Troubleshooting Steps Retracting When Opening Door and Extending When Door Closes

Published 10/12/2018

Question:

The magnetic pickup on my RV screen door broke off. I bought a new swtich with the magnetic pickup Coachman PN 1152155. I installed the magnetic pickup but did not replace the swtich. Now when I close the door the steps extend, when opening the door the steps retract. I checked the switch with an ohm meter and found that the switch is a normally open swtich. I also checked the switch wiring and found 1 wire goes to ground, does it matter which wire is conected to ground?. Prior to the magnetic pickup braking off the steps worked properly.

asked by: John G

Expert Reply:

The magnetic switch is normally an open circuit for Kwikee Steps which is the factory standard, but in your case it appears you need the closed circuit magnetic switch. I confirmed this with my contact at Lippert who makes Kwikee steps. The physical toggle switch to disable the retracting and extending will not impact that step function, so the issue is with the magnetic switch. You will need a normally closed circuit magnetic switch. I recommend the Lippert Components Kwikee Miniature Rectangle Door Switch Kit -White # LC374198 which will give you the function you need.

expert reply by: Jason S