Entry Steps Problem

[Outlaw Bill]

On our last outing, the entry steps suddenly quit. I poked and prodded until they tried to work. They went slightly in and out, and then a grinding sound started.

Believing that the gears must be the problem I purchased a new mechanism, excluding the motor. I tested the motor and everything looked and sound okay, gears on the motor appeared to be fine, so I put it all back together and they still sound like something grinding.

Hopefully, someone can offer thoughts on how to fix the problem, or at least how to troubleshoot this.

Thanks in advance for the help,
Bill

[Quincy]

Originally Posted by Outlaw Bill

On our last outing, the entry steps suddenly quit. I poked and prodded until they tried to work. They went slightly in and out, and then a grinding sound started.

Believing that the gears must be the problem I purchased a new mechanism, excluding the motor. I tested the motor and everything looked and sound okay, gears on the motor appeared to be fine, so I put it all back together and they still sound like something grinding.

Hopefully, someone can offer thoughts on how to fix the problem, or at least how to troubleshoot this.

Thanks in advance for the help,
Bill

I have never trouble shot an electric step but don't worry that wont stop me from posting something.

Troubleshooting is easiest and most obvious first than work you way towards most difficult and least obvious.
I think we have eliminated a bad fuse as you said it was trying to work and no loose wires for the same reason.
an you disconnect the actuator arm from the step to see if the motor and gear assembly will work without grinding? If no grinding look at the steps for something bent or a bolt missing. If grinding continues then it is probably in the gearbox. gear bushings can be bad and when not trying to operate and it might look ok.

[vettenuts]

There are some internal plastic gears within the motor that when they fail they will make a grinding noise, especially at end of stroke unless they have totally broke. Likely the motor. I did the Ford window motor, didn't last long. This last time I went with the LCI motor.

[seanp]

This might sound stupid, but with the gearbox disconnected are you able to move the steps in and out smoothly on their own? If so, I would suspect an internal problem with the motor. I went through something similar after there was something blocking the steps from retracting (a small flower pot) so the arm that connects the steps to the gearbox broke.

[Busskipper]

Originally Posted by Outlaw Bill

On our last outing, the entry steps suddenly quit. I poked and prodded until they tried to work. They went slightly in and out, and then a grinding sound started.

Believing that the gears must be the problem I purchased a new mechanism, excluding the motor. I tested the motor and everything looked and sound okay, gears on the motor appeared to be fine, so I put it all back together and they still sound like something grinding.

Hopefully, someone can offer thoughts on how to fix the problem, or at least how to troubleshoot this.

Thanks in advance for the help,
Bill

Gears in the Motor - Made of Plastic - Break when someone steps on the step before it is fully deployed - Replace the motor with the Ford Window Motor - Same plastic - Don't step on step before it is fully deployed.

I replaced mine with the 1996 F-150 window motor - Drilled the holes to work and installed. For $42.00 will give it a try - easy fix - Besure to TURN OFF THE ELECTRIC - or lose a HAND. -

Dangerous spot if electric is HOT.

Hope this Helps,

[coaster48]

Need to replace the motor
Take serial number off old one
I got mine on Amazon
Easy to replace
There are you tube vids for DYI

[Cooperhawk]

Too bad you're not closer. I have a complete step and also a spare motor in my shop. Don't ask why.