Community Forums

dfuelman · 11-19-2020, 08:27 AM

Yesterday my steps stopped working on my '01 Intrigue. Series 42 Kwikee steps.

So far I have determined that the motor is OK and does work but have not finished the complete diagnostics ( I just downloaded the trouble shooting procedure last night ) Will get back on it tomorrow when it's a little warmer out side.

Question is this: IF the controller is bad, can I just replace with updated controller or do I need to buy the complete updated motor and controller kit? From what I have read, this kit does not just bolt in like it should, it requires some adjusting to make it fit properly.

Has anyone already done this, and if so, how bad was it?

Thanks in advance!

deandec · 11-19-2020, 09:32 AM

Stopped Working?

If the motor is good, then I would suspect the motor linkage and/or the side slides need to be cleaned and lubed.

That is a routine maintenance step and the steps not moving is a symptom.

I did replace the motor about 4 years ago. It is a Ford power window motor that is available on Ebay or Amazon much cheaper than from the Manufacturer. Except for lying on your back under the rig it was an easy replacement.

We have a frequent problem with the door magnet not activating the step movement. That generally requires a magnet touched to the door frame switch to wake up the steps or closing the door more firmly.

Door closed, steps in. Door open, steps out.

BrianGlenn · 11-19-2020, 11:52 AM

There can be up to 3 fuses for the step. One for motor power (typically 20A) and one for step control (5 or 7.5A) and one for ignition signal to controller (5 or 7.5A). In my 2007 Allure step power and step control are in chassis fuse block and step ignition is is ignition fuse block - both in drivers run bay.

dfuelman · 11-19-2020, 05:38 PM

The steps stuck in the open position, I got lucky as I was headed out the driveway to get fuel and heard them drag in the leaves and stopped before they hit anything.

They seem to move free (I removed the motor to get them to close so I could run get fuel so I could put the rig away for the winter) then started looking at this issue. Could not find any blown fuses but had to head into work before I finished diagnostics.

Tomorrow I plan to test all the circuits and test the switch for operation. It had been working perfectly, it suddenly refused to close. I did kill the batteries by mistake the other day, don't know if that has effected it or not, but I guess I will find out.

BrianGlenn · 11-19-2020, 06:22 PM

With low battery voltage (killed batteries) current would probably exceed fuse rating and blow fuse(s). Power usage is volts times amps. Lower voltage needs higher amps to provide same power.

I suspect fuses.

Hope this helps.

Brian

dfuelman · 11-20-2020, 09:47 AM

It turns out I have a bad door switch. It's beautiful outside today so I took the trouble shooting list outside and started at step #1 and everything checked out execept the switch. It appears to have been replaced before, so I will order two this time and keep a spare on hand. I did check, there is power getting to the switch, but it has failed in the open position.

I am happy as a dog with two.....wait, this is a family thread..LOL

Thanks for everyone's help and SPECIAL thanks to whomever posted the link to the Trouble shooting guide for Kwikee steps.

gnvrvin · 11-20-2020, 11:15 AM

Glad to hear it was something special
I down loaded the troubleshooting guide for future reference

Stay safe,
Greg

Bill Gail · 11-20-2020, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dfuelman

Yesterday my steps stopped working on my '01 Intrigue. Series 42 Kwikee steps.

So far I have determined that the motor is OK and does work but have not finished the complete diagnostics ( I just downloaded the trouble shooting procedure last night ) Will get back on it tomorrow when it's a little warmer out side.

Question is this: IF the controller is bad, can I just replace with updated controller or do I need to buy the complete updated motor and controller kit? From what I have read, this kit does not just bolt in like it should, it requires some adjusting to make it fit properly.

Has anyone already done this, and if so, how bad was it?

Thanks in advance!

I had a similar problem . Found just the controller on ebay .Quick plug and play.

Before purchasing the controller , take a magnet and run it by the door switch mounted to the door jamb. I have found those switches can go bad or go out of alignment and won't operate the steps.

If the magnet trips the stair into operation , try moving the switch magnet mounted to the door . It's normally attached with a double sided tape and over time , the jostling and vibration from driving can move the switch magnet out of alignment .

Could be an easy fix.

dfuelman · 11-20-2020, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gnvrvin

Glad to hear it was something special
I down loaded the troubleshooting guide for future reference

Stay safe,
Greg

I printed off a hard copy and put in in the file with the step info for future ref.

dfuelman · 11-20-2020, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Gail

I had a similar problem . Found just the controller on ebay .Quick plug and play.

Before purchasing the controller , take a magnet and run it by the door switch mounted to the door jamb. I have found those switches can go bad or go out of alignment and won't operate the steps.

If the magnet trips the stair into operation , try moving the switch magnet mounted to the door . It's normally attached with a double sided tape and over time , the jostling and vibration from driving can move the switch magnet out of alignment .

Could be an easy fix.

Thanks Bill, it did turn out to be the switch. I tried to trip it with a another magnet with no luck. Have two new ones on the way. A replacement and one for inventory. LOL

dfuelman · 12-11-2020, 02:33 PM

To follow up, I installed the new switch today and lubed up the tracks good with some white grease. Steps work like that should and are much smoother than before. I also repainted the cover plate while I was waiting on the switches and replaced the foam padding, which I picked up at Lowe's pretty cheap. I think all it does it keep it from rattling while going down the road.

It pays to do a little trouble shooting. I was almost ready to order a new motor and controller and it turns out all I needed was a $20 switch.

Thanks for every ones help and for posting the trouble shooting guide, this place is a WEALTH of knowledge!