There is a magnetic switch at the bottom of the door that signals when the door is closed so when the engine is running the steps know they should retract in case the coach is going to be moving.
Magnetic switches come Normally Open or Normally Closed. My guess is the one on the coach is normally open. When the door closes and the magnet gets close enough the switch closes so the steps know to retract. If the magnetic switch is stuck closed, that could cause the problem because the steps are gtting a signal that the door is closed.... even when the door is open.
There should be two wires visible at the magnetic switch. I would try disconnected one and see what happens.
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