Kwikee Step Switch Holds Step Retracted, not Extended

[deandec]

Installed a new Kwikee Controller 379146 for my Series 42 steps.

Steps move with door as they should.

Ignition Override works as it should

Step switch override will hold step retracted when door opens, but not extended when the door closes. This is Backwards!

Lippert Tech person says I need an updated switch but has yet to recommend one. Really?

Mine is a SPST rocker switch and tests properly.

Is my switch outdated or is there another fix for my problem.

[HarryStone]

He's likely referring to the door switch, and not the rocker switch. You need a normally open switch, and you probably have a normally closed switch.

https://lci-support-doc.s3.amazonaws...ion_manual.pdf

[n2zon]

Originally Posted by deandec

Installed a new Kwikee Controller 379146 for my Series 42 steps.

Steps move with door as they should.

Ignition Override works as it should

Step switch override will hold step retracted when door opens, but not extended when the door closes. This is Backwards!

Lippert Tech person says I need an updated switch but has yet to recommend one. Really?

Mine is a SPST rocker switch and tests properly.

Is my switch outdated or is there another fix for my problem.

Kwikee changed between normally closed (NC) and normally open (NO) switches. Whichever one you have, you need the other kind. Magnetic switches with both NO and NC contacts are widely available, and that's what we use.

[andy29847]

On my coach, the switch is a normal single pole single throw switch, AKA, a light switch.

[deandec]

Originally Posted by n2zon

Kwikee changed between normally closed (NC) and normally open (NO) switches. Whichever one you have, you need the other kind. Magnetic switches with both NO and NC contacts are widely available, and that's what we use.

I understand that is for the door activated switch.

My steps go in and out with the door. My original switch was normally open. The new controller needs a normally open switch.

So this is not the current problem.

A SPST rocker switch used for the step override, has no NO vs NC feature.

[deandec]

Originally Posted by HarryStone

He's likely referring to the door switch, and not the rocker switch. You need a normally open switch, and you probably have a normally closed switch.

https://lci-support-doc.s3.amazonaws...ion_manual.pdf

Wrong. I have a "normally open" door switch.

The steps follow the door.

But thanks for responding.

[dssl]

"Step switch override will hold step retracted when door opens, but not extended when the door closes. This is Backwards!"

That does sound messed up. Since the other mode works it sounds to me like you have a faulty controller. Hopefully you can return/exchange it.

Surprised Lippert wasn't more helpful.

[deandec]

Originally Posted by dssl

"Step switch override will hold step retracted when door opens, but not extended when the door closes. This is Backwards!"

That does sound messed up. Since the other mode works it sounds to me like you have a faulty controller. Hopefully you can return/exchange it.

Surprised Lippert wasn't more helpful.

I got the feeling that there was not much knowledge on the part of the Tech. It's response did not make much sense to me.

Since this is the second controller and the step override switch at least tries to work, I doubt a third one will solve the problem.

[n2zon]

Originally Posted by deandec

I understand that is for the door activated switch.

My steps go in and out with the door. My original switch was normally open. The new controller needs a normally open switch.

So this is not the current problem.

A SPST rocker switch used for the step override, has no NO vs NC feature.

D'oh! Sorry for the spurious post. Gotta work on the reading comprehension thing...

[andy29847]

I'm sure this is frustrating for you. I expect that the new modules do not work the same as the one you took out. I found a different wiring diagram in an online search at this web address:

https://schematron.org/wiring-diagra...ep-module.html



Note the wire color differences and the different method of using the ground to control the door. I expect you are getting a ground at the wrong time.

Do you have the in/out button door switch or the magnetic door switch on your coach?

[RKins]

One of the functions of my old controller, as we talked about in your other thread, is if the door is open (and step out) when you turn the "Power Switch" ON, the +V makes the step stay out. On the other hand, if the door is closed (Step in) when the power switch is turned ON, it keeps the step in.
So, are you waiting for the step to be out before you flip the switch on?

[deandec]

Originally Posted by RKins

One of the functions of my old controller, as we talked about in your other thread, is if the door is open (and step out) when you turn the "Power Switch" ON, the +V makes the step stay out. On the other hand, if the door is closed (Step in) when the power switch is turned ON, it keeps the step in.
So, are you waiting for the step to be out before you flip the switch on?

Yes. My 1995 steps have always worked that way since new. But, the first new control module always blew the step wire fuse. The second works backwards.

I have ordered a new motor from E-Trailer to see if that solves this issue.






ript,

[dssl]

If you look at the wiring diagram the on off switch should be at 12v in one position and open in the other position. If that is the behavior at the 4 way plug to the controller then I don't see how it isn't the controller. If that's not the behavior then your switch or wiring to the switch is incompatible.

The motor goes one direction with power applied, then reverses with the other polarity, since the steps work correctly based on the door switch you don't have a motor problem.

[deandec]

Originally Posted by andy29847

I'm sure this is frustrating for you. I expect that the new modules do not work the same as the one you took out. I found a different wiring diagram in an online search at this web address:

https://schematron.org/wiring-diagra...ep-module.html



Note the wire color differences and the different method of using the ground to control the door. I expect you are getting a ground at the wrong time.

Do you have the in/out button door switch or the magnetic door switch on your coach?

The posted schematic shows a "normally closed" door switch.

My old magnetic door switch is normally open (and white) and works correctly with the new controller and the steps following the door. (My 1995 step schematic displays the door switch as normally open.)

(Lippert says a normally open door switch will be black...but they apparently are wrong regarding a 1995 door switch.)

I do not see any wire color differences from all the other schematics nor do I see a different ground connection from all other schematics.

That grounding strap, however, apparently is not installed on my rig or is somewhere other than near the steps. I have just two ground wires from the Controller causing everything to work.

How is the ground connection used to control the door?