Electric Steps

My 1st of many questions.  When I turn off the switch for the steps they do not stay open when I close the door.  Would it be the switch on the wall?

Thanks, Bob

My 1st of many questions.  When I turn off the switch for the steps they do not stay open when I close the door.  Would it be the switch on the wall?

Thanks, Bob

Is this when the engine is running or off? If the key is on the steps should retract as a safety feature.

The switch on the wall in my 2006 keeps the steps open.

Here is a good manual for the Kwikee steps with troubleshooting.   http://www.rvtechlibrary.com/exterior/kwikee_owners_manual.pdf

My 1st of many questions.  When I turn off the switch for the steps they do not stay open when I close the door.  Would it be the switch on the wall?

Thanks, Bob

The switch by the door has 2 positions, in the "off" (bottom) position, the steps open and close with the door.  In the "on" position, the steps come out and stay out when you open the door and only close when the engine starts (ignition goes on).

The "on" position is where I leave the switch.  I believe most others do also.

Thanks to all.  Unfortunately the steps retract with the switch in either on or off.

Thanks to all.  Unfortunately the steps retract with the switch in either on or off.

Does it make a difference if the ignition is on or off? Ignition on, or running, and the steps will retract with door closure regardless of wall switch position.

Are you at all mechanically inclined? Own a voltmeter?


 If your step has not been replaced, it probably is a Quikee, and their wiring is very consistent across the models. Mine is a Quickee, if I am wrong about general fitment there should be a chorus soon. 

Page 9 has a decent step troubleshooting procedure. They say you need the 4-pin connector to troubleshoot, it does help. Crimp on barrel connectors on 16Ga wire worked for me.

Easier yet, and more directly related to your issue: You can unscrew the switch from the wall, and see if there is 12V on either terminal. If you look at the link I sent, on page 10 there is a diagram. You will see the 'hold open' switch is fed by a '5-6 amp fuse/breaker (not supplied). If there is no voltage at the switch, there is a good place to start to see why it doesnt function. If there is, check to see if the switch is working correctly. If that doesnt solve it... full troubleshoot might be in order. If the wire from the switch to the step controller broke/corroded apart at a butt connector/ corroded internally  and signal isnt making it to the control unit, it will do what you are describing. A continuity check from the step connector to the switch might answer the question also.


If you find no voltage at the switch, you can make a jumper wire and feed  both the wires on the back of the switch with 12V+. This would give the same input to the control unit as 'wall switch on' and keep the step out. Put a fuse inline, or (redneck warning!!  )  use only a few strands of the wire as a 'test' contact in case there is a short down the line. The couple strands of copper will be a 'fuse' and melt before anything else does. If the jumper works, you will KNOW it is either the switch failed or the power is not getting to it.

Good Luck!


 

 

It doesn't matter whether the ign is on/off/etc.  Yes I am mechanically inclined.  I do 99.9% of the work on my RV's.  Yes I own a voltmeter.  I will start with checking all the wiring/etc.  I will return with what I found, both negative and positive results.

Thanks, Bob

For what it's worth, my prior RV was a 2008 Forest River Lexington.  On it, I had just the opposite issue, the step went out and never went in, even when driving.  I called Kwickee and gave them what information I could and they sent me a new controller board and wiring harness.  It seems that (at least for that year) they had a problem with the controller board not being properly potted (water proofed) and it caused issues.

Sure enough, that fixed the issue and it never returned.

If my memory is correct, it wasn't that difficult to get to the controller board.  If so, look at it, see if it's covered (both sides I think) with a black potting compound (looks like black cake icing).  If not, and if the board shows any corrosion, that may well be a problem.

I have no power to the switch.  Sometimes it hard for me to lay on my back as I get vertigo and then can't work the rest of the day.  I will trace the red and white wire and report what I find.  It appears there is a fuse somewhere that may have blown.

I think the fuse is under the carpet by left driver's foot.

I think the fuse is under the carpet by left driver's foot.

Gotta change the oil today but will also start looking for the fuse.  I realize there are all different types of fuses.  Is there a specific type I would be looking for?

There are two in-line fuses under there.

Thanks.  I'll be checking in a couple hours. 

I found 2 fuses out in the open just above the drivers left kick panel.  Both looked good.  You say they are under the carpet on the floor?  Carpet is glued and I didn't feel anything under the carpet.  Anyway the guy I bought it from called to see if everything was ok.  I ask about the steps.  He owned it for 5 years and he said the steps never worked they way they were supposed to.

Those are the fuses. Measure the voltage, maybe wire before that is broken?

Here's the manuals and test procedures

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://cdn.ltvdns.com/leisurevans.com/owners/3rdparty/Kwikee-Electric-Steps.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwixsL2z-ZrqAhWQuJ4KHeENBzkQFjAKegQICBAB&usg=AOvVaw1NoCK4Nv1y5PkcsfMwON93

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://lci-support-doc.s3.amazonaws.com/manuals/steps/ccd_0001628.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwixsL2z-ZrqAhWQuJ4KHeENBzkQFjALegQIBBAB&usg=AOvVaw2fzFxjZ5JZrAJQ6dvAHkE-

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://support.lci1.com/documents/training-module-electric-step-part-2&ved=2ahUKEwixsL2z-ZrqAhWQuJ4KHeENBzkQFjAMegQIAxAB&usg=AOvVaw28i8QHMlZ10eYw0MOsk6Nu