Repairing a Kwikee RV Entry Step...Again

It's been awhile since we did an actual repair it feels. So today I'm back at the shop with a 2005 Jaco Greyhawk that has a poorly functioning and loud entry step. SPOILERS!! It's needs a new motor. But Join me as we discover that together and I ramble about other almost interesting step information.
Also, sometimes if the step is reversed, it's also possible the wrong door/magnet switch was installed.
Thanks for watching!
IMGL motor: amzn.to/3ektqZw
OEM kwikee motor: amzn.to/3RdVbkV
Controller: amzn.to/3qctFZr

[@Fix-it-tony]

Replaced a few of these gears, number one cause is someone stepping on the step before it’s fully extended.

[@GRTProductions]

After pulling the motor and gear assembly twice to fix the exact same noise, I wisely came to KZbin to see if anyone had posted about the issue. I will now come straight to your selection for solutions to my problems and save all the wasted time. After pulling the assembly again I pulled apart the motor worm gear and found the same worn out nylon gear. Thanks for your great video!!! From all of us DIY'ers out here, the information, great video shots and hands on approach you provide is a life saver of aggravation to all of us watching.

[@markdemedeiros3239]

James your videos are like attending rv technician school.....thank you for sharing....because of you I am becoming tech savy.

[@anthonyb2334]

My step just went out 8 days ago while on the road. I have a year old Winnebago. Mine didn’t have the gear arm as you show but has what I call a “drive gear” that the motor turns. Similar concept, and the motors themselves and the three bolt removal /install was the same. The motor was oriented differently but essentially, everything was as you described in your video. I was traveling from Phoenix to Oklahoma at the time and couldn’t find a place with the motor. Found on Amazon, shipped to a friend in Texas who was kind enough to meet me 4hours from his home. Fixed in about an hour for a first time try, in a campground. Going to carry a spare from now on. Pretty simple now that I’ve done one. Thank you again

[@AZExpert]

Awesome!!

[@2manytoyz123]

I bought our Class A used. Our nylon gear failed exactly like that one. Ordered a new assembly from Amazon. Easy swap. 4 years later, still works like new.

[@AZExpert]

Awesome

[@betweentherumblestripswithchri]

Great video. My step on the 2008 Phaeton 36qsh started operating backwards. Extending when the door closed and retracting when the door opened. I pulled the power and cycled the door then plugged the power back in. It worked properly after that except the override switch didn't make any difference on or off. Then out of the blue it started working. The first time my motorhome fixed itself. Yea !!

[@johnp.6770]

Don’t get me wrong, I am watching the videos for the repairs you do and this one is great. I have to admit though, can’t wait for the outtakes that you have at the end. Thank you for taking the time to do these and keep them coming.

[@AZExpert]

Glad you like them

[@jancash2944]

very good video with lots of good information keep up with the good work!

[@AstrologerJoe]

As always, nice job James!! Thank You!👍

[@gereshomeE]

A really great and informative video! I'm making notes and copying the Part No's. THANK YOU! ☺ PLEASE MAKE MORE!

[@gregmoore3420]

Fantastic information as always.

[@marychristie6194]

I found that to be interesting-Even if I didn’t fix it myself, it was good to see where it is and how it was all put together 😀🚌🇺🇸

[@amyhicks4207]

Thank you, exactly what I needed!

[@gaylen8467]

Good to see you again James

[@AZExpert]

LOL Thanks

[@jaybird836]

Yota tech, excellent bro , could not get info on gear assembly, shim pin and missing drive gear. Video helped identify assembly and parts missing

[@AZExpert]

Glad it helped

[@philw7174]

Good to know. Thank you James. Happy trails!

[@AZExpert]

Any time!

[@nosdehgan4401]

I have the same system on my RV which is need some lubrication. thanks for the video. You are the Best. Thanks

[@Jonnydeerhunter]

Yep as soon as I heard that noise I said "Gearbox". I've had to work on many devices with plastic gears in the gear box... They crack and/or lose teeth and always sound similar. Thanks for sharing!

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@TerrydeAlaska]

I've watched many many youtube videos on these Kwikee steps and how to trouble-shoot them, and I have to say how delightful it is to come back to your videos ( I watch them regularly). You give us all the insider tips on how to work on these steps and I really appreciate the great information. Mine, were not extending and it ended up being the motor worm gear was all corroded and the brushes and the commutator were all dirty and burned up and the motor wouldn't turn. A little sand paper, wire brush and some new grease and it all worked fine. The steps still clang and bank when they go in and out...I think maybe they were hit at some point and I have to figure out why...Thanks again for all the great content you put out...

