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Topic: Electric step stopped retracting  (Read 273 times) previous topic - next topic
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Electric step stopped retracting
My electric step has been working great until today.
It will not retract. Motorhome is running and switch is on.
My LD is a 2002 31B.

Any ideas what the issue could be?

Thanks!
Mark
2002 30' IB

Re: Electric step stopped retracting
Reply #1
My electric step has been working great until today.
It will not retract. Motorhome is running and switch is on.
My LD is a 2002 31B.

Any ideas what the issue could be?

Thanks!
Mark
On my '02, Matt, I had to replace the motor when this happened. It could be a loose connection - check them out. Search under "electric step" and you will find other related posts on problems.
Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB

Re: Electric step stopped retracting
Reply #2
Thank you!
2002 30' IB

Re: Electric step stopped retracting
Reply #3
Mark,
Mine did the same thing about a week after I bought the coach.  I unbolted the motor arm and retracted the step and then used a coat hanger to wire it in the up position so we could drive home.  The suggestions and instructions on this site were just what I needed to fix it.  After trying the easy suggestions first, a new motor solved the problem, fairly inexpensive on Amazon.  It was an easy fix and gave me an opportunity to lube all of the moving parts and joints and use dielectric grease on the connector.  Step works fine now.

2014 27 MB
Towd: Either the Jeep Wrangler or trailer containing the BMW R1200GS and 2 E-bicycles
Happy wife=Happy life

Re: Electric step stopped retracting
Reply #4
Will never forget my conversation with Ed N when I asked about options and came to 'is an electric step a good idea' he YELLED, NO! It's just another electric thing that can break!! Pull the damned step out with your hands!

Kristine can vouch to the truth I speak. 13 years later and we still laugh about it from time to time.

Dave
Ruby, the red 2004 26' RK hauling Dave and Kristine hither and yon

Re: Electric step stopped retracting
Reply #5
Several possibilities.
There are two fuses, one usually under the hood, at the isolator, the other hidden behind the wall switch.
The main plug, under the step, can corrode, causing the door to cease operation.
The magnet reed switch can break, eliminating the signal the control box needs to close the step.
The motor can seize, caused usually by debris inside the motor. It can be removed and cleaned. It can be tested for operation with a 12 volt supply.
The control box may have died.
Check to step's owners manual for more troubleshooting  advice.
 
Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

Re: Electric step stopped retracting
Reply #6
"There are two fuses, one usually under the hood, at the isolator, the other hidden behind the wall switch.
The main plug, under the step, can corrode, causing the door to cease operation.
The magnet reed switch can break, eliminating the signal the control box needs to close the step.
The motor can seize, caused usually by debris inside the motor. It can be removed and cleaned. It can be tested for operation with a 12 volt supply.
The control box may have died.
Check to step's owners manual for more troubleshooting  advice."
-----
Six reasons why I have a manual step.  ;)
2003 TK has a new home

Re: Electric step stopped retracting
Reply #7
Six reasons why I have a manual step.  ;)
Joan
I have a very short wife who said WE were getting the power step.
I think you know her. Enough said.

After figuring out how to maintain it, it has been trouble free for several years.
I still don't recommend getting one.
Ours died one very rainy day, with the step extended.
Lots of laughs cutting the motor wires and jumping the motor with a battery booster, powering the step in.
That time, the main plug's contacts were corroded.
One of several step breakdowns.
At least I had dry clothes inside, to change into afterwards.

An advantage of of the manual step, they are cheaper to replace when you eventually clobber it on something solid, in a campground.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

Re: Electric step stopped retracting
Reply #8
"I have a very short wife who said WE were getting the power step. I think you know her. Enough said."

Indeed!  :D

"An advantage of of the manual step, they are cheaper to replace when you eventually clobber it on something solid, in a campground. "

I know this one, too!  ;)
2003 TK has a new home