Community Forums

mtnair2 · 09-25-2020, 02:35 PM

Mtrhome’s power step goes up or down inconsistently. Was told by camper world would need a new motor and controller for over 600.00 with labor. Any suggestions on a possible fix?

oldnavycdr · 09-25-2020, 02:50 PM

First thing is to properly lubricate them. If you have not done this start with WD-40 which will clean the hinge points. Then use Kwik Lube, a product especially made for these stairs. Also, check the exposed wiring and pull the connections to the motor. Spray these with Deoxit to clean the plugs, then reattach. It is possible that you have an intermittent problem with the motor but before you let Camping World into you wallet try these things yourself. Check the files section for information/manual for Kwiki Stairs and follow the troubleshooting guide. None of this is complex. You could easily replace the motor yourself for a lot less than Camping World. YouTube is your friend.

Mike M. · 09-27-2020, 03:23 PM

Look for a bad ground.

HarryStone · 09-28-2020, 06:19 PM

OP didn't indicate which steps he has, so I'm guessing Kwikee. As said above, check the grounds, there are 2. Then check the connector, disconnect it and reconnect it, checking for corrosion. Then lube. Spray lithium grease is perfectly fine, the steps should be lubed every 30 days of operation. If it's still intermittent, Kwikee has an excellent troubleshooting guide. There's only 2 more parts, the motor and the controller. The troubleshooting guide will steer you towards the culprit.

n2zon · 09-28-2020, 06:55 PM

Clean ground, lubrication, electrical cleaner on the connector, any number of resets...ours was the motor. Old motor worked find except when it didn't. It's the spare now. Tiffin service told me, "90% of the time, it's the motor," for whatever it's worth.

VanDiemen23 · 09-28-2020, 09:32 PM

The steps and the wipers are the canary in a coal mine for low voltage. Check with a voltmeter over several days and loads.....

hoakken · 09-28-2020, 10:32 PM

Mine started acting crazy recently and I replaced motor/gearbox and control module .Kwikee parts are reasonable online. I spent less than $200 for all.

sibe · 09-29-2020, 04:30 AM

lube is good to do and my switch for door opeing was bad, replaced and no more mind of its own..

blueridge-fl · 09-29-2020, 06:48 AM

Next time they do not operate (up or down) try flicking the sensor mounted inside the door frame (the sensor not the magnet) with your finger. If the steps immediate operate, replace the sensor.

rffowler55 · 09-29-2020, 07:45 AM

It does sound like a loose electrical connection or a step controller that is going bad. If it was the motor I would expect it to be an issue that is more consistent, unless it is also a loose wiring connection between the controller and step motor. The step controller and motor should be just under the coach behind the steps and it should be fairly easy to unplug each electrical connector, clean the connector and reconnect. If the cleaning and reconnecting of the electrical connectors that attach to the step controller and motor do not resolve the problem, you can get the controller model number and order a new one from Amazon or E-trailer, a very easy replacement. Worst case scenario you end up also replacing the step motor if the above does not solve the issue but even the step motor replacement process is fairly simple.

MSHappyCampers · 09-29-2020, 09:56 AM

I have the Kwikee steps and mine were doing the same thing. Maybe this will give you some ideas.

https://www.irv2.com/forums/f115/ste...em-503464.html

n2zon · 09-29-2020, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rffowler55

It does sound like a loose electrical connection or a step controller that is going bad. If it was the motor I would expect it to be an issue that is more consistent, unless it is also a loose wiring connection between the controller and step motor. The step controller and motor should be just under the coach behind the steps and it should be fairly easy to unplug each electrical connector, clean the connector and reconnect. If the cleaning and reconnecting of the electrical connectors that attach to the step controller and motor do not resolve the problem, you can get the controller model number and order a new one from Amazon or E-trailer, a very easy replacement. Worst case scenario you end up also replacing the step motor if the above does not solve the issue but even the step motor replacement process is fairly simple.

I'm told the brushes wear on the motors. They get intermittent as a result, depending on where on the commutator the motor happens to stop. I have not taken our old one apart to see whether the brushes can be replaced, since everything is crimped together, so I don't know whether that was the problem, but the connections were all good and the new motor works fine.

This does not, of course, mean that the OP's problem is the motor.

tcard90 · 09-30-2020, 01:40 PM

Another thing to try: On my MH the manufacturer had mounted the magnet part of the magnetic switch too high on the screen door. Sometimes it was close enough to react with the switch, sometimes not. I remounted magnet lower on door and now it works consistently. Also, on my old Class C I had to run a dedicated ground wire back to battery.