Repair STUCK RV Step - Kwikee Motor Replacement
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- Опубликовано: 4 дек 2024
- Are your RV steps stuck or making a terrible noise? In this video I'll show you how to test the components of your Kwikee RV step and replace the step motor. Also see my other video "How to replace the gear linkage" (Link below).
KWIKEE / LIPPERT AUTOMATIC RV STEP REPLACEMENT PARTS
www.rvwithtito...
(VIDEO) HOW TO REPLACE THE GEAR LINKAGE in KWIKEE RV STEP
• EASY RV STEP REPAIR - ...
KWIKEE STEP OWNERS AND TECHNICAL MANUALS FROM LIPPERT
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STEEL FIREPIT FEATURED IN VIDEO
Kettle Creek Grillware Portable Firepit (Handcrafted in USA) www.kettlecreek...
MORE ABOUT THIS EPISODE
If your RV step fails to operate, the cause will either be an electrical or wiring problem or a mechanical problem.
Locate the four pin connector that powers the step. Follow the procedures outlined in the Lippert Owner’s Manual for testing the power output (red wire) and switch control voltages (other 3 wires) from the magnetic door switch, override switch and ignition switch.
If the four way connector test passes, then your RV is supplying the necessary power and the switches controlling the step are functioning properly.
Next check the output from the control unit to the step motor. If the step does not expand or retract, then disconnect the switch to the motor and check the positive and negative wires for a 12V signal when the step is triggered. If the step motor is getting power, but not operational, then the motor is likely faulty and needs to be replaced.
If the motor makes loud noises when operational, then replace the motor.
It is unlikely that the gear assembly and control unit will go bad. But follow the testing procedures outlined in the manual if you suspect a problem with those units.
Replacing The Motor
1. Disconnect power to the step
2. Disconnect the power plug from the motor assembly
3. Using a 10mm socket, remove the 3 screws holding the motor assembly
4. Lower it straight down being certain not to drop the gear, washers and pin on the gear assembly side of the motor
5. Move the washers, gear and pin to the new motor
6. Apply new grease to the gear if needed
7. Insert motor assembly into gear box and insert the three screws
8. Tighten the screws down with a 10mm socket
9. Reconnect power plug to the motor assembly
10. Reconnect main step power (four way connector) while staying clear of moving parts
11. Test Step operation
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DISCLAIMER
The opinions expressed in our videos are our own or from a contributor. Before taking on any project or making a large purchase, we recommend you do your own research and consult a professional for advice. We are NOT liable for any damage to your RV or injury incurred as a result of following our tips, advice or instructions. We are not RV professionals or certified technicians. We are simply RV owners who work on our own RVs and have a desire to share what we learn with others. Be responsible and know your limits.
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Hi, Brian. That you for making this video. I'm a female, and today (7/8/24) I was able to replace my step motor and save money. It literally took me 15 minutes!! I've been following you since 2018 when I began solo RVing. I love the things you have done to your Class C. I'm in a Class C also.
That's awesome. Great job. Saving money feels sooo good. Doesn't it? We just reconnected this weekend with the couple who now own our class C. They said "the RV says Hi!" 😃
Thanks Tito. I just replaced the step motor. Your video was very helpful. The price came down to $32. Blessings, Preston.
Glad to hear it Preston. Thanks for letting me know. Cheers!
While on an extended vacation in our motorhome the steps quit, one second they worked the next they didn’t. The Wife found your video and we each watched it at least four times. As we passed through each town The Wife would call the local RV parts department to determine if they had our motor, and if so, how much. It is surprising how much the prices differ. We figured the worse case scenario we would have to wait until we returned home and contact Amazon.
Turns out while tooling through Denton, Texas, the local Camping World had our motor and for only $90 (we had received prices of up to $260), so being this wasn’t that much different from Amazon, we stopped by and made the purchase.
Being it was 110* here today, we waited for it to cool down (98*) and in less than 15 minutes installed the new step motor. OMG! It works! When it comes to mechanics I know nothing, seriously its embarrassing. But thanks to you I am a hero in my wife’s eyes. Thank you very much!
