Troubleshooting Lippert Coach Step Clicking Sound When Extending or Retracting All The Way

Updated 06/10/2024 | Published 01/30/2019

Question:

When my lippert coach step extends or retracts, there is a clicking sound like it is trying to over travel. could this be a motor issue? What stops travel? Is there a limit switch?

asked by: Ron H

Expert Reply:

The clicking sound you are getting of your coach step seemingly wanting to over extend or over retract is not a motor issue but rather a control module issue. This is basically the brains of the operation and if another item wasn't working correctly you'd know in other ways because the gears would slip. I recommend replacing the Control Module with # LC301702.

expert reply by: Jason S

Jason K.

6/8/2024

Are you sure about your diagnosis, I have the same issue at present when the steps try to close. I will admit it sort of makes sense but what is the failure? Inability to detect high current on the motor? And then what is exactly clicking because that seems like the gears popping. Also the motor has a gear box.

Kevin C.

6/10/2024

@JasonK Are you able to have someone else activate the steps and listen for where the clicking is coming from. It could be coming from the gearbox but the control module will also make a clicking noise. The control module can short internally and start acting weird or just not at all but by calling for the steps to extend or retract power is being sent to it and you can hear a clicking noise. I would remove it from the steps to get some space between the two and see if it really is the module.

Jason K.

6/10/2024

@KevinC upon deeper reflection upon the state of the steps; rusty, needing all new bushings, perhaps a great box, gear, 1/4 wheel sprocket.. I bought new steps for $750 with tax from etrailer. I was already $45 in trying to fix the steps but I wasn't sure I'd ever be able to guarantee it would work well when done. The bushings on the main drive arm of the steps wore through. So spend $200-400 to fix the old ones or $660+tax for all new everything..

Kevin C.

6/10/2024

@JasonK Lippert/Kwikee is very proud of their steps so I completely understand the frustration when it comes to comparing the cost of replacement parts or just completely replacing the steps. There are a few ways to troubleshoot these components so you can narrow down the issue and hopefully not need to spend extra.