Question Electric Steps Stopped Working

[BigRig]

Any tips on trouble shooting the electric steps on our 2019 Newmar Ventana LE 4037? They were working this morning then not.
Thanks

 

[Chuggs]

I usually start at the fuse...in the cord reel bay. And never find it blown. Then replace the motor. Seems to work everytime. It's basically a windshield wiper motor...the controller controls the polarity of the power to the motor and cuts out at a preset amperage (stop limit). The thing is...these things are not well sealed and get grime in the plastic spiral gear inside. If someone steps on the step when it hasn't reach full up or full down it will crack the gear, and of course possible the motor does fail.

 

[BigRig]

I usually start at the fuse...in the cord reel bay. And never find it blown. Then replace the motor. Seems to work everytime. It's basically a windshield wiper motor...the controller controls the polarity of the power to the motor and cuts out at a preset amperage (stop limit). The thing is...these things are not well sealed and get grime in the plastic spiral gear inside. If someone steps on the step when it hasn't reach full up or full down it will crack the gear, and of course possible the motor does fail.

 

[BigRig]

Thanks Charlie!!
Sounds like this has happen to you more than once. Where did you get the replacement motor. I am pretty sure I have seen the electric step "owner or install manual" in my Newmar paperwork. Let me look and see the manufacturer.

 

[Richpatty]

I have also had the controller die...which will also cause the steps to flake out. It is the plastic black block with wires hanging out of it. It is also under the steps.

 

[Chuggs]

Thanks Charlie!!
Sounds like this has happen to you more than once. Where did you get the replacement motor. I am pretty sure I have seen the electric step "owner or install manual" in my Newmar paperwork. Let me look and see the manufacturer.

AM Equipment, they have a few different ones, torque and bolt size are the main differences. I’ll update post w/part no.

I keep a spare motor and controller in the coach. The other handy items are oasis pumps, and water pump controller…if your coach is equipped with one. Twice, I have had the step motor stop working.

 

[BigRig]

AM Equipment, they have a few different ones, torque and bolt size are the main differences. I’ll update post w/part no.

I keep a spare motor and controller in the coach. The other handy items are oasis pumps, and water pump controller…if your coach is equipped with one. Twice, I have had the step motor stop working.

Thanks so much! I did find the Electric Steps Owner's Manual. The manufacturer is Kwikee

 

[BigRig]

Charlie,
Attached are the first two pages of the Kwikee Owner's Manual. The part number I am coming up with is 1101428. I found it on the AM Equipment site. It's the 214 Series and available with several options. The option with the part number comes with mounting screws and without the pinion gear.
Below is a link to the AM Equipment parts page.

214 Series DC Gear Motor - AM Equipment

Original equipment replacements for LCI / Kwikee®

www.amequipment.com

Curious if you ordered without the pinion and reused the pinion from existing motor. Kind of seem like that might be a bad idea. Especially if the pinion gear is messed up.
Actually, looking at the gear housing it appears the motor's shaft might just slip into a "receiver."
Any insight is appreciated.
Thanks,

 

[Chuggs]

Here’s my spare.

Yes…Kwikee is the branding on the step product. They source motors from other mfg. You will find other mfg. making the same spec motor cheaper on Amazonm for example. The bolt size, shaft, and torque are important.

214 Series DC Gear Motor - AM Equipment

Original equipment replacements for LCI / Kwikee®

www.amequipment.com

If your pinion gear is not damaged…then you can order without…or if you choose the model that includes it. They have the LCI number for cross reference which I believe is Lippert Components.

Check yours has the 2-pin connector like this. You can buy a pigtail if yours is different…but yours should be the same.

 

[Chuggs]

Charlie,
Attached are the first two pages of the Kwikee Owner's Manual. The part number I am coming up with is 1101428. I found it on the AM Equipment site. It's the 214 Series and available with several options. The option with the part number comes with mounting screws and without the pinion gear.
Below is a link to the AM Equipment parts page.

214 Series DC Gear Motor - AM Equipment

Original equipment replacements for LCI / Kwikee®

www.amequipment.com

Curious if you ordered without the pinion and reused the pinion from existing motor. Kind of seem like that might be a bad idea. Especially if the pinion gear is messed up.
Actually, looking at the gear housing it appears the motor's shaft might just slip into a "receiver."
Any insight is appreciated.
Thanks,

Opps I added a post without first seeing you had tracked it down.

Yes, I reused my pinion gear. Ring pliers takes the retaining ring off…and the pinion can be transferred easily. Or you could opt for the full kit. It’s actually an easy swap….

 

[BigRig]

I think our "replies" crossed in cyberspace!