As we have no “step wood” to burn, we are just going to sit back with stiff drinks and press the button to watch the RV steps retract - over and over.
Thank you sir,
Jeffery A. Myers
Opelousas, Louisiana
You're very welcome Jeffery! What a great success story. Thanks for sharing it. Hope the rest of your trip was problem free 😎
Had my steps freeze in the extended position just before leaving for a camping trip to Newport, RI. I replaced my motor on my Winnebago 30 W thanks to your video. Got it on Amazon for $75. It worked real well. Appreciate your time to post your video. Well done!!
Thanks for the advice. I got to the step hit it with a wrench and it worked. Saved my weekend trip. I’ll be ordering a new motor for backup when I get home.
Saying farewell to old friends is never easy especially
for those who/that have served us well for years, at least you followed the proper protocol a old and faithful friend deserves: Alone around a campfire, beer in hand with a few kind words of recognition and Heartfelt Thanks! Well done Tito..................
Well stated. 👍👍
Well, after seeing this video about a year ago, our step motor finally failed, so that's to this video, I got my Amazon motor today, and replaced the old one! Only problem I had, was disconnecting the electrical from the motor (the main electrical came apart no problem) as trying to figure out this apparent connection was a tough one. Eventually, I took the 3 bolts out, lowered it as shown here, and then it was all sitting right in front of me, making it easier to wiggle around. It took some screwdriver prying for it to finally pull out, but after that all was good! As mentioned, make sure you are completely out of the way when plugging in the main plug, the stairs retracted right away. Thanks again for the video, much appreciated!
Thanks for the inspiration! My steps started slipping and making some horrible noises the other day, and a couple of days later, after watching your video and placing an order with Amazon, things are working great again!
Sweet! Great job fixing it yourself.
I have an electric step on my RV so watching your video gave me peace of mind if and when my step ever goes out on my. It looks like a simple fix. Great ending by the way
Like so many things like this, it's always easier once you've figured out how to do it. Thanks!
Nice job on the video. Helpful info and very entertaining! The "goodbye to a friend" was a surprise ending, very funny!. I am making a test "pigtail" today to try and diagnose the problem. The manual is super well written and helpful! Thanks for the video!
Deja vu... I just repaired the step on my class a rv this week. The little linkage connecting to the step had broken. Needed to purchase the entire gearbox, costing almost $CAD200 after tax and shipping.
Enjoyed the video. Looked exactly the same as mine.
Wait...it didn't take you 2 years?
Thanks Tito for the clear step-by-step instructional video, I was able to replace my Kwikee motor on my RV yesterday!! It works like a charm and I'm a happy camper. Now, I'm wondering if you've done a video on winterizing your RV because I want to learn how to do this as well. Thanks again!!!
While viewing your video I noticed the pin in the small gear, mine was missing and causing a grinding noise at the end of the step movement into storage. I just bought this coach and the previous owner must have lost it when servicing the step actuator. I made one out of a drill bit, now it works fine and is quiet. I returned to watch the rest of your video and laughed out loud when you burnt your temp step. Thanks for posting. you never know what someone may pickup from the information that you post.
I was going to make a video on this but yours was so good there is no need. What a great informative video. Thank you.
Thanks Tito! Excellent video that helped me replace my motor in 10 minutes. Great job!
We had a similar problem, found tapping the motor with a hammer helped as a temporary fix. Replacing the motor solved the issue
My experience as well.
Yikes. My Kwikee motor was from a Ford power window. Think it was 10 or 15 bucks. Researched it on irv2. Saved a bunch of monet I guess and now works great. I now lube my steps once a month. Good job with the video
Yeah. Great to know. That's what Dave said below too. Out of curiosity, what do you use to lube your steps?
