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Electric Step Not Retracting

Yahoo Message Number: 55438
I have a new to me problem that I am sure someone has a solution for. Just recently when the steps retract, they only go about 3/4 of the way and stop. If I push the steps with my foot while they are retracting, they will go all the way. Do they need lubrication and if so with what? They are not frozen nor wet when I have tried multiple times to get them to fully retract. Would appreciate some suggestions.

Gordon Venner 2002 Allure 30690

Re: Electric Step Not Retracting

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 55439

Gordon, mine did that recently and I had some dry lubricant that I sprayed on to get it back going, thought I might clean and re lubricate soon as the weather here in Fl gets back to norm..
Marvin 07 Allure 31459


From: "gvenner@..." To: Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com Sent: Tue, January 5, 2010 7:50:19 PM Subject: [Country-Coach-Owners] Electric Step Not Retracting

I have a new to me problem that I am sure someone has a solution for. Just recently when the steps retract, they only go about 3/4 of the way and stop. If I push the steps with my foot while they are retracting, they will go all the way. Do they need lubrication and if so with what? They are not frozen nor wet when I have tried multiple times to get them to fully retract. Would appreciate some suggestions.

Gordon Venner 2002 Allure 30690

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Re: Electric Step Not Retracting

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 55440
When I first got my coach, the steps would go in, all but about an inch on rare occasions. My main problem was a loud SQUEAK every time I stepped on the step, drove me crazy. I found a spray can of pure silicone, and wet down the whole sliding (underneath) mechanism a few times, and both problems were cured.
Hope yours is as easy to fix. The pure silicone does not stay "wet", so does not attract dirt and grit to make things worse over time. I also saw a dry graphite lube, but worried it might forever stain anything it got on.

Jack Nichols, 2003 Intrigue, no step squeak.

Re: Electric Step Not Retracting

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 55444
Gordon...

The grease gets thick and sticky and acts like an adhesive instead of a lubricant...
Take out the six screws and remove the bottom cover and you can get at the rails and slides to clean off the old grease...
After you take off the bottom cover, unplug the motor so it can't be accidently activated...
I cleaned the old grease off with diesel fuel and an old paint brush... After I got rid of the old grease, I lubricated the rails and slides with lithium grease...
Before you put the bottom cover back on, clean the contacts on the plug to the controller and on the plug from the controller to the motor... Also make sure the green wire makes a good electrical connection to the MH chassis...
Cleaning off the old grease is a real pain in the neck... took me a couple of hours to do the job, but my steps work like new...

Buck

k7wn, '99 Magna#5653

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Re: Electric Step Not Retracting

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 55446
Gordon, I suggest that you lube the tracks with silicon spray lubricant.

George in Birmingham
'04 Allure 31038
George in Birmingham
2003 Magna 6298

Re: Electric Step Not Retracting

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 55449
Gordon:

Go to www.kwikee.com and download the manual. Page 4 explains the proper lubrication of the steps. I have the manual and would be happy to send it if you are unable to download it.

Chuck Penque

03 Intrigue 11673

Re: Electric Step Not Retracting

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 55453
My Inspire steps had an occasional retraction problem shortly after I bought the coach that was fixed by tapping the gearcase with a hammer or having to open the gearcase to free things up. I installed Summit stainless steel treads and due to the extra weight they would not retract very far at all. I priced a new motor for $300 and before spending the money I took the motor apart and made sure it was well lubed.
That solved all of my problems.
Bob

2005 Inspire 51394

Re: Electric Step Not Retracting

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 55461
Gordon

Like other people said dry silicon lube for lubrication.

Another thing to check is the step door switch.
Mine was losing ground connection. I added a extra ground wire and have not had any additional problems.

Bo & Kathy Lee
2000 Manga

2006 Jeep Unlimited
Full timing.
 

Re: Electric Step Not Retracting

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 55470
The way the step works is that the controller senses the motor stall current and shuts the step motor off. Something is making the motor start to stall before it retracts. Since you can push it in and then it extends, it's probably dirt or debris. Pull the bottom plate and see if there is anything blocking the movement. I had this occur and it turned out to be a bearing race in the top slide. Someone suggested pulling the bottom plate and cleaning, that's a good start.

Judy n Joe

98 Intrigue 10578