[@MattLesak]

Thanks again for making these videos. Just replaced mine in my old Fleetwood. I was the cause of the issue when I was impatiently stepping on the steps while they were extracting.

[@shnobi24]

I don't own an RV of any kind, but I thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@jud2820]

Really appreciate your take on repairs, especially in this video. Wouldn't you look at what you have pulled apart to see how it came apart (I always do) so you can ensure you are reassembling motor/transmission drive/dowell pin etc exactly as you took it apart?

[@lorrieleaver2447]

Fascinating just to watch your videos and learn more about the smaller repairs that we can all do. Thank you James and please keep them coming. I think you would make a brilliant teacher in RV repairs and maintenance and I’m sure your classes would be full. It’s the kind of specialty that is much needed weather you end up employed or run your own business on the road. It’s an ever increasing demand. Even if you did one day per week I’m sure it would be a huge success ⭐️😊💫

[@AZExpert]

Thanks!

[@MaryWehmeier]

Husband is about to start this repair this week. Thanks James

[@AZExpert]

Awesome!!

[@lawrencebest9943]

I love watching these videos

[@AZExpert]

I love when you watch them!

[@timmysrvlife]

What a coincidence, I just troubledshooted my step according to your previous video. And here comes another one. Luckly, for me it was just a loose wire connection. Thanks for the info.

[@MudDuck]

My 98 HR Endeavor has the same step. Mine broke a week ago. In my case, the actual arm that connects to the stair broke at the connection to the motor. It had broken before & last owner welded it back on. Replaced it for 90 bucks in parts. easy job.

[@AZExpert]

Awesome

[@mikeuva2273]

i used a 92 ford taurus drivers side window motor i just changed a couple different things from old and worked great thanks nice video

[@fortdolan]

I just had the same situation. I bought everything as I wasn’t sure what the problem would be. Troubleshooting led me exactly as you went. It seems that one nylon gear is the sacrificial weak link point in the mechanism. Our failed/stripped when the steps got jammed on a dog ramp during retraction. I’ll keep an extra motor assembly in my parts box just in case 👍😉

[@KPCKeysDIYBuild-Install-Fix]

When I first found you on the net James, I was looking to repair a step motor that was acting up. I found your original video then about how to take it out and clean it and put it back together. I did that but it only worked a few times. So, I decided I had to replace the motor, and that took care of the problem. It's interesting to note that the price for that motor has a crazy range. I found that motor listed for over $100 and everywhere in between down to the $40 that I paid from an eBay supplier. I believe it to be a simple motor and people are being raked over the coals in some cases. I've landed back at this repair because I'm trying to diagnose a problem with the step switch. The steps go in and out constantly no matter what position the step switch is in. I have had this problem before and found that the wire coming to the switch had no power, which it needs to tell the steps to stop coming in, I guess. Like you said, it's kind of confusing. When the step switch is “on”, (set to extend/retract each door movement) there should be 0v at the controller. When switch is “off”, there should be 12v. Well, I could never find a bad fuse for the life of me, so I tapped into another nearby wire and fed the switch, and it solved it. But now the problem is back. I’ve checked the switch’s continuity and the power from my tapped supply wire, both still fine. Still haven’t gotten it figured out. Btw, as a temporary solution (permanent soon if I give up), I made a small thin metal shield device that I place over the magnet when in camping mode but must remove it later. The door switch seems like the master when everything is working as it should (steps go out any time the door is opened, whether ignition is on or not). The ignition switch will no longer override it when I use my cheat device so I could probably drive away unwittingly. I probably will. Thanks for the repair vids. It’s the reason I keep coming back. I’m relatively certain that my repair would be done by now if you were on it!

[@user-cu1qu1fi4c]

Awesome video! Mine was making the same noise. Thanks to your troubleshooting. I was able to disconnect power to motor, remove three screws drop motor. Install new motor. Reconnect motor and Voila the steps only went halfway up. After some cursing. I cycled the motor/steps a few more times and "Success"!!! Thanks again!

[@DavidHBurkart]

Excellent!

