Kwikee step not working.

[Burker99]

I got the RV from storage for a weekend trip. I stopped for fuel and when I opened the door the step did not come down. When I got home I checked for power and all the connections. The under step light came on when I did this so the unit is getting power.

This happened a year or so ago and after a lot of messing with it it just started working. I am thinking it is the control panel. I am going to do some more test when I can. Any help is appreciated.

Phil

[garry1p]

You did not say what model so on mine there is a flat 4 wire connector separate and spray contact cleaner or WD 40 both sides push back together and separate a few more times. Voltage can get through but not enough amps.

If this doesn't work could be control board.

[Skip426]

You haven't given a year for your coach , so I hope these diagnostic PDFs apply.

[geordi]

It is also entirely possible that the motor is on the way out - Mine worked one time and *poof* was gone forever the next.

A replacement kit is available on Amazon with the entire package other than the step itself - motor, control pack, and armature / gearbox. All you need is the number of your step and the kit installed on mine in about 20 minutes.

[bneiva]

I agree about the motor being the problem. Try this - with the door in the open position, give the motor a whack with a rubber mallet! I'll bet it will operate. I went to an auto junk yard and pulled several power window motors from various cars and was able to find the right parts to rebuilt mine.

Note: I've taken several motors apart and it is always the same problem - flat spots in the armature!



Bill

[Burker99]

My RV is a 2001 Monaco Knight on a Roadmaster chasis

[Domo]

Originally Posted by bneiva

I agree about the motor being the problem. Try this - with the door in the open position, give the motor a whack with a rubber mallet! I'll bet it will operate. I went to an auto junk yard and pulled several power window motors from various cars and was able to find the right parts to rebuilt mine.

Note: I've taken several motors apart and it is always the same problem - flat spots in the armature!

Bill

bneiva is correct - but let me add the following;

Stay clear of the pathway the steps will take as it will crush you quickly. Hit the end of the motor with a metal hammer - a rubber mallet is too soft IMO. Be prepared for it to come out! If it does come out the commutator is burned and the motor can be removed, taken apart and the commutator can be cleaned up with some very fine sandpaper pretty easily if you're handy - or for around $78 you can buy a replacement - here's the one I got for a kwikee imgl motor...

[bneiva]

ORK! Thanks Domo, I forgot the obvious with that step swinging out. I crawled under the bus so the step would swing away from me!

Bill

[Domo]

Originally Posted by bneiva

ORK! Thanks Domo, I forgot the obvious with that step swinging out. I crawled under the bus so the step would swing away from me!

Bill

Bill - no sweat - that's how the RV family watches each other's backs - we all want the best outcome for OP -> Otherwise we'd have to listen to them gripe while they're camped next to us!

[SavnTheWales]

This video should help, shows diagnostics as well as internals.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ktk5oKHgzdo

[bneiva]

Let me understand something…..

Somebody sat down to their computer ( in Air conditioning, I’m sure) and took 30 minutes of their valued time to research and order a NEW $79.00 motor. Then he drank beer for two days waiting for the new part to arrive before simply installing it.


On the other hand…

At a cost of $40.00, I spent a full day in an auto junk yard where I had to pull at least 10 motors before getting what I was looking for! I sweated my butt off because it was so dang hot! Then it took another full day to take apart all the motors in order to make a good one. Afterwards, I lost another four days to allow my left hand to recover from a bad cut I got in the junk yard!

I think the guy who spent $79.00 on the new motor got robbed!!

Bill
Jacksonville, Fl

[Lt Dan]

Agree on the motor being the problem. That's the most common failure point on these steps.

[geordi]

Originally Posted by Lurker60

My RV is a 2001 Monaco Knight on a Roadmaster chasis

After 20 years in the elements.... It's likely the motor. Here's the complete kit that I bought, while it says it is for "double and triple step" that is not true - I have a single step and this was the correct kit. They all use almost the same motor setup, it is the arm length and curve that matters.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'm very happy with the results, the step is secure again. The motor is the only thing holding it out when you step on it, so if there is any flex normally in yours, the motor and gearbox are on the way out anyway.

[Domo]

Originally Posted by bneiva

Let me understand something…..

Somebody sat down to their computer ( in Air conditioning, I’m sure) and took 30 minutes of their valued time to research and order a NEW $79.00 motor. Then he drank beer for two days waiting for the new part to arrive before simply installing it.


On the other hand…

At a cost of $40.00, I spent a full day in an auto junk yard where I had to pull at least 10 motors before getting what I was looking for! I sweated my butt off because it was so dang hot! Then it took another full day to take apart all the motors in order to make a good one. Afterwards, I lost another four days to allow my left hand to recover from a bad cut I got in the junk yard!

I think the guy who spent $79.00 on the new motor got robbed!!

Bill
Jacksonville, Fl

You rule! I'd do the same any day of the week! (again!)