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Newfiefamily · 04-13-2023, 03:51 PM

Last fall we bought a 2013 class C Mercedes Benz platform, Winnebago view with 15k miles on it. . So excited to use it this spring, after removing it from storage and prepping it for a trip next month. I had all the batteries charged and virtually ready to go. The only issue I’ve had is that the electric steps seem to have a mind of their own and work only when they feel like it. being a technician all my life I felt that was up to the challenge, however, I have yet to understand what the problem is? No mice damage whatsoever btw! Chassis and wiring prestige throughout.

So I was quite astonished to jump in to move it the other day, only to find the key would not turn! Thinking it was the steering locked, moved wheel left and right to no avail. After some pondering and a check of the horn to see if there was battery power, no horn, now understanding that the key is electrically locked! So now, why did the battery go dead on the chassis? And then heard low clicking sound near the electric stairs which I had left out, I slid under the camper and put my hand on the electric motor by accident, and almost burnt my fingers! son of a gun was hot enough to eventually start a fire I would think. .
I had neglected to turn off the master switch for those stairs two days prior. Somehow, I don’t think that should’ve made any difference however, I will never ever forget to do that again. I recharge the chassis battery and everything is back to normal. Thought I would share this with those out there and Hope to have your thoughts and suggestions regarding this matter. Quite astonishing.
And stairs are behaving as the should-for now.

Ray,IN · 04-13-2023, 07:03 PM

Kwikee steps are always "hot", the controller powers the motor by switching the ground side. What you describe sounds like water in a connection plug "made" a through connection and energized the motor. It's worth checking.
If you wish to run a diagnostic check on your steps, this is how: Kwikee products service training manual.

Newfiefamily · 04-14-2023, 10:27 AM

Thanks so very much Ray! I will follow that up and post my results.
Amazing forum and I’m privileged to be a member.

jimpol · 04-27-2023, 09:44 AM

I changed the motor on our quicky 2 step stairs and found that the adjusting holes for mounting the motor were not quite in the right place, even though the steps were out there was much tension on the linkage and it never relaxed. after grinding slots little longer worked fine. also the new motor assembly i bought did not make a tight seal on the rubber gasket and water was what killed the first one, was all rusty inside. cleaning that seam and some good silicone has really helped.

THenne1713 · 04-27-2023, 11:36 PM

My thought is step should be powered by Coach Battery, and interlocked RETRACT signal from IGN=ON; easy to do with a plugin cube relay? (My Slides are wired that way to lock OFF when IGN=ON). I have previously read others say their steps were chassis battery powered, but thought they must be mistaken? MY STEP is powered by the Coach battery which is directly above, and is protected w/ 12vdc Breaker next to Battery Switch, but has no retract signal, as it has no circuit board.= in the old Kwikee 26.

Ray,IN · 04-28-2023, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimpol

I changed the motor on our quicky 2 step stairs and found that the adjusting holes for mounting the motor were not quite in the right place, even though the steps were out there was much tension on the linkage and it never relaxed. after grinding slots little longer worked fine. also the new motor assembly i bought did not make a tight seal on the rubber gasket and water was what killed the first one, was all rusty inside. cleaning that seam and some good silicone has really helped.

FWIW, Kwikee steps are supposed to be under tension whether extended or retracted.

The motor works exactly like a window motor, when the controller senses a high current draw it shuts off the motor. Then it is locked in position until the controller tells it to run the opposite direction, then the same thing happens.

If you changed the length of travel by elongating mounting holes, the locked in position still happens, just at a different point.
Now the question is, is the motor over-traveling now?

Reference: Kwikee Product Service Tranining Manual

Wallflowers · 05-24-2023, 09:58 AM

I replaced my motor and the assembly with new. The old one stuck and would not come down. After replacing it, it seemed to work ok at first.Tthe next time I tried it the unit was stuck again. After many times of getting that pin out that attached the arm to the steps I put in a smaller allen wrench just to see how it was working and low and behold it works great. Somehow the pin was the so tight when installed it bound the unit up. My guess is the arm or the step connection must be just slightly bent. I should have known when I tried to get the pin out and had to force it out. And it does get hot.

Ray,IN · 05-25-2023, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wallflowers

I replaced my motor and the assembly with new. The old one stuck and would not come down. After replacing it, it seemed to work ok at first.Tthe next time I tried it the unit was stuck again. After many times of getting that pin out that attached the arm to the steps I put in a smaller allen wrench just to see how it was working and low and behold it works great. Somehow the pin was the so tight when installed it bound the unit up. My guess is the arm or the step connection must be just slightly bent. I should have known when I tried to get the pin out and had to force it out. And it does get hot.

Do you mean the pin gets hot? That is highly unusual, the controller should be sensing high current-draw and shut off first.
I assume you've been lubricating the step joints monthly as Kwikee states.
Download that Kwikee service manual and follow the troubleshooting tree.

Wallflowers · 05-26-2023, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

Do you mean the pin gets hot? That is highly unusual, the controller should be sensing high current-draw and shut off first.
I assume you've been lubricating the step joints monthly as Kwikee states.
Download that Kwikee service manual and follow the troubleshooting tree.

No sorry, I mean the motor gets hot. The pin was making the whole thing jam. I had to hammer in the pin and beat it out to remove it. So as soon as I put something with a little bit smaller dimeter it now work fine. I will need to find a smaller pin somewhere to replace the allen wrench. I use the same oil that I use on my garage door hinge and rollers. Wd40 makes a special spray for that.