Kwikee 2000 Levelers June 27, 2016, 08:00:42 pm During a recent trip along the Northern California Coast my leveling system suddenly stopped working. Consequently, we leveled the old-fashion way, with ramps. After arriving home I checked matters out as follows:Control panel: Has power to the on/off button. All four levelers indicate power when individual buttons pushed. Removed and and after a few minutes reinstalled both connectors on the back of the control unit.Checked Fluid in reservoir: OK.Checked the ground which appears to be O K.I could not find the fusable link on the positive battery cable. It may be buried somewhere. I still have to look for this.Does anybody have experience with this system?Could it be the solenoid on the pump motor?Any other ideas?
Re: Kwikee 2000 Levelers Reply #1 – June 27, 2016, 10:52:53 pm I have the Kwikee system and on the very rare instance when it malfunctioned the only thing I had to do was disconnect the connectors on the back for a few moments, reconnect everything and I'm good to go.Although I've never had occasion to use it the system comes with a by-pass wiring harness that is allegedly helpful when a leveler won't retract otherwise. Do you have such a device?Steve S.Lazy Bones & Cedar
Re: Kwikee 2000 Levelers Reply #2 – June 28, 2016, 12:58:35 am Fortunately, the problem developed with the levelers in retracted (upward) position. As I already mentioned, I did unplug both connectors on the back side of the control panel, without any results. If you can think of any other avenues, please let me know. I hope that there are other Lazy Dazes with the Kwikee system. Aad
Re: Kwikee 2000 Levelers Reply #3 – June 28, 2016, 02:33:30 am Does the control panel start it's normal sequence of lights, when attempting to lower and level the LD?If so, suspect a problem in the battery cables, terminals or at the solenoid, solenoid failure is not uncommon.If the control panel is not eating normally, it may be at fault or the wiring may have problems. I have never found a good schematic or troubleshooting guide for any of the Kwikee levelers.Give the Mothership a call and see if they can recommend a RV shop familiar with Kwikee.I believe there is a shop somewhere near Chino that is experienced with them.Larry
Re: Kwikee 2000 Levelers Reply #4 – June 28, 2016, 12:04:14 pm Thanks Larry for your response. I do not quite understand your question about the sequence of lights in the control panel.With the jacks up (retracted) the only green light is on the all/up indicator on the Left bottom. After applying the emergency brake I turn on the on/off button, which lights up. All lights on the individual jack switch buttons stay unlit until I activate the jacks. I lower the jacks not sequentially but individually as-needed first. When in level position I lower the remaining jacks to stabilize the rig. FYI. I did install the Kwikee 2000 levelers myself quite a few years ago, by means of transferring the system from an other R V. After replacing the control unit the system has always performed great. This morning I was lucky to find a diagnostic chart on one of the websites. I hope that this can give me some guidance and hopefully my old bones and muscles let me crawl once more under the rig. Wish me luck.Aad
Re: Kwikee 2000 Levelers Reply #5 – June 28, 2016, 12:43:15 pm Quote from: Aad Rommelse - June 28, 2016, 12:04:14 pm I do not quite understand your question about the sequence of lights in the control panel.AadJust about every leveler panelI have looked at is different than the last one. I was asking if the panel appears to go through its normal over sequence, without the rams lowering, or if the panels does not appear to operate normally.Just trying to isolate the problem to either to the control panel or the power pack and its wiring.Larry
Re: Kwikee 2000 Levelers Reply #6 – June 28, 2016, 11:43:54 pm Sorry Larry, I was so involved with my leveling problem that I overlooked your response to my question. Yes, all lights on the key pad come on as required. Someone had a problem with the key pad and recommended to open it and see if there was a burned connection on the the board as in his case. He installed a jumping connection and it has worked for 7 years. Mine looked nice and clean inside. I closed it up again and plan to reinstall it tomorrow.After my various posts this morning I searched through all my files and much to my surprise I found a complete service guide, containing 26 pages. I obtained this from Power Gear in 2007, which I completely forgot. If you have not seen this and like a copy just let me know and I'll print all pages off.Aad
