 CC Affinity with Kwikee 42 steps can be sourced from a few places based on available information. Since you mentioned the switch is a plunger type mounted in the door frame, you're looking for a Kwikee Plunger Door Switch compatible with your step system.

You can try the following sources:

- Lippert's Official Website: Lippert, the manufacturer of Kwikee steps, offers a "Kwikee® Plunger Door Switch with Rocker Kit" on their site. Since you've already been in contact with them, you might want to double-check their parts catalog or ask for the specific part number (like 905328000, which is a known Kwikee plunger switch).

- PPL Motor Homes: They stock various Kwikee electric step parts, including switches, and have a reputation for quick shipping. Their inventory includes components compatible with older models like yours (pre-IMGL/9510 step units from 1999-2005).

- Del City: They carry the "Kwikee Electric Step Plunger Door Switch," which is designed for all Kwikee products requiring a plunger switch. It has two blade-style electrical connections and is actuated as the door opens or closes, matching your description.

- Amazon: A specific listing for the "Kwikee 905328000 Plated Plunger Door Switch" is available, which might be a direct fit for your setup. It’s noted for replacing plunger switches in Kwikee systems.

- PDX RV Wholesale: They list Kwikee plunger-style door switches (part numbers 905302000 and 905328000) in their inventory, which could work for your 2000 model.

Regarding the relay you mentioned, if the brown wire from the relay connects to the controller, it might be part of the step's safety or override circuit (common in Kwikee setups to prevent step movement while the ignition is on). However, if Lippert insists the relay isn’t involved, the issue likely lies with the plunger switch itself, especially since you noted one side isn’t working. A faulty switch can prevent the steps from receiving the signal to retract or extend, leaving them stuck in the extended position.

Since you’ve already replaced the control board and motor, and the steps still aren’t functioning, the plunger switch is a logical next step. Ensure the replacement switch matches the blade-style connections of your current one. If the new switch doesn’t resolve the issue, you might need to trace the wiring for any hidden faults, as older RVs like yours can suffer from corrosion or loose connections over time.

Ray

[deandec]

Did you polish the ground wire contacts? See Post 7

[birdhunter]

The switch is not a Kwikee switch. It is not available from Kwikee. It is a Carling switch that CC used in this application. I had to go digging but here it is:

https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail...y%2FQVhA%3D%3D