Boeshield T9. Lubes and does not attract dirt
Hi Brian, I bought my RV from a couple who had sons and they bent the stair frame. I straightened the struts with a couple wrenches and crowbar without removing the steps from the RV. Later, the steps stopped working and I replaced the controls...only part of the issue. I took the motor section off with the 3 bolts, tested the motor with another 12 volt battery and it worked....only because it had been moved and bumped around. It is common for corrosion and brush dust to build up on the armature and cause intermittent failure to operate. Several other RV Tubers have removed the 4 screws holding the casing of the motor and pulled the outside housing off which has the motor magnets to expose the shaft and brushes. Using carb cleaner or Iso alcohol it is easy to clean. Also use emery cloth to remove the oxidation from the contacts which the brushes rub on and a small brass wire brush to remove the carbon from the small groves on the commutator. Put a small dab of lithium grease into the hole where the shaft will go when reinserted. Use a toothpick or thin stiff wire like a paper clip to hold the brushes in a compressed state and place the rotor back into the main gear box. You then put some twisting pressure on the drive gear to pull in on the shaft. This is necessary to keep the magnets from pulling the shaft back out. Once the spiral shaft is back in place, pull out the wires holding the brushes which allows them to make contact with the armature. Keeping slight inward pressure with the gears, you can now put the magnet housing back over the shaft carefully and reinsert the 4 screws. It is also a good idea to open the somewhat round housing of the nylon gear and add a dab of lithium grease to the gear teeth. Reassemble and re-bolt the motor back in place. I have used spray FLUID FILM or spray lithium grease to lube all the pivot parts of the step mechanism every several months to keep all parts moving and not put stress on the motor. The complete cleaning & rebuild takes about 1/2 hour if you are a mechanic...it will save some $$$$. JwgK Houston Tx
Thank you for demonstrating the repair and replacement parts. The ending was very funny.
Hehe. Thanks and your welcome!
I feel your pain.
We have a class A motorcoach and I had the stairs fix multiple times.
Cheers and here's hoping the you won't need the wooden step again.
Thanks. Luck for us, we only have a single step. Had it been a 2 or 3 step model, it would have definitely been fixed sooner.
Best video yet on replacing the motor....thanks.
I kept greasing and pounding mine with a hammer every couple of days when it stopped going out. Didn't fix mine for a similar reason too, EXPENSIVE! Wish I'd known it was a less than $100 fix.
Yeah. I just ignored it and it kept haunting me.
Thank you for the video. Our step stopped working you and information will be very useful in troubleshooting the problem.
I know this video is older but so good . My question is there always spacers between motor and gear box ? Mine failed after 9 years but did not have spacers and I have ordered two gear boxes that northern one had the spaces even though the pic shows them .
I don't remember having any spacers. Can you reuse the spacers on your current one?
@@RVwithTito thank you so much for your reply. I know that you have a lot of things going on. There was no spacer in my original take a part but it looks like to me the motor has been replaced. I found a spacer that looks like what other size use I only put one in everything worked perfect sounds very smooth and quiet so I’m going that route for right now. Thank you again great videos will continue watching for your latest.
@@jrrollison597 Great. Glad you got it sorted. I replaced a gear assembly once that looked a bit different from the original. It actually worked better 😀
I have my first motor replacement job this weekend. Been wondering how to get at that sucker, it's stuck in right now. Should be as straight forward as any other RV job! lmao. Thank you!
If it's an electrical issue (switch or controller), then applying power to the correct wires should activate it. You should also be able to disconnect the arm on the gear assembly to release it. Make sure the power wire to the controller is disconnected first. Good luck.
@@RVwithTito Ended up being the control board! Easy peasy!
@@Shane_Little 👍 Great. Yeah. That's an easy swap. Glad you got it sorted out.
@@RVwithTito Well the steps stopped working again. I used the harness off of the old board to try and force the motor out by applying 12v directly to the motor, no dice. Motor won't run. It did this during my initial job where I swapped the board so maybe the motor was bad the whole time. I did test the harness from the board and was not getting 12v in the places I expected to so I'm a little concerned. Wish me luck... I'm dreading this. lol
I drove with my steps out too. The motor still works but tweaked the stairs pretty good. tough to bend back. I need to totally disassemble and grind the pivot rivets to take apart
As video idea add some led lighting to the steps instead of just the factory light. I was thinking of doing yellow led on the undercarriage . I appreciate the videos you make.
