Community Forums

Lincolnboy2 · 11-06-2014, 07:51 AM

While traveling back from the Rally last weekend, DC Tina (following in the car behind me) radioed me "Your Steps Are Out" I said "WHAT?!?>!"

She then said no, they just went back in.

I had a fit!! Traveling down the highway and the steps extended!?!

She said it happened after I hit a big bump/bridge construction joint...

But they stayed in until we got to the fuel station, I was looking at the contact switch and there is enough play in the screen door where the switch is located that a jarring bump must have broken the contact enough to extend the steps....I wonder how many times this has happened before unknowingly.

Wouldn't have known it this time if she hadn't been following me.

So I believe the door is warped somewhat, and it is loose enough to cause this.

Anyone have any ideas how to tighten the warp if there is one or tighten up the fit so that doesn't happen?

Triker56 · 11-06-2014, 08:03 AM

Set the switch so it is not set on auto out, when the door opens.
Set so it is locked in.

Skip426 · 11-06-2014, 08:12 AM

If your coach has Kwikee steps , shimming the magnetic switch, or the hinge push button switch, for a closer fit should cure this problem.

Lincolnboy2 · 11-06-2014, 08:18 AM

Very good idea! Thanks Skip!

Good idea Triker! Thanks!

dvmweb · 11-06-2014, 10:49 AM

Ours was doing that too.

Shimmed switch out, fixed.

But, recently it was not going in. Turned out to be sticky pivot points. Lubed up with penetrating oil and voila, working again.

2013 FleetWood Expedition 38B

Brockx · 11-06-2014, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skip426

If your coach has Kwikee steps , shimming the magnetic switch, or the hinge push button switch, for a closer fit should cure this problem.

Good remedy.

The screen door latch also has some adjustment in and out.

mrt_1111 · 11-06-2014, 12:27 PM

if the steps cannot be seen, how do you know your steps have retracted?

mel s · 11-06-2014, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrt_1111

if the steps cannot be seen, how do you know your steps have retracted?

mrt_1111
If your "extended" electric step "cannot be seen" from the drivers seat, (in the curb side rear view mirror), your "curb side rear view mirror" is NOT adjusted properly.
Mel
'96 Safari

datrbone8 · 11-06-2014, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triker56

Set the switch so it is not set on auto out, when the door opens.
Set so it is locked in.

I did that by mistake once. Almost wound up on the pavement stepping out into air. Not a good idea

flangley · 11-06-2014, 01:12 PM

Mine was just glued on and fell off. Probably from gkids slamming the door. I was sitting on the steps and found the switch on the ground and put it on the counter. I didn't know what it was until we got ready to leave. Raised the steps and turned them off until I got home. I readjusted and screwed it to the door to cure that problem. Haven't had a problem since.

Lincolnboy2 · 11-06-2014, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrt_1111

if the steps cannot be seen, how do you know your steps have retracted?

In my right hand (curb side) mirror, when adjusted and the lower section, I can see when they are out for sure...harder to see that they are retracted, but the deductive reasoning if they are not extended then they are retracted allows me not to worry about that.

The person in the car driving behind me with the 2 way radio told me they were retracted...that's while we were driving, right after she told me they extended...it was so scarey!!

Lincolnboy2 · 11-06-2014, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by datrbone8

I did that by mistake once. Almost wound up on the pavement stepping out into air. Not a good idea

No kidding, I might re-think that one...I know there would come a time....and I'd be splattered all over the pavement with a broken leg...no, I don't trust my memory that well to think I'd remember the button every time...

I have too much CRS issues....(can't remember xxit)

Ray,IN · 11-06-2014, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dvmweb

Ours was doing that too.

Shimmed switch out, fixed.

But, recently it was not going in. Turned out to be sticky pivot points. Lubed up with penetrating oil and voila, working again.

2013 FleetWood Expedition 38B

Kwikee says to lube the steps monthly for proper operation.

wa8yxm · 11-06-2014, 02:08 PM

This happens to me on occasion.

Getting ready to leave park, Close door, Start engine,, Turning key directly from OFF to Start,, Steps START to come in but when voltage goes down (Due to starter engagement) current increases (normal in an inductive motor type circuit) and the controller says to itself "End of travel" and shuts down, steps still out.

Open & close door they come in

Turn off Step Switch, open and close, they come in (Since the controller THINKS they are in turning off the step switch is not enough)

Solution:

Turn off step switch BEFORE starting or open door after starting.

Added assessory: A Door switch (mine is a JEEP model) mounted on an L shaped bracket (Lowes/Home Depot) on the fixed housing, switch is placed so when the steps are FULLY RETRACTED the top step presses on the plunger,, Swiched lead is connected to a large LED on dash, other side of LED connected to accessory or ingnition circuit, Steps in LIGHT OFF.