Kwikee step partial opening

[LJJSRZ]

MONACO DIPLOMAT KWIKEE STEP PROBLEM
This 2002 Diplomat has a Kwikee single step, series 38, S# 11447.
This step was bound up and would not move. I forced the step to move and then lubricated well.
The unit worked ok for a few weeks but then the unit would not extend fully and would click (like it was trying to ratchet) about 7 times and then stop with step about 80 % extended. The same clicking occurs when the step is retracted. This happens everytime.
I removed the motor and verified that motor operation was ok. I reinstalled the motor and rechecked step operation after lubricating all moving parts. Same problem still present.
I removed motor and attached gear housing. I removed gearing cover and found gearing in perfect condition.
It seems that there is a slipping gear but I have found no problem.

[distaff]

I can't help since I have a Series 42 step, but when I was having difficulty Power Gear were fairly responsive. They weren't much help in my case because my problem was with how Monaco installed it, but they did point me in the right direction.

[Brockx]

Originally Posted by LJJSRZ

MONACO DIPLOMAT KWIKEE STEP PROBLEM

I removed motor and attached gear housing. I removed gearing cover and found gearing in perfect condition.
It seems that there is a slipping gear but I have found no problem.

Although you have inspected the "gearing", it sounds like the gear "plugs" are disintegrating. If you are not familiar they are easy to overlook. With the motor gear cover off you will see a triangular driver in the center on the shaft and a round plastic gear on the outside diameter. In between the two items, buried in grease, are three nylon plugs that the tri gear uses to turn the round toothed gear. When these start to crush they perform exactly as you describe. If those plugs are good and you can move the stairs thru their full arc with the motor out then the controller may be bad. Of course if the steps don't move freely, then that is the problem. The gears and plugs are available at the larger auto supply houses, the motor assembly is usually a late 80's early 90's Ford Taurus , drivers door window motor, <$50.

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f54/kwike...ml#post1715602

[RickGyver]

Originally Posted by Brockx

Although you have inspected the "gearing", it sounds like the gear "plugs" are disintegrating. If you are not familiar they are easy to overlook. With the motor gear cover off you will see a triangular driver in the center on the shaft and a round plastic gear on the outside diameter. In between the two items, buried in grease, are three nylon plugs that the tri gear uses to turn the round toothed gear. When these start to crush they perform exactly as you describe. If those plugs are good and you can move the stairs thru their full arc with the motor out then the controller may be bad. Of course if the steps don't move freely, then that is the problem. The gears and plugs are available at the larger auto supply houses, the motor assembly is usually a late 80's early 90's Ford Taurus , drivers door window motor, <$50.

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f54/kwike...ml#post1715602

The plastic plugs are available at any auto parts store for about $7. Motors are same as used for electric windows in your Ford!

[LJJSRZ]

IRV2 MEMBERS ARE THE GREATEST. NEVER HAD SUCH A WONDERFUL AND HELPFUL GROUP OF PEOPLE. THANK YOU ALL-ESPECIALLY RICK....Advance auto does have the plugs (for drivers window Ford Taurus) for $8. I installed the plugs and the step works perfectly.OU- THANKS AGAIN RICK.

[RickGyver]

Originally Posted by LJJSRZ

IRV2 MEMBERS ARE THE GREATEST. NEVER HAD SUCH A WONDERFUL AND HELPFUL GROUP OF PEOPLE. THANK YOU ALL-ESPECIALLY RICK....Advance auto does have the plugs (for drivers window Ford Taurus) for $8. I installed the plugs and the step works perfectly.OU- THANKS AGAIN RICK.

NICE !! Also,,,,if step ever malfunctions and you just want to get home, simply crawl under and pull the pin on the linkage. Then bungee -cord step in stored position until you get home. Lots of damage done if you drive with step extended !!! My scaredy-cat dog used to push on door with her butt and the step would go in and out as we went down the road. Ended up putting her on the leash attached to the chair pedestal ! WOOF!