[@stewartdunkley4108]

Great video James but 6 months to late for me! My 2004 Super C uses a similar Kwikee 2 step that was very rusted out and had stopped working so I priced out a new one...ouch!!! A friend sold me an old Hobart welder for $50 and for a $150 worth of steel and paint I rebuilt them. Turns out the motor and logic controller were good but a bad wire in the Packard connector was the culprit. Quite a journey but satisfying to to fix it!! Thanks for all the informative videos!

[@cwshumate914]

Thank you for sharing.

[@TrailToughTrailers]

The outtakes are "real" funny.... thanks James for showing us bot sides of the videos.

[@ernieb3626]

thanks for the lube points. I did a "in the field" repair on a broken bolt that goes into the step. the one with washer. Im going to need ot replace steps due to hole being oblong. Thanks as always James. God Bless ya

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@frankshiffer588]

I waited, and you addressed my question. I replaced a quikee step, and it works the opposite; close the door it opens, open the door, it retracts. So, I simply need to rewire the motor. Reverse the two motor wires and an easy fix. Many thanks.

[@AZExpert]

Awesome

[@stevegordon5243]

Thanks for the great, informative video! Now I know where to grease my squeaky power step!

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@ianrobinson4501]

That’s interesting to know how the steps work but I am happy that we have a manual pull out step no maintenance

[@AZExpert]

Just some grease

[@Maidendg]

Saved the video for when I get to fixing my steps doing a loud thump thump thump at the end of each cycle. I figure its the plastic gear from what I've been reading but I won't know until I investigate, could be that pin you mentioned that might be missing. I plan to turn the gear 180 degrees if it hasn't been done already by the previous owner if it is the plastic gear.

[@AZExpert]

Awesome

[@lindanadaud9698]

Thank you for the video.

[@thewiseguy3529]

That neoprene gear does that when people are stepping on the stairs while they're still moving. The metal worm gear strips the plastic neoprene gear... That's the only thing holding the stairs in place while in use, is the motor assembly. Take the motor out and the stairs flop around! ✨

[@burtbicksler1676]

We had an interesting issue with our Kwikee Evolution step on our 2018 Winnebago Vista. It was working fine but then started skipping when extended until the controller timed out. Got an after market motor (and gear assy) and that worked for about 10 cycles of the entry door. Got a warranty replacement on that motor, but the replacement immediately was skipping on full extension. Checked the voltage and all grounds. Everything was fine, batteries fully charged. Talked with Lippert and they said while rare maybe it was the controller. The tech said that they look for a specific stall current for the controller to shut off motor power. Got a new controller and still had the same issue. For good measure got a new OEM motor but same issue. Checked the current on the motor on extension and found that it was just under the trip point for the controller. What I wound up doing was designing a secondary controller and installed a limit reed switch. The controller wakes up when the steps are extending and when the limit switch trips that causes a high current relay to remove power from the motor. The controller will time out and completely remove power from the secondary controller. This only happens on extending the steps, retracting is no issue. I have a theory on why this happens based on how the plastic gear is cut, but it is only a theory. None of the gears in the motors were worn. So unless you can think of something that I've missed I'll stick with my added controller which also takes strain off the plastic gear by killing power as soon as the step is fully extended and locked. It's worked fine over the last 3000 miles of travel.

[@rickmadsen2607]

Great video, keep in mind that , if you were under there and the wind blew the door shut it could close on you

[@badgerpa9]

But none of that really matters because it was still educational, lol.... Irritates me seeing the factory left all the Tywraps and did not trim them. Stay safe and healthy James.

[@rickc9873]

Great explanation Need you in NY My steps are 2 years old and bronze bushing is flopping around and wearing the steel plate. The steps chatter and don’t go in or out, they are loose and dangerous. Lippert May owner the 2 year warranty, waiting to hear back. Thanks

[@LadyMarie880]

Thankyou

[@AZExpert]

You are very welcome

[@addidasnwc]

Great tips and excellent video. My question is, I changed my gear box and controller to the newer style. My unit is 2001 model. Everything works great, except now 6 months later the Yellow lite doesn't come on at all. What could be the cause? I have changed the bulb Thanks James

[@johnstephens1965]

Hello. I’ve see that in power feeds on mills. Same gear systems and possibly cheap plastic. I always looked for a better plastic parts if I could find one.

