Steps won’t stay down

[LKH63]

Hi,

We have a 2019 Windsport 29m.
The steps won’t stay down when flipping the switch “step” they retract every time the door closes. This happened a few months back, then went back to staying down after a couple of days.
Now here we are again, they won’t stay down.
Is there a reset somewhere?

Thank you

[Pete'sMH]

Originally Posted by LKH63

Hi,



We have a 2019 Windsport 29m.

The steps won’t stay down when flipping the switch “step” they retract every time the door closes. This happened a few months back, then went back to staying down after a couple of days.

Now here we are again, they won’t stay down.

Is there a reset somewhere?



Thank you

I don’t think so. Check your wiring at the step lock switch and at the step controller underneath (behind the steps). If it’s not that simple you might need a new controller. A multimeter is your friend troubleshooting issues like this. In the meantime if you’re camping you can disconnect the magnetic trigger-switch on the door frame. On mine it’s easy to find on the striker side near the bottom. Just don’t forget to reconnect it before you leave although the engine running override should still work.

[LKH63]

Now the steps almost always won’t even come down.
I checked the step switch inside and the 2 connections underneath.
It’s hit n miss on operation.
So now a new controller?

[Judge]

Make sure you chck the ground wire for the steps. It could be loose or corroded given many times it is exposed under the coach and can rust / corrode. A bad ground can often cause intermittent operation of many electrical items. I would trace the ground, remove it and clean it before replacing the controller.

[LKH63]

Thank you for the feedback.
I cleaned and checked both ends of the ground.
I tested step switch with meter and it’s working properly.
I checked terminals at motor and controler.
The step still won’t stay down with switch activated.
Now step won’t always deploy or will partially at times.
Replace controller?

[Pete'sMH]

Originally Posted by LKH63

Thank you for the feedback.
I cleaned and checked both ends of the ground.
I tested step switch with meter and it’s working properly.
I checked terminals at motor and controler.
The step still won’t stay down with switch activated.
Now step won’t always deploy or will partially at times.
Replace controller?

Well, it’s not a sure thing, but that’s what I’d do. If it works you’re golden, if it doesn’t you’ve got one for your spares bag. The steps have lots of moving parts lead a hard life. I’ve had to replace several parts although not my controller. Good luck.

[TheDustyGeek]

If it’s a version of the Kwikee steps, there should be a test procedure in the back of the manual. You should be able to find it from the Thor owner site or elsewhere online (using the model number found on the label, Google is your friend here) if it’s not with your other RV documentation.

In my case, my steps decided to start extending when the ignition was on instead of retracting for some reason. I wound up bringing the steps in, disconnecting the plug underneath the rig and zip-tying up the cables to get it home whereupon I went through the testing procedure and found the controller was faulty. It was a really easy swap-out if you’re somewhat handy with tools. For good measure, I also ran the ground to an existing frame ground because it was just tied to the aluminum box surrounding the fixed stairs inside. It’s been running like a champ ever since.