The troubleshooting instructions for testing the motor refer to a two-way connector between the motor and control unit, so makes sense the 2-pin connection you mentioned is what I have. I am at work, but will check it out when I get home.
Based on what I am reading, the controller you also mentioned, and a magnetic door switch could also be the culprit.

Thanks for the help!

 

[BigRig]

Charlie,
Confirmed the motor has a 2-pin connection so all set there. Not so much on the controller. I am having trouble figuring out the part number to order. Attached is photo of existing. Any chance I could get you to send photo of what you ordered?

 

[Chuggs]

Charlie,
Confirmed the motor has a 2-pin connection so all set there. Not so much on the controller. I am having trouble figuring out the part number to order. Attached is photo of existing. Any chance I could get you to send photo of what you ordered?

No problem... In addition to the motor, and controller spare...I did purchase these wire dongles. I think you'll find that guide you referenced has you use these in troubleshooting. I have them...hope not to have to dive that deep to get things sorted.

 

[BigRig]

No problem... In addition to the motor, and controller spare...I did purchase these wire dongles. I think you'll find that guide you referenced has you use these in troubleshooting. I have them...hope not to have to dive that deep to get things sorted.

Thanks! I did order the 4-pin connector (dongle), same part number as yours, as it was identified in the trouble shooting information in the Owner's Manual. But as you indicted that appears to be digging pretty deep. It appears you can get some pretty good "feedback" using a multimeter to test power, grounds etc. on the vehicle side of the 4-pin connector

 

[Joe Hogan]

Here is some mfg information Kwikee® Steps | Lippert Customer Care Center

Or how to find model #

 

[BigRig]

Here is some mfg information Kwikee® Steps | Lippert Customer Care Center

Or how to find model #

Joe,
Thanks for the help!

 

[BigRig]

No problem... In addition to the motor, and controller spare...I did purchase these wire dongles. I think you'll find that guide you referenced has you use these in troubleshooting. I have them...hope not to have to dive that deep to get things sorted.

Charles,
Just wanted to say thanks again for all the assistance.
Motor & Controller ordered!
Good news is all the "4-Pin trouble shooting" has been accomplished and it all checked out. For example, the red wire has 12 volts, etc. (each wire has its own positive results) and all grounds checked for continuity.
Has to be the motor or controller. So now we wait for parts.
Controller will be here Friday (from Amazon).
AM Equipment sent e-mail confirming receipt of order and processing. but no delivery estimates. Wrote back and asked if they could provide delivery date or tracking information. Have not received a reply.
Do you recall delivery time when you ordered from them?

 

[Scooterfan]

Recently I had the same issue. So after some expert consultation (YOUTUBE) I thought I would simply cover all the bases. I ordered a new motor, a new screen door contact switch, a new controller, etc. Received via AMAZON then went to work replacing the items. I used shrink wrap and neatly ran all new wiring. I was proud of myself to such a professional installation. I managed to crawl out from under the step and gave it a try. Nothing. I finally had to call in a professional. At $80.00 per hour, and after a brief looksie he discovered that my controller was no good. My brand new controller, made in China, didn't work right out of the box. I purchased one from the RV repair man and it worked flawlessly. I pray your installation is flawless. Just wanted to share so you may want to check new parts if necessary. Blessings

 

[Chuggs]

Charles,
Just wanted to say thanks again for all the assistance.
Motor & Controller ordered!
Good news is all the "4-Pin trouble shooting" has been accomplished and it all checked out. For example, the red wire has 12 volts, etc. (each wire has its own positive results) and all grounds checked for continuity.
Has to be the motor or controller. So now we wait for parts.
Controller will be here Friday (from Amazon).
AM Equipment sent e-mail confirming receipt of order and processing. but no delivery estimates. Wrote back and asked if they could provide delivery date or tracking information. Have not received a reply.
Do you recall delivery time when you ordered from them?

I'm always happy to hang out and talk rv stuff. Sorry, I do not remember how long it took for the part to arrive. One motor ( I have ordered a couple of them) I used to replace a friends motor...and he just ordered one and shipped it to my home. Never know what kind of parts a few Newmars parked nearby might have.

 

[BigRig]

Recently I had the same issue. So after some expert consultation (YOUTUBE) I thought I would simply cover all the bases. I ordered a new motor, a new screen door contact switch, a new controller, etc. Received via AMAZON then went to work replacing the items. I used shrink wrap and neatly ran all new wiring. I was proud of myself to such a professional installation. I managed to crawl out from under the step and gave it a try. Nothing. I finally had to call in a professional. At $80.00 per hour, and after a brief looksie he discovered that my controller was no good. My brand new controller, made in China, didn't work right out of the box. I purchased one from the RV repair man and it worked flawlessly. I pray your installation is flawless. Just wanted to share so you may want to check new parts if necessary. Blessings

Thanks for the heads up! Fingers crossed!!