I cant believe i was the last person to comment a YEAR AGO , anyhow my step started to not go back all the way home ,, A good clean and lube did the trick ,,, Brian make a maintenance vid Buddy , Im sure people would be very happy to watch ,,
Thanks for the suggestion. I'm glad you got those steps in. I probably lube them a couple times a year (or as needed) when they start sticking a bit.
@@RVwithTito I found the sticky Bit was the rod right under the step the one with the bearings on it that runs side to side , I have always lubed the side pivots but had no idea there was a bearing carrier underneath ,, All good now ,,,, Love the Vids Brian Keep them coming mate
Rob NSW
Australia
Great video Tito (as usual). Looks like maintenance on the step (aside from replacing the motor) should be pretty easy as well. Thanks for the tips.
It is. Even replacing the motor is pretty easy.
Great education video, just what the doctor ordered now I can fix mine.
Great. Good luck.
Thank you once again for great information. Be safe with your family.
Thank you, I will
Thank you for posting this video! I think I can repair my steps now. Great video!
You got this. The hardest part is crawling underneath 👍
Love the ending! Very helpful thanks for the info!
Glad it was helpful! haha. I forgot about that ending. Had to re-watch it :)
Thank you for the patient clear instructions! Safe travels!!
You're welcome Raymond!
Well, that's one way to reduce the amount of weight you carry around! Good job on the repair!
Very true. That block of wood was pretty heavy. About two gallons of water heavy.
You did a great job with this video. Good narrative and very good c amera work. Thanks for helping us all.
That's a good job, I'll have to do the same to my 2008 Jamboree. It has the same problem, Thankyou very much for the information.
Thanks Tito. Very helpful and great presentation.
You're welcome. Appreciate the feedback.
Thanks so much for the links. My problem was that the RV steps wouldn't stay down when switched off, when at the campsite. They kept going up every time the door was closed. With the links to the schematics you provided I found the problem: no 12V getting to the switch. Once I wired up 12V to the switch, the steps now stay down as they should when switched off.
That's great! So glad it helped you out.
Love the ending. Good vid.
That was outstanding! The best video I’ve seen.
Glad it helped!
Thanks brother mines all fixed and you helped!
Great to hear! Nice job.
Brian, the moto is a Ford drivers side power window motor. I think 79 or 80. Take it to your local auto parts
store and they can match it up. My motor was fine and ran perfectly. There is a clutch mechanism under where
those three bolts come out of. under there are three or four nylon bushing type looking things that are held together inside
that housing. A set of new ones cost $8.00. Those suckers fit in real tight. I had to press them in with a bench vise.
The Ford window motor is around 50.00 Dorman #742-277 lift motor from AutoZone
Really? Good to know for next time. Thanks!
Sorry I couldn't of let you know ahead of time.
Good video. RVerUSA thanks you. 2016 Fleetwood Bounder 35K steps repair. Your vid helped.
Glad it helped you get it done.
@@RVwithTitoIt surly did. I actually made a video about it after seeing yours! Thanks!
You have a great sense humor Tito !😂😂
Very helpful video. I have the same issues on my new (old) 1993 Fleetwood Flair. I'm pretty sure it's the motor since the light works, but I'm not sure what the model is since I don't have any paperwork. I'd like to buy a replacement motor and tackle the repair. How do I know which replacement motor to buy? These steps clearly are pretty old. Thanks!
Thanks for this video, very helpful, love the ending my fellow Ragnarian..
You're welcome. Glad you liked it. Run, drive, sleep...maybe :)
Hi from the U.K. ,love you videos, The step on our camper van self closes when the ignition is switched on if we forget to close it, is that surely what the brown wire is for if it goes live when you start your RV.
Yes. I don't believe that has ever worked on my rig. It should be an easy thing to chase down and fix.
Friends are forever...
Thanks...I feel a tear coming on...maybe it's sap.
Love your videos, always very informative. This on had a funny ending. Thank You
Haha. Glad you enjoyed it.
Nicely done! Thank you.
You're welcome!
Kwikee makes crap! Thank you for an excellent demonstration on the Kwikee motor replacement.
One must make a sacrifice ,,,, Poor Log ! Great Vid
Great video.
