Community Forums

Gadget Man · 03-08-2013, 06:27 PM

My Kiwkee electric entry won’t fully retract on it’s own. If I open & close the door 5 or 6 times, I can eventually coax it to fully retract. I’ve lubed the pivot points well, but this has done no good.

Is this an easy fix or a difficult one? I have an extended warranty with a $50 deductible, so if it’s something expensive or complicated I can easily take it in. If it’s something inexpensive and easy, I’m more than willing to do it myself.

Thanks.

Craig

**CLIFFTALL** · 03-08-2013, 06:35 PM

I would take a look at the ground wire thats attached to the chassis. Take it off and clean any corrosion off.
Cliff

**CLIFFTALL** · 03-08-2013, 06:48 PM

Here's the manual in case you need it. It shows how to do various troubleshooting.
http://www.rvtechlibrary.com/exterio...ers_manual.pdf
Good luck and update us when you can.
Cliff

mgscott4 · 03-08-2013, 09:04 PM

Lube all the pivot points, even the ones under the steps. The motor stops when it feels excessive pressure (binding?).

You can pull the pin on the end of the motor arm and see if the steps move in and out freely.

While it is disconnected you can run the motor (open and close the door) and see if it is operating properly.

TQ60 · 03-08-2013, 10:23 PM

The arms can bend, they are rated for several hundred pounds, but some folks land harder and off Center or the steps drag if moved while open.

We rebuilt ours, doubled the long arms and added axles so they come out straight.

If you pull the pin they should move all the way, if one arm is slightly bent the step will bind, the controller will sense this and stop the motor.

Long pipes or large cresent wrenches can be used to straighten in place, can remove and use hammer, but since you have service with deductabe and if bent be sure you can prove it with straight edge or ruler, then insist it be replaced as a unit.

Ask about upgrade to heavy duty if possible.

Martino78 · 03-08-2013, 10:49 PM

I had the same problem few months back. Eventually it stopped working all together. I went and bought a new motor for it. It was really easy to change. 3 bolts and a cannon plug.

Gadget Man · 03-09-2013, 09:40 AM

Thanks everyone for your suggestions.

I'm going to attempt some of your suggestions this weekend and see what develops.

Craig

Gadget Man · 03-09-2013, 01:44 PM

I thought I would start with the easiest "fix" first. I've been using Kwik Lube from Kwikee for years, but recently ran out, so I used WD40 the last time I lubed the step pivot points. When I couldn't find Kwikee lube at my local RV dealer, I posted a message in another forum, asking if anyone had success with an alternative spray lube. Several members suggested motorcycle chain spray lube. I don't have motorcycles anymore but I still have a couple cans of chain lube. I sprayed the chain lube on the pivot points, and whoa-la....problem solved! The chain lube sprays out in a thick foam and seems to penetrate better than WD40. This did the trick and the steps now fully retract.

Thanks everyone.

Craig

artmartin · 03-09-2013, 10:35 PM

Had the same problem. Used white lithium grease on all the pivoting points, ran the steps in and out 4 or 5 times and voila, problem solved.

Tony Lee · 03-10-2013, 08:03 AM

WD40 isn't a heavy-duty lubricant so not much good for this application.

artmartin · 03-10-2013, 08:53 AM

Not a big fan of WD40 for much of anything except for removing sticky labels. It evaporates off quickly and leaves a sometimes sticky residue behind. Greases, oils and silicon are better lubricants.