How to Fix Kwikee RV Steps That Extend When the Door Closes and Retract When It Opens

Updated 10/17/2026 | Published 10/14/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Kwikee Electric RV Step Complete Assembly - Double - 32 Series - 24" Wide

(362)

$778.93

Replacement Magnetic Door Sensor for Kwikee Electric RV Steps - Rectangle - Black

(132)

$29.73

Question:

I just installed the Kwikee 372261 steps in my 2005 Newmar Dutch Star which arrived yesterday. Previously, I bought two different controllers for my old steps but they didnt work my steps properly. The new steps extend when I close the door. They retract when I open the door. In either position, nothing happens when I turn on the Motorhome ignition. I performed ALL of the electrical tests outlined in the manual. Everything check out as it should, both the steps work properly and all the voltages from the motorhome are correct. My magnetic door switch is normally open no continuity when the door is closed. Im not sure what to do. I have wasted a good bit of money on two controllers but hoped complete the steps would fix it. Do you have any ideas? Thanks, Pete

asked by: Peter M

Expert Reply:

Hey Pete! I'm sorry you've had so much trouble with these steps. Based on what you're describing, the problem is with your existing magnetic door switch rather than the new Kwikee Steps # LC372261.

The newer Kwikee steps require a normally open switch that closes when the door closes. If your switch has no continuity with the door closed, that would explain why the steps are operating in reverse. The Replacement Magnetic Door Sensor # LC369299 is the normally open version you need and will solve this problem.

Any big trips planned with your Dutch Star once you get the steps working?

expert reply by: Robin H

Magnetic Door Sensor
(click to enlarge)

Peter M.

10/15/2026

Thanks Robin. I will order that. We just got back (early September) from a huge trip to Alaska. We live in West Virginia so that ended up being a 12,500 plus mile trip. We are taking a bit of a break now and fixing all the thing that went wrong. Thanks again for your help. Pete

Robin H.

10/15/2026

@PeterM wow, 12,500 miles is quite the trip! I'm sure Alaska was worth it though, such a great place to visit. Hopefully the steps are one of the last things you have to fix before your next adventure. Thanks for the update!

Peter

10/15/2026

Robin, I looked at that switch you linked and it is not a direct replacement. I am not sure how to wire that. The wires on my present switch (round sunk in the jam switch) are so short I can barely pull that switch out of the frame. Is the new switch supposed to be wired into those two wires or wired into the brown wire on the controller externally?

Robin H.

10/15/2026

@Peter you're right, the # LC369299 isn't a direct replacement for the round switch in your door jamb. You'll need to mount the new sensor and magnet on the door frame and door instead. For wiring, one wire from the new sensor connects to the brown door-switch circuit and the other goes to chassis ground. You can reuse the existing wiring if you can access it, but with those wires being so short, it may be easier to run new wiring down to the step harness. You don't need to keep the original switch connected once the new one is installed.