My problem is. It stops working like every 6 months. I change the motor and it's good. I'm glad my motor is lifetime warranty.
Was the motor OEM? There have been negative reviews on Amazon purchased motors. Thanks
We all have that one huge piece of wood that has served as the block for our broken RV steps!
🙂 yes we do...yes we do
Thank you for the video! It was a big help!
This reminds me I need to do a fantastic fan install...
Doing yours, do you think its doable with a arm in a cast?
The trailers only a year old, so hopefully that means the crappy one isn't stuck to bad.
Non-removable screen...
What were they thinkin?
Hi. Can I use a 12-volt 5-amp home alarm battery to test?
Yup. Should work fine.
HI Brian, as always great video, quick question does the step work with the car battery or the generator power?
Nice ending Tito.
"Crunch" is never a good sound, is it?!?! Glad you got around to that to-do list item, Brian! But sorry to hear that "Woodie" has passed on. He was a trusty old friend... we're sure you have lots of great memories! 😉
Yes...Crunch is bad. Then again, it became an idea for a video....eventually :) So long "Woodie" :(
Sorry for your loss :)
Thanks. I appreciate it. He lead a life of purpose and was a real "stand up" log when needed.
Mine went out with the step up making it next to impossible to get to. Had to remove pin between the step and gear box which took 3 hours using 3 spring hooks to remove the cotter pin then punch out the pin. The motor is only $81 on Amazon.
In other words, if your motor in acting up change the it before it goes out.
That's a bummer. Glad you got it done.
I found the plastic gear that strips in the motor on Ebay. Type in RV step motor strip gear repair. The gear is $27.99. Free shipping. Ships from Texas. Question for Tito. What is the thickness of the two washers under the gear on the motor.
Don't know the actual problem, but mine occasionally sticks down. I keep a rubber hammer by the door. If it decides to not come up, I tap the motor once just as the door shuts. It only sticks if it's been in the down position for several days or weeks. That works for now!
A hammer and duct tape. What else do you need? :)
great ending
:)
looks like a wiz , mine is under a warranty and been waiting on the dealer to repair mine so i guess i will go ahead on this situation
Good luck Roy! It's a pretty easy repair.
The motor on ours failed about two weeks ago, contacted the manufacturer for the parts and they actually “goodwilled” me a motor at no charge! The gear on top of the motor striped out...
Oh golly...just what manufacturer treated you that well?
G Henrickson I have a coachstep on my motorhome manufactured by libbert components.. I also had a recall on the steps I wasn’t aware of but it was nothing that would effect the motor.
That's awesome and great to hear!
Good job Thanks
Glad you liked it!
"Farewell to a friend!!!!" hahahahaha Nice video.
Yes. A sad ending for sure. 😊
Loved the video...Surprise ending made me laugh. Thanks.
Haha. Great! Love it when I can make someone laugh :)
I bought the motor - didn't realize it didn't come with a new gear - and a new gear doesn't come on the gear linkage assembly... so I think the motor is fine - it's just the gear that is missing 70% of the teeth - where can I buy this one little part?
Not sure about buying just the plastic gear inside. Some folks just flip it around since it doesn't need all the teeth.
@@RVwithTito Thanks - the gear I needed ended up coming with the gear linkage assembly - so I replaced that entire part even thought it was just the gear I needed - (it was missing 75% of the teeth) Thanks for your videos! Been a great help in this update/remodel I'm doing.
@@Lex_Koncord That's great to hear. Glad you found the videos helpful. 👍
Good video, however you did not show the troubleshooting steps to determine that the motor was bad. On my steps they went in and out while on the road and now are frozen in the almost all the way open position.
does anyone have any trouble shooting suggestions, before i buy a motor. I will also try to get a copy ot the kwikee manualt might gibe the trouble shooting guide.
There is a nylon gear inside the gearbox on the motor assembly. The teeth on this gear mate with a metal worm gear on the motor shaft.
A common point of failure is the teeth on the nylon gear stripping off. A common cause for this is someone stepping on the step before the steps are all the way down and locked.
This is especially true with stair units with 2 or 3 steps because there is a slight pause when the steps are almost down and when they lock.
