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glarnold · 09-03-2021, 03:05 PM

Have a newly acquired 2006 Gulf Stream BT Cruiser, 5230. On purchase day, the step did not retract. Salesman flipped the switch a couple of times, and it did work as it should. But a few days later, a small problem. Step won't stay out when the door is closed. Tried it with switch in each position. Close door, step comes in. Open door, step goes out. Should be a small, simple problem. By-passed switch, same problem. Removed switch and tested. Simple on/off switch. Tested fine. Either no resistance, or inf. resistance. with switch out of the circuit, same problem. close door, step goes in. Am I missing something simple? Thanks for any suggestions.

HarryStone · 09-03-2021, 07:33 PM

What brand steps?

glarnold · 09-04-2021, 07:49 AM

Kwikee, single step.

More-Gas · 09-04-2021, 08:12 AM

try setting parking brake

avfordguy · 09-04-2021, 10:10 AM

On some, parking brake has to be set and ignition has to be off as some will activate in "acc" key on, make sure ketchup is in the "off position.

glarnold · 09-04-2021, 04:21 PM

Emergency brake set? Yes. It has to be set to operate the slide. But just tested it anyway.

Which brings up a complication to what I thought might be a "small" problem. With the door open and the step extended, when I turn on the ignition switch, and even when I start the engine, the step remains out.

Seems the step only has one operation. Door opens, step goes out. Door closes, step comes in. Regardless of step switch or ignition switch position.

I may wind up just putting a simple on/off switch on the motor power wire.

(I'm guessing the ketchup was an auto-correction.)

THenne1713 · 09-04-2021, 10:37 PM

Yup, Glarnold leading you correctly; the REASON they went to the trouble to put in that circuit board and AUTO-retract FEATURES is to PREVENT DRIVE-AWAY DAMAGE from extended steps; similar features now on Jacks, too... must be PARKING BRAKE=ON AND IGN=OFF; OTOH, Some PO may have rewired, or CB maybe bad, or switch wire torn loose at step?

HarryStone · 09-04-2021, 10:43 PM

Sounds like a bad controller. Use THIS manual to troubleshoot the step problem.

glarnold · 09-05-2021, 08:51 AM

TerryH - I understand the safety factor. Not really an issue at this point, as the only way I can get the step to stay out, is with the door (and screen door) open. Or turning off the 12 volt battery disconnect. Neither one of which would occur while traveling.

Harry - That is a wonderful manual. Thanks for the link. Now I have to decide if it's worth the trouble. Or just use a step stool when we're parked, instead.

Thanks to all for your assistance.