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Erratic Entry Step

Yahoo Message Number: 3216
Hi all,

I have 2000 Allure; CCI Serial Number is 30507.
The entry step has been acting erratic for the last two months. On a trip in Sep, it started going in and out continously. I stopped and diddled with it and we got home OK. Now, it often won't go in when the door is closed and the engine is running. I usually have to get out and push the door switch button; once it goes in, I hold the switch, get in and close the door. BUT it's very inconsistent.
Sometimes it just waits a while and goes in on it's own; sometimes it just comes out after being in for miles.

Do any of you have any suggestions on how to diagnose and fix this?

Thx,

Brian, trimming the road shoulders with his step in Michigan.

Re: Erratic Entry Step

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 3219
I have the exact same problem (2000 Magna).
It started to occur last November.
In my case, it only seems to happen in colder (damp?) weather (under ~40F).

After driving for some time, it works fine, although, I have had it going in and out while initially moving. Pretty scary! When I was in JC last May, they looked at it and found nothing wrong.
Of course, it was nice and warm at the time.
However, the problem still occurs (now that it is colder again).

I suspect it to be some electronics issue.
While in JC, I also indicated a problem with the TOW-vehicle control board. This one is mounted horizontally above the engine. They couldn't find anything wrong with that board either. After I replaced it myself ($75), that problem was resolved.
I thought I'd let the group know about this, as I believe mounting an electronics board horizontally in a dusty and sometimes moisty area isn't a good thing. My board had probably fine metal and moist dust laying on top of it (it looked somewhat corroded), causing it to fail.

Re: Erratic Entry Step

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 3222
Brian

This happened to me in my new Allure. The step would go in and out, while I was driving. Fortunately, I was at Freedom RV in Denver where they were, once again, working on my Hurricane. Freedom RV solved the problem!!!

Near the bottom of the door jam is a plunger that hits a switch when the door is closed. This plunger screwed itself into the door jam so that it was not making proper contact with the switch in the door opening. (I may not be making myself very clear). Anyway, take a look at the plunger and see if it is making proper contact. If it is not, you will have to find a way to extend it (Trying to screw it out).
It worked for me.

Tom and Sherry Royer
2003 Allure 30858

Re: Erratic Entry Step

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 3224
Tom, I suspected that push-switch in the door (your plunger). But I did not see the inside step-light that is controlled by the same switch go on and off while the steps were "dancing". Plus CC in JC looked at that switch and (I assume) found it working properly.

Re: Erratic Entry Step

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 3231
Most of the time it is the door switch that is not making or releasing contact properly. Get you volt meter out and work backwards from the motor (make sure contacts are good there) that controls the step.
With the volt meter connected downstream of the switch, manually depress the door switch to see when "contact" is made. Sometimes these switches require full depression to make contact and then retain contact until fully extended. Also, the contacts inside the switch could have become corroded and then they will work intermittently (ugly situation to trouble shoot). Most of the time the switch just needs repositioning, but maybe it needs to be replaced.
If that doesn't fix it, then you will have to work you way back into the coach towards the ignition switch. I have no experience there to help you, sorry.
Wish I could offer more advice.
best of luck.

Denny Zarnt

2001 Affinity # 5972

Re: Erratic Entry Step

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 3246
Quote
trip in Sep, it started going in and out continously.

Hi Brian,

I have a 2000 Allure, #30491, which had the same problem you are experiencing. The cause of the problem on my coach was the door switch. It was making erratic contact. I solved the problem by taking a piece of rubber from an unused mud flap and cutting the rubber to fit under the switch. This moved the switch closer to the door so that it made proper contact with the switch. The mud flap was about 1/4 inch thick. It was a simple inexpensive thing to do.
Hope this helps.

Dave G.
2000 Allure

Mechanicsburg, PA

Re: Erratic Entry Step

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 3247
My 2000 Intrigue does the same thing. The switch was replaced last winter and worked fine for several months but as soon as we had a really cold night then it started happening again. Wonder why they can't design a switch setup that works properly.

Ray

2000 Intrigue 11040

Re: Erratic Entry Step

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 3254
I have Allure 30493 and am having similar problems. The coach is in semi-hibernation now so am not getting vexed with the problem. I did thoroughly clean the step and then relubed it and that seemed to help for awhile but then it started up again. The problem may be with that pin switch on the door jamb...CC said that sometimes they add some bushings to the door to make better contact with that pin switch. If that does not clear up the problem then a new "brain" might be called for...If others are also having similar problems then it could show a major defect in the mechanism.

On Tue, 19 Nov 2002 18:47:17 -0000 "brian_a2mi" B.Hoxie@...> writes:

Re: Erratic Entry Step

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 3273
My 2000 Intrigue has same problem, last winter Lazy Days techs replaced the switch. The door has been closing normally until the weather changed to winter temps. Now, it doesn't open and close properly. If I push the switch in manually then it will close....most of the time....I am wondering if CC will still stand behind this problem since it has been going on since before my warranty expired.

Ray

2000 Intrigue 11040
 

Re: Erratic Entry Step

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 3278
I think that I remember some problems with improper or erratic voltage going to the step motor. I don't recall exactly what it was.... maybe a grounding issue.

As to the warranty issue.... my experience has been that if the problem is on record and CC or the dealer has not been able to repair it that they would not hesitate to do it right.

Dick May

2002 Intrigue, #11438
Dick May
2002 Intrigue, #11438, towing a
2014 Jeep Gr Cherokee ecoDiesel