Auto Step Issue

Recently I purchased a 2009 Model 2551 PC that was listed on the forum. It is a beautiful coach with under 30,000 miles. A coach of that vintage is bound to have a few issues and I think I found one. The automatic step seems to have a mind of its own. Regardless of the position of the step switch, the step will move forward or close on its own. This is dangerous forcing me to use a manual step that fits under the automatic step. It only started recently but it certainly has my attention. Anyone have any similar experiences with their automatic step and if so was there a simple fix.

You can try simply rotating  the switch plunger or buy a new one and replace it . They only cost about 30 dollars and all you need to change it out is a Phillips screwdriver.  I just changed mine out on my 2011 after seeing it going in and out seceral times at an intersection.

I had to adjust to bolt that pushes the door plunger switch in. Gave it a little more extension, turning it out so that it pushed the  plunger in a little more. The movement of the coach body while driving would cause it to cycle occasionally. Joseph's suggestion is a good one and frequently fixes the problem, as he said, try rotating the switch ( plunger ) it may remove corrosion that is causing the problem. Also make sure that the green ground wire coming from the step drive motor has a good clean , tight connection. While under the step wiggle and check the other  wire connections. Keep the mechanical moving pivot points of the step assembly well lubricated, the motor is designed to reverse itself when a certain amount of resistance is met, however i don't think that is causing your problem. My problems were encountered on a 2009  Phoenix 3100.

I had that same problem.   As others suggested, just grab the pushbutton and twist it back and forth like we used to wind a watch (I guess you have to be a certain age to understand that example).   Then, spray the pushbutton with WD40 or silicon spray to make sure it doesn't stick as it goes back and forth.   They are notorious for causing this problem and twisting /lubrication is on my annual maintenance list for springtime getting ready for camping season.   

Paul

Forget adjusting. It's corrosion inside the switch. I regularly just give it a few twists and spins. If you replace with same kind, it will still go bad. Twisting does the job. If it is too corroded for this to fix, then buy a sealed switch. PC will send you one like you have for free.

Ditto to comments above. We had the added problem of finding our step out and truck battery dead after storage once. We used to store with with the step in and kill switch off for house batteries but the step runs off the truck and apparently was running in and out by itself. Being the terrible fix-it people that we are, after looking and not finding an easy fix, we discovered that by leaving the step switch in the locked out position, our battery drain went away. When you put your key in the truck, the step retracts. It then goes out as soon as you remove the key. This means the step remains out while she sits in the storage lot but it works. It will be on our repair list for the next trip to Phoenix.

............. we discovered that by leaving the step switch in the locked out position, our battery drain went away. When you put your key in the truck, the step retracts. It then goes out as soon as you remove the key. This means the step remains out while she sits in the storage lot but it works.

Our 'push bolt' is ripped out of the door, and the switch was missing when we got the coach. Just two dangling wires.    So... Mrs V has been MORE than patient.... using a wire I disconnect to extend the step, then use the step switch to hold it out. Clicking the switch allows it back in. I am going to see if your 'trick' works on ours, as I want the step out whenever parked in storage (aka our driveway) 

I know... I get all the big projects done and the little ones linger.. 

to end the auto step from extending and retracting for no apparent reason replace the switch with Colehersee p/n m-490-bx just drill the hole out to 3/8''

Thats a good looking switch!  Thanks for the part number.

https://www.amazon.com/Cole-Hersee-M-490-BP-Switch-Momentary/dp/B000N9VKP2


Looks like it needs a 3/4" mounting hole maybe... 3/8 seems a little small.

my bad its a 5/8'' hole.  replaced my door switch 2 yrs. ago not  a hiccup since even mentioned it to kermit

I ordered a new switch from the factory yesterday. Hope that puts an end to this issue. Thanks for all your help and suggestions.

The switch from the factory will still need to be manually rotated(twisted) every now & then, or the same thing will happen. Seal the back so moisture doesn't find its way in.

The new switch did not work so I took the coach to a local repair shop that has treated my very well of the years. They had to replace the controller unit and it now works fine. I hope this is the end of this story.

Roo.... bummer it wasn’t an easier, cheaper fix. Hopefully you’ll get many trouble free years from this point on!