Troubleshooting RV Steps That Won't Stay Out When The Ignition Is Off And Door Is Closed

Updated 05/13/2025 | Published 07/26/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Motor Upgrade Kit for Kwikee Electric RV Steps

(215)

$408.72

Digital Multimeter with 42" Long Test Leads - LED Display

(3)

$22.17

Question:

I installed the new kit and my steps do not stay out like they did when the ignition switch is off like in a RV site. The steps just go out when the door is opened and retract when the door closes. No matter where the ignition is. I did not think I would need anything else to replace or add and would work as the one that was replaced.

asked by: Dale D

Expert Reply:

You'll need to grab a multimeter like # PT89ZR and set it to DC voltage and then take a look at your pigtail connector on the motorhome side that connects to the # LC379145. There are four wires for this pigtail;

Yellow: 12v Ignition - Retracts the steps when the ignition is on.
White: Step Power Switch - Locks out the steps so they'll stay out instead of opening and closing with the door.
Brown: Door Proximity Switch - Opens/closes the steps based on the door being opened/closed.
Red: 12v Power Supply to the steps.

Now the manufacturer could have different colors ran on the motorhome side so you'll need to take that multimeter and test each wire to determine their function. I recommend cutting off the old connector if you didn't already and splicing on the new one so that we know the wires are in the correct terminals on the connector.

You should only be getting power to the yellow wire while the ignition is on. If you're getting power to it when the ignition is off then it will override the white wire's function. The white wire should read 12v when the step power switch is on and will then lockout the steps while the ignition is off so that they stay out.

If at any point in your testing you're getting less than 12v the you aren't getting enough power and that can cause the steps to improperly function, so you'll need to ensure the battery is fully charged and that you have a solid connection to the chassis for your grounds.

Let me know how the testing goes and I can keep troubleshooting with you.

expert reply by: Kevin C

Control Module Wiring Diagram
(click to enlarge)

Vicki P.

5/4/2025

We have a 2024 Entegra Vision Motor Coach and our steps will no longer lock in place with the button. The steps go in and out when you open and close the door. When you hit the button to lock down the steps, the panel for the jacks starts beeping indicating the ignition is on. We’ve tried replacing the fuse by the steps and numerous other common sense fixes. Any suggestions?

Robin H.

5/13/2025

@VickiP did you check the wires as well? If you followed the steps outlined above I would call Lippert directly. They will be able to help you troubleshoot while you're right there at the steps which would be the fastest way to resolve the problem.