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Kingfish54 · 04-01-2023, 08:14 AM

Working fine for 200 mile drive yesterday for some maintenance work, probably ~ 15 times in/out. Perfect.
I park it and they won't retract. I can hear the click when I close the door, so I know it's getting power to them. but doesn't budge.

Note: it's done this intermittently for about a year and just magically starts working. Lubricating hasn't helped, nor the hammer tap solution.

When it stops raining here, only thing I know to do is check the wires and connections, as I assume the solenoid is getting power (the click?), but it's not getting power to the motor.

Am I on track, or should I be looking elsewhere?
Pre-emptive thanks!!!

jaydee325 · 04-01-2023, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kingfish54

Working fine for 200 mile drive yesterday for some maintenance work, probably ~ 15 times in/out. Perfect.
I park it and they won't retract. I can hear the click when I close the door, so I know it's getting power to them. but doesn't budge.

Note: it's done this intermittently for about a year and just magically starts working. Lubricating hasn't helped, nor the hammer tap solution.

When it stops raining here, only thing I know to do is check the wires and connections, as I assume the solenoid is getting power (the click?), but it's not getting power to the motor.

Am I on track, or should I be looking elsewhere?
Pre-emptive thanks!!!

Kwikee is part of Lippert. Lippert website has lots of tech support info. You can also call or email them for tech support.

I just exchanged emails with them about an issue I was having and was very pleased with the response. They told me what I needed in the way of a part and provided a link to their e-commerce section to order. All very efficient.

Sure, you can buy parts cheaper on Amazon. I prefer to award good customer support so I ordered my part from Lippert.

Jon_C · 04-01-2023, 10:25 AM

It’s probably the motor, pull it and check it with battery charger, if runs its good. If not you can get one off Amazon. Reverse polarity and motor runs in reverse.

If the amber light is on when door open the controller is getting power and switch is good. if motor good and light on it’s probably the controller. Can get new one on Amazon also.

And check connections for corrosion especially the 2 ground wires.

tap4154 · 04-01-2023, 07:36 PM

I'm having the same issue, perhaps rain-related. Steps were working fine several weeks ago, but since then we've had two weeks of wind and rain here (It's stored in my backyard) and now the steps won't retract. Previously, it happened a couple times, but unplugging and cleaning the motor connector fixed it, but not now.

I redid the main ground. which was a bit rusty, and the small ground wire from the "brain". When I disconnected the motor and main connectors, water was in the plastic sleeves. Let that drain, cleaned the connectors with CRC, and they look clean. Still nothing. I just removed the door switch and magnet, bench tested them, and they work. Reinstalled them with new butt connectors, still nothing.

Steps are free to move, lubed at all points, and the 3 fuses test good as well. Now I'm stumped. Reading the replies to the OP, I guess I should remove the motor and bench test it. I'll do that tomorrow. It's got to be either the motor, or "brain", which may have been soaked. From what I understand, the motor is just a power window assembly, that NAPA carries. I keep the steps down while stored. If they'd been up, there would have been better protection from rain blowing in. Lesson learned.

BTW, are any of the less expensive "random letter" Chinese brand controllers good, or best to stick to Lippert?

Randy125 · 04-01-2023, 08:21 PM

Might check to see if the motor brushes are hanging up and not seating.

tap4154 · 04-01-2023, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randy125

Might check to see if the motor brushes are hanging up and not seating.

I saw a video that mentioned tapping the motor to see if that seats them, but it didn't work. Before I remove it, I'll disconnect the pivot pin, then try again.

tap4154 · 04-02-2023, 11:44 AM

The motor is shot. Removed it and tested, and nothing. The rubber gasket inside the connector was also damaged. Just ordered this one:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FRXN7N1...hk_typ_imgToDp

Took the motor apart, and one brush is stuck (top one). Even after cleaning it, the spring won't push it down. This motor is over 12 years old, so it's LONG overdue to be replaced.

ChrisDParise · 04-02-2023, 12:03 PM

My experience the motors only last 3 -5 years. I've replaced mine 3 times in 15 years.

Last fall I replaced both the controller and motor. Alot cheaper to do it yourself than bring it in to the dealer.

Ray,IN · 04-02-2023, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisDParise

My experience the motors only last 3 -5 years. I've replaced mine 3 times in 15 years.

Last fall I replaced both the controller and motor. Alot cheaper to do it yourself than bring it in to the dealer.

Our 1999 Kwikee model 32 step still works great, and it's all original. I assume you lubricate your steps monthly per Kwikee recommendation.

Jon_C · 04-02-2023, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

Our 1999 Kwikee model 32 step still works great, and it's all original. I assume you lubricate your steps monthly per Kwikee recommendation.

They definitely don’t make them like they used too ..

tap4154 · 04-02-2023, 07:42 PM

Before I tossed the old unit I opened the gearbox, and it was very crusty. However, the plastic gear cleaned up and is in great shape, so I'll keep it as a spare.

tap4154 · 04-03-2023, 10:45 AM

That $36 motor from Amazon arrived this morning at 6 AM. Looks like a quality product, so I installed it, and it's working! Also is a bit quieter than the original.

It came with bolts about 3/8" longer than the originals, so I used the old ones. They may have worked, but I didn't want to risk cracking the housing.

One more note: I just realized that the red rubber gasket, that was broken and inside the motor receptacle, was originally on the plug. That may have been part of the reason the old motor wasn't working... it may have been impeding the plug from fully contacting the pins. Just something to check for. It should be on the plug, and if not, dig it out of the receptacle. I'll post a pic of it stuffed inside the receptacle.

In any case, problem solved! BTW, make sure not to lose the locator pin that goes in the center of the gear, and the 2 spacer washers that go underneath. I've heard of folks not realizing that pin fell out, and it helps keep the gear in firmly place. It fits into a boss/hole in the housing when you mount the motor. Just watch carefully when you remove the old motor, because if you turn it over, the gear, pin and washers will fall off.

Fiesta48 · 04-03-2023, 01:49 PM

If you can't find anything wrong electrically... My steps got stuck in the out position. Removed the pin. Found they were going out too far. Thinner pin and adjusted the 2 stops so it does not go out too far.

ChrisDParise · 04-05-2023, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

Our 1999 Kwikee model 32 step still works great, and it's all original. I assume you lubricate your steps monthly per Kwikee recommendation.

Lubricate what monthly?

Looked at my SCS/Frigette Coach Step Owners Manual and the only lubrication mentioned is silicone spray on the step bushings under extreme conditions otherwise it requires no lubrication according to the manual.

I occasionally spray the pivot teeth with dry silicon with Teflon and this coats the motor gears. Not in the manual but it can't hurt.