I just installed my 2nd replacement motor this week.
I will blame it on the dog because I know my lovely wife would not step on them too soon. ;)
Sure...blame it on the dog ;) Thanks for the info.
I assume you cannot buy the nylon gear...instead you must purchase the gearbox? So...Tito lucked out?
G Henrickson I have not found the gear sold by itself. That would be nice since that is all I needed. Now I have 2 perfect motors with only bad nylon gears. These motors are electric window motors. If a person could figure out the part number and get them at the auto parts store you could probably pay half what the RV shops charge.
After a little more research I discovered the nylon gear is called a window regulator gear plug. A company named Dorman seems to be a big supplier but finding the right unit might take some time. Even the entire motor/gear assembly had a different number since I bought the last replacement. It went from 214-1001 to 214-2001 just to confuse the issue.
Motor is standard ford window motor. Advance auto parts has exact replacement for $31.
Search for Dorman 752241 then the cheaper alternative. The Dorman is about $45 but pure plastic. The cheaper one has more metal and an exact replacement
Thanks for the tip. I've heard the same, but haven't tried it.
@@RVwithTito The older kwikee steps have a motor with metal case. The exact replacement is made by ACI window components # A83094
UPDATE: Here's a NEW VIDEO showing how to replace the gear assembly ruclips.net/video/LG6225zB0LU/видео.html and updated PARTS LIST www.rvwithtito.com/parts/rv-step.
Mine always extends when the door is open. What about hitting curbsides when parking next to the curb?
Yeah that can be a problem Shultzie. I suppose mine would do the same. I'd have to leave some room when parking curbside.
Rest In Peace Woodie a life well stepped.
Thank you.
He has better luck than me. 🤔 now me I would have kept that block because next week when the steps stop working again well you guys know where I'm going with this
LOL, I can't believe you waited two years to fix that. That doesn't sound like you. Great video and ending.
Yeah it's been one of those todo list items for a while. If the leap out of the RV had been higher, it would have been fixed sooner.
😂😂 love the ending!
Haha. Thanks.
Hahaha! You made me laff! The thing is my step is stuck in the OUT position so I need to fix it!
Why didn’t you fix the light ?
Nothing wrong with the light. The extra wire was for a remove light switch of some sort that I guess I don't have. The current goes on and off as expected.
I can't believe you threw the log on the fire😱
*LOL* You are a nut. :) Great job!
Great diy video...your the best tito..but don't let that go to your big head lol
You must have seen my baby pictures....giant head :)
ha nice
Nice video, great ending...lol thanks for the laugh
Hehe. RIP
why didn't you go ahead and replace the bulb with an LED since you were down there
I actually thought about doing that. Another time. I was considering replacing it with a blue LED light strip instead.
I didn't see that ending coming.
Whoop ... there it is :)
@2:38 "...alright Tito, what's goin' on?"
Wait a sec, I thought the RV's name was Tito. What *is* Tito?
@ 5:47 "the manual has a pretty good.......... step-by-step ......... process " ROTFL at the pun.
Hehe. I wondered if anyonw would catch the "step-by-step". Yes, "who is Tito?" Not me and not our RV. The name Tito goes back over a decade. It's the name given to the chubby dancing hula dude on the dashboard of our RV. Look closely in some of our videos and you'll see him. He goes where the RV goes, hence the name of our original blog RVwithTito. Many now call me Tito which is why Melissa called me that as a joke. My momma named me Brian.
You should patent that wooden step and call it Buns of Steel
Yeah. A little hard on the tush.
Happy wife happy life!!! LOL
My mantra
did you miss your log. rip
hope that wasn't a pressure treated 8x8!
Lmao 🤪😂👏🏾👍🏾 Great video
I can't believe you burned that perfectly good 4X6 block. A good wood bock can always be used for something. Great video otherwise !
Yes...that is how a full-timer ends up with...too much stuff.
6x8 actually and it had a story of its own that's about 25 years old.
Simulation theory
OMG how bad do you feel you toasted your buddy of 2 years lol
Still on mourning. Thanks for the reminder 😐