Power steps work intermittently

[jtking]

2008 Tourmaster 40A steps work intermittently. Usual problem is when driven in rain or winter roads with salt spray. Does anyone know what brand/model they are or possible problem?

Thanks, John

[Chuck v]

My 2007 40C steps are made by Kwikee, and yours most likely are too. I have seen a number of issues that can cause intermittent function (but I don't drive on salted roads so can't speak to how that might also impact the steps...) The motor and gear drive unit in the step mechanism is derived from an automotive style power window actuator, so it does not have travel limit switches as such -- it just senses the higher current draw (stall current) at the end of travel to determine when to stop the motor. If your step mechanism is binding, it will not power the motor to finish the travel since the controller sees the high current drawn at the point where binding happens.

Sometimes the controller gets completely confused and you need to cycle power to it -- there is a fuse in the bay under the driver side mirror that I can pull and reinsert to do this reset. It is labeled...but it is one of about a hundred fuses in the block so be sure you have the correct one. I suspect that cycling the house and coach battery switches in the stair well would do this reset too -- and my be the source of your observed "intermittent" symptoms.

Another cause of steps staying either in or out is over-travel of the sector arm such that the gear-drive to it from the motor is bound up. This is hard to address if the steps are retracted, since they cover any access to this motor/gear-drive/sector arm and you have to pull the clevis pin in the arm to let the steps swing out of the way.

I have posted on this forum when I did some work on my steps -- so look through this thread: http://www.gsowners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4581&highlight=steps

Chuck

[jtking]

Thanks Chuck. I assumed they were Kwikee steps. I usually don’t drive on salty roads either but inadvertently hit some in December while in route to FL. Had problems in FL for a week or so and then OK. (Had similar problem 5-6 years ago on the way to FL) Now last week drove all day in the rain. When arrived at campground steps went out and stayed out. Carefully proceeded to site. Couple hours later steps work fine and still are. Heading back to MI later this week and hope they work until we get home where I’m much better prepared to delve into this problem. I’m wondering about the ground! Thanks again for your reply!

[Henry111]

I bought Kohree to replace our step covers (https://www.rvhometown.com/best-rv-step-covers/). Good quality and generous size. My husband thinks this is great and if he likes something he makes it a winner! Probably get a set for other front tiers.