Troubleshooting Lippert Electric RV Step That Will Not Retract

Updated 07/22/2024 | Published 10/23/2017

Question:

My electric step wont close...there is power to the step. Thats all I have checked so far. Where would the fuses be? They are not under step. Would they be with the rest of the motorhome fuses? Thanks

asked by: Ed

Expert Reply:

Since you noted that your powered electric motorhome step does have power it may not be a fuse that is giving you the trouble. Depending on the system you have there could be a fuse in the main power panel or in the wiring between the battery and step controller or motor. If your RV uses door sensors to control step motion you could have an issue with the sensors being blocked/out of alignment. The extend/retract switch too could simply be worn; test this by bypassing the switch.

You can test the motor itself by bypassing the sensors/switches and applying 12V power direct to the step motor's terminals. Use a well-charged 12V battery of sufficient current output and apply power directly to the motor terminals. If the motor operates (even though the step still might not) then you have at least eliminated the motor as the cause for the problem.

If the step uses a controller module this too could be the issue. Loose or corroded connectors could cause the issue. You can unplug and inspect each connector in the system to check for any with discoloration or corrosive build-up. This can be cleaned with an aerosol electronic contact cleaner. You could also simply have a bent electrical contact pin that is no longer making proper contact.

expert reply by: Adam R

Harry

2/18/2020

My steps will only retract when the bottom left side of the door is manually pushed in due to not aligning with the door censors to the door jam censors. So, do I bend the bottom of the door or start to relocate the door jam censors?

Chris R.

2/19/2020

This is really up to you as both options provide the solution. If it were my trailer I would rather just relocate the sensors so I don't damage the door, even if it's just a minor bend we're talking about. Relocating the sensors shouldn't be too much of a hassle as you should be able to keep the wiring in place.

Harry

2/19/2020

OK thanks, I will go take a look at what it will take to move them.

Joel

5/19/2024

I want to rule out the motor as the bad part. How do I connect the 12 volt battery to the motor. The motor has 2 wires red and white. Do I connect a separate wire on the positive and negative pole of the battery, and then put one wire on the motor leads first on one, then on the other, and the other wire is connected to ground? Which wire goes to ground, the battery negative terminal or the positive terminal? thank you,,,Joel

Joel

5/19/2024

@Joel i'm sorry, the two wires coming out of the motor housing is red and yellow

Tom

7/18/2024

Installed new electric step on a 2006 monaco knight pdq diesel pusher. It is operating backwards. Wires on coach plug are all white. Cut plug off old steps, and wired by color to the extension plug that came with steps. Please help

Bryce D.

7/19/2024

@Tom Tom, whenever we hear that the steps are working in reverse that usually means you have the wrong door switch, normally closed vs normally open or it is installed wrong. For a normally closed door switch we have the Lippert Components Kwikee Round Magnetic Door Switch part # LC379400 and for a normally open door switch we have the Lippert Components Kwikee Pleated Plunger Door Switch part # LC379407.

Tom

7/19/2024

@BryceD So how do I determine which door switch I need?

Bryce D.

7/22/2024

@Tom Tom, in order to choose the correct magnetic door switch you'll need to know what controller you have as well as the shape and color of the existing door switch. If you can let me know I'd be happy to check and see what we have.