Troubleshooting Kwikee Electric RV Steps That Only Extend Halfway

Question:

I have a Kwikee product electric step and the steps will not extend and are stuck about halfway out. When I shut or open the door the steps just jiggle but stop immediately so I am fairly certain the switch is working. Would this be the control module or the motor?

asked by: CarltonNorth

Expert Reply:

It could possibly be the motor, door switch, gearbox, or control module. My first recommendation would be to check the power and ground as this is typically the cause of irregular behavior. I also recommend checking for any obstructions that could be block the steps from fully opening.

Check to make sure the ground wire is either ran to a proper ground in your trailer's power center or mounted to a bare metal surface like your RV's frame. Then you can use a multimeter # PT89ZR to test if your getting 12v at the stairs. If not, your power source is the issue.

If the power and ground are good then your next step would be to test your parts. If the motor is still trying to turn but your steps are hanging up in the middle it could be that your gearbox has worn out gears or the linkage is broken and will need to be replaced.

There isn't really a great way to test the motor since there isn't a manual crank so you'd just have to listen to it and determine if it's just worn out and in need of replacement.

The control module is a very likely cause just because it's what actually controls all of the components and could very well be malfunctioning and thinking that the half way point is fully closed.

The door switch wiring could also be kinked or damaged and and throwing off the sensor, causing it to malfunctioning. Check your wiring for any damage.

There are replacement parts each of these components for most step models but I'll need to know the model # of your steps to determine which are the correct replacements.

If you can't find the model number or serial number on the bottom of the mounting plate where your motor is then you can also just replace all of the components with the Motor Upgrade Kit for Kwikee Electric RV Steps # LC379145, which will have everything you need to get your steps back in working order.