Electric steps won’t retract

[NH8970]

The motorhome has been parked for 2 months and they worked fine when first parked. It’s a 1998 Newmar Dutchstar and it’s brand new to me. I’m hoping someone here can tell me if I have a switch turned off or something. I need to get on the road!

Edit: I kicked it really hard and now it works. ��

[rarebear.nm]

The steps may not have been lubricated in recent history. They need some lube on a regular basis to work smoothly.


Use a non-greasy (Silicone type lube) and spray it on all of the pivot point on both sides of the steps. Also on the attachment pin between the steps and the rocker arm under the steps. Then run it in and out a few cycles. Dust and grime gets into those pivot points and cause troubles.


One of the next most common issues are bad electrical ground connections. Likely two ground wires. Remove the ground wires clean the attachment point and either clean the ring terminal or better clip off the old terminal and crimp a new one(s) on.

[Bill Gail]

Rarebear nailed it .

If kicking it got it to retract , it needs to be lubed .

The step motor is same as an electric window motor , so it stops running when the resistance reaches a certain level .

I would spray all the pivot points with spray carburetor cleaner , let it evaporate and then liberally lube the step with a silicone lubricant .

Then cycle the step several times to confirm it's operating properly .

I clean our step in the Spring and Fall and lube it monthly during the Summer .