Entry steps
A guided diagnosis for RV techs. Each step is a check, a reading or a question.
- Power step complaint? Kwikee style steps have a control module with: red 12V, green ground, brown door switch, white override switch, yellow ignition. The door switch is a magnetic reed, normally open, 12V when the door is closed. Expect: 12V on red, good ground on green, 12V on brown with the door closed and 0 V open, 12V on yellow with the ignition on
- Does the control module have power and ground? Meter red to green at the module plug. Expect: 12 V red to green
Causes and repairs
Step fuse or feed
20 A fuse or breaker, usually near the battery or in the panel.
Tools: multimeter
Replace, then find out why it blew if it blows again.
Motor test
Disconnect the 2-wire motor plug. Battery positive to the motor's yellow and negative to red extends; reverse to retract. Motor runs: the module is bad. Motor dead: replace the motor.
Tools: jumper wires
Replace the failed part. A module that keeps motor voltage on after the step stops is also bad.
Won't retract on door close
The brown wire must go to 12V when the door closes (magnetic switch). Meter brown at the module with the door closed. 0 V: the door switch, its magnet alignment, or the wire. 12V: the module.
Tools: multimeter
Align or replace the magnet and switch. Check the override switch is not on (white wire 12V means override: step stays out with the door open).
Won't extend
The override switch off (white wire 0 V) keeps the step in. Door switch stuck closed (brown always 12V) also keeps it in.
Tools: multimeter
Override on. Meter brown with the door open: should be 0 V. Fix the switch or magnet.
Ignition override
Yellow must be on a circuit hot only with the ignition on. On a dead or wrong ignition feed the step stays out while driving. A yellow wire always hot keeps the step retracted.
Tools: multimeter
Meter yellow with the key off and on. Move it to a true ignition source. 6 A fuse.
Cam stops or linkage
Loose or mushy steps and steps that don't fully extend are the cam stops out of adjustment or worn bushings.
Tools: hand tools
Adjust the cam stops per the manual. Replace worn bushings and pins.
Dry linkage or tired motor
Grind and slow is dry pivots, salt, or a motor with worn brushes.
Tools: penetrating grease
Clean and lubricate all pivots. If still slow with 12V at the motor, replace the motor.