Troubleshooting Motor On Kwikee Steps Continuing To Run After Steps Are Fully Opened Or Closed

Updated 05/06/2025 | Published 09/06/2021

Question:

The electric steps on our 2013 Itasca Meridian 34B motorhome have started pulsing when reaching the fully extended or retracted position. I replaced the motor last spring April and it looks to be in good condition so Im wondering if I need to replace the controller. Once the stairs reach the fully extended or retracted position, the motor keeps running causing the steps to pulse three or four times before stopping. Thanks for any help.

asked by: Mark B

Helpful Expert Reply:

I reached out to my contact at Lippert and the issue you are describing on the Kwikee Steps on your 2013 Itasca Meridian 34B is a tell tale sign of a bad controller.

The cause is the controller is not detecting the amp draw of the motor when the steps are fully opened/closed and is causing the motor to keep running after the step is fully opened/closed.

The Controller # LC363980 you were looking at is a replacement for Kwikee Revolution Steps. If that is not what you have on your Motorhome just let me know the model number of your steps and I would be happy to recommend the correct replacement controller for you.

expert reply by: Samuel C

Dan P.

4/22/2025

My step socket head cap screw broke off. Ordered a new one and replaced. The gear is held on by this. Reinstalled all and the steps pulse three or four times. Read your comments and ordered a new module. This is a 2008. After replacing module still continues to pulse. Now what? Thank You Dan

Kate F.

5/6/2025

@DanP If your RV steps are pulsing (moving in and out a few times without completing their full motion) even after replacing the module and the socket head cap screw, the issue is likely mechanical or electrical elsewhere in the system. One common cause is improper alignment or binding in the step linkage or gear assembly. If the gear wasn’t installed exactly right or something is slightly off, the motor could start its cycle but then stall or stop because of resistance. Make sure the step mechanism moves freely by hand when disconnected from power, and double-check that the gear and arms are properly seated and tightened. Another frequent issue is the magnetic door sensor. This sensor tells the control module whether the RV door is open or closed. If it’s damaged, misaligned, or not functioning properly, the module can get confusing signals and try to extend and retract the steps rapidly, causing the pulsing effect. You can test this by temporarily bypassing the sensor (jumpering the connector) to see if the behavior changes. Electrical connections are also critical. A bad ground or corroded power connector can cause low voltage or signal interruptions that mimic other failures. Check all the wiring connections to the step module and motor (especially the ground connection to the RV chassis) and clean or resecure anything that looks questionable. Additionally, if the step motor itself is going bad, it may engage briefly but not have the torque or consistency to complete its movement, which can also cause the control module to stop and reset repeatedly. You can test the motor independently with 12 volts to see if it runs smoothly in both directions. And finally, take a close look at the gear assembly you replaced, if the screw or gear isn’t completely tight or is slipping under load, the motor may be spinning but not actually moving the steps, leading the control module to keep restarting the process. I am sorry for the delay in getting an answer. Were you already able to get it fixed? If so, what was the issue?