Electric Step not retracting fully

[wchoe]

I have a 2008 Gulfstream Mini Vista Cruiser, based on Sprinter 3500.
After working well, the Electric Step now goes out fully, but only retracts half-way. It does this consistently, and oiling the joints doesn't fix it. When I manually push the step, it goes in fully but comes back out half-way again.

The electric-step motor is an AM Equipment AMP110-1022. (see photo)

Please let me know if someone else has seen this problem.

Thanks

[RY469]

Yes, I have seen this. Normally after running the step into something. You have to straighten the metal that is bent for it to work smoothly again.

[wchoe]

The step does retract when I manually push it in, and then comes up half-way again.
Will inspect the step to see if anything is bent, but don't believe that it's the cause.

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Originally Posted by wchoe

I have a 2008 Gulfstream Mini Vista Cruiser, based on Sprinter 3500.
After working well, the Electric Step now goes out fully, but only retracts half-way. It does this consistently, and oiling the joints doesn't fix it. When I manually push the step, it goes in fully but comes back out half-way again.

The electric-step motor is an AM Equipment AMP110-1022. (see photo)

Please let me know if someone else has seen this problem.

Thanks

I have had this happen to me on more than one occasion. I sprayed all the joints with penetrating oil and then it works just fine. Hope this helps

[Dora's explorers]

I blame old age....of the step mechanism, not mine! Ours have been doing the same for years...have gotten used to giving it a helping foot nudge. Saw online there is a way to adjust the gear at the motor but looked like more trouble than I had patience for....I just say the step has "character".

[RY469]

I know we all have our opinions, sometimes it makes it unappealing to post here. BUT, as a Tech, I've seen this issue dozens and dozens of times. >IF< the motor runs, it is almost always a mechanical issue. There is an arm on the motor, with bushings that wear, necessitating replacement a low percentage of the time. Most times watching the step move, and adjusting (with a hammer or pry bar) the step mechanically fixes the problem. OK, there's my opinion.

[wchoe]

I checked with the AM Equipment support and they believe that the gears on the motor may be partially worn.

I have ordered a replacement motor to be installed on top of the existing gearbox.

At the moment, the step is only retracted halfway and is not safe to drive.
I want to disable the steps so that it won't go out again until the problem is fixed.
I have tried to take out the 2 Electric Step fuses in the panel.
However, the steps are still enabled.

Does anyone know how to disable the electric steps?