Re: Kwikee 2000 Levelers Reply #7 – July 08, 2016, 05:25:01 pm Quote from: Aad Rommelse - June 28, 2016, 11:43:54 pmAfter my various posts this morning I searched through all my files and much to my surprise I found a complete service guide, containing 26 pages. I obtained this from Power Gear in 2007, which I completely forgot. If you have not seen this and like a copy just let me know and I'll print all pages off.I would probably start with making sure all the large, power providing cable are in good condition with no bad crimps or connection, tracing from the battery to the pump's solenoid(s), checking for any resistance or voltage drop. When high amperage systems breaks down suddenly, a blown fuse or a connection that has failed, is the first thing that comes to mind. Next, the pump would be jumped to see if it still runs.I see more failures in the pump and solenoid's electrical system than in control panels, on battery-powered hydraulic equipment. Solenoid failure, both on the pump and valves, is common. Much the system is exposed to water and dirt, thrown up from the road. If you drive in areas that treat the roads with salt, things can get even worse. Our rig turned a dirty white, two years ago, driving across Hwy 24, in Utah. It had snowed recently and the road had been treated with salt. The salt is going still be around any time it rains. Could explain why I see some LDs with extremely rusted undercarriages.Oh, yes, I spent several dollars at the car wash, in Green River, washing the salt off the LD and Jeep. If the panel light's appears to be operating correctly, I would check the wires that control the pumps and solenoids for the proper voltage, which may be possible if the service manual has the pin-outs for the control panel plugs.Don't know how comfortable or knowledgable you are with this type of stuff so if any of this sound alien, find a qualified tech, it can get complicated. And, yes, a copy of the manual would very appreciated.Larry
Re: Kwikee 2000 Levelers Reply #8 – July 08, 2016, 08:06:19 pm Thanks Larry, for your guidance with my current leveling problem as well as with other items in the past.No, I am not an experienced mechanic but with proper guidance and documentation I have been able to do quite a bit of mechanical work on our own and our daughter's vehicles in the past. My Kwikee leveling system has been resolved. My control pad functioned with proper contact and responses from the the solenoid for all four jacks, but no response at the starter motor. When I jumped the motor no response either. After disconnecting the battery cables I removed the starter motor and "bingo", there was the problem. Evidently, after years of use and a tiny leaking seal between the reservoir and the motor, it was full of gunk and damaged brushes. Upon cleaning everything thoroughly it appeared just to be a matter of new brushes, which I could not find. However, a R V repair shop rep. knows a shop owner who specializes in rebuilding motors. Consequently, I turned the entire package over to him for repair.YFI The motor was built by United Technologies - Automotive - Made in Mexico - 5276924 M Custom - 4/21/98 - 12 V As you more than likely know, Kwikee was bought by Power Gear, who in turn sold out to Lippert Components. Unfortunately, upon contacting Lippert, they were not able to find a replacement motor. NTP does list a replacement on its website, but both the MFG# 906929000 and their NTP# 45-2465 are not correct. The "Kwikee Level Best Service Guide, dated June 2003", as well as the "Power Gear Kwikee Hydraulic Leveling System Trouble Flowcharts are still available in PFD on Lippert Components website. Aad
Re: Kwikee 2000 Levelers Reply #9 – July 08, 2016, 08:22:51 pm I had trouble with my Kwikee levelers last winter. The problem started after having had the engine battery run down and needing a charge. I had no lights on the Kwikee panel and nothing happened when I tried to deploy the jacks. I disconnected all the connections on the back of the panel, lightly sprayed them with some electrical contact cleaner and that seemed to solve the problem. They have been working as advertised since then (Nov 2015).
Re: Kwikee 2000 Levelers Reply #10 – September 28, 2016, 03:12:52 pm "The "Kwikee Level Best Service Guide, dated June 2003", as well as the "Power Gear Kwikee Hydraulic Leveling System Trouble Flowcharts are still available in PFD on Lippert Components website." I did not find the PFD's (PDF's I think) on the Lippert website I found with Google.Can anyone post a link?Thanks!
Re: Kwikee 2000 Levelers Reply #11 – September 28, 2016, 04:45:03 pm All,Here's the link to the "Kwikee Level Best Service Guide, dated June 2003". https://www.lci1.com/assets/content/support/manuals/pg-KSG002.pdf DavidQuote"The "Kwikee Level Best Service Guide, dated June 2003", as well as the "Power Gear Kwikee Hydraulic Leveling System Trouble Flowcharts are still available in PFD on Lippert Components website." I did not find the PFD's (PDF's I think) on the Lippert website I found with Google.Can anyone post a link?Thanks! Jay Carlson --davehrrs@gmail.com David Harris 2920 Taper Ave.Santa Clara, CA 95051 (408) 206-8800 1 Likes
Re: Kwikee 2000 Levelers Reply #12 – September 30, 2016, 03:24:10 pm Thanks Aad & David! Hopefully I won't need it any time soon.
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