[@dieterlange7581]

I have the same steps every once in a while I start the motorhome to drive and my steps don't go in . Other than that they work great. I pull the pin release pressure on linkage put back together and it works good until the next time it happens. Any tips. 👍🇺🇸. Nice video

[@rickbakker6603]

That helped

[@mikemerrill175]

One of the rivets fell out of mine. I was able to find it, pull the whole assembly, replace & peen the rivet, paint it and reinstall. Success😊. Next trip, the motor quit. Ugh 😰

[@bobstern7827]

I have been diligently lubing my steps every month for over 6 years. Now I find out I wasn’t lubing the important part ! Steps froze halfway out last week. Shop said it was the controller if I recall the term correctly.

[@mikeinsanediego]

Id like to know if theres a brighter solution for the light underneath...like a clear lens and bright led option

[@ThePeopleVerse]

The connector you hooked up at 10:05 in the video....from the motor to the step, do you have a resource for one? I just watched an older video of yours and asked the same question, but in this one, you actually put your hands on the part of which I speak. Mine split in two. Thanks

[@kalypso331]

we are having much trouble pulling the plug out of the motor. you made it look so easy, what is the trick to pulling the plug that powers the motor? is there a clip that must be squeezed? ours is only about 3 yrs old..

[@BruceOnLocation]

Great video! I have a Tiffin Allegro Open Road 2014 34TGA will it work on mine? Thanks

[@mikelehne4886]

The metal plate you lifted out to get the plastic gear, it had a square center. Do you know where I can find one like that? The motor I have has rounded that hole which makes the motor useless. I have ordered a new motor but if I fix this one I will have a spare. Thanks for the great video.

[@iswhatitis2744]

Hi, I hope all is well

[@JamesSmith-hx3lp]

I have a question, my 2019 Georgetown G5 has a 3 step electric step the problem just started, before when I turned the M/H motor off and took the key out of the ignition and opened the door the steps would go out and stay without pushing the door control switch in either position. Now it goes in and out no matter what position the switch is or the key is in or out of the ignition. I did check the switch it tested ok. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

[@markfoss4402]

Need your advice, my steps seem to extend too far and I don’t see any stops to adjust or is it possible that somebody changed an arm that is too long?

[@RebeccaRaven]

So the worm gear was chomping up that nylon gear? Sounds like it took a while with a little damage for a while to get that far. What would be the first indication? Stuttering?

[@jdright1157]

What do you think was like cause of the worm gear grinding off the teeth of that plastic gear? Everything seemed to move freely with no binding? Someone/bored kids riding the steps in or out?

[@VideoByPatrick]

How long is that long/width of that pin that holds the arm ?

[@KevinCoop1]

We have same step. Couldn’t get to middle position. So hard to put pin out. Step was stuck extended. Found it was bad controller.

[@AZExpert]

Glad you found the issue

[@MitchellReportsInvestigations]

This maybe very simple but how do you disconnect the power connection to the motor (two wire)? I’m concerned about breaking the plastic clips, so any help is much appreciated. Always, love the videos.

[@diesylone]

Hi! My step stopped working after I took the chassis battery out to recharge it, should it have worked on the house battery or shore power or is it normal?

[@divadyrdnal]

Everything on an RV is “just” strong enough…with replacement parts cost so expensive one would think they would be better/stronger than the original that failed. Nope, one more opportunity for them to sell the same inferior parts for top dollar. Yes I have had to change both motor assembly and controller.

[@excavator1987]

Labor Day weekend and that nice beaver motorhome just sits there ?

[@stevest.martin3940]

I’ve replaced my step motor 3 times in my 16 Tiffin Allegro

[@stuartpulvermacher6861]

whoever worked on the wiring under that rig should have trimmed all hose zip tie ends off kinda looks a little sloppy thats one of my pet peeves oh well thanks for the video

[@gereshomeE]

I have been thinking the same thing about the Kwikee steps and other RV related "workmanship"!?

[@jaimelopez3991]

Question! Once the motor is out for check up or replacement, do you need to know exactly what position of the motor rotor versus gear mechanism was before taking this part out or will the controller do it for you? Reason I’m asking is that I figured the controller was faulty and I replaced it but now the steps don’t close completely . What to do? Thanks

[@TimothyMichaels]

Class A video on a Class C RV

[@AZExpert]

LOL

[@rubdirtonit6734]

I noticed your power ratchet has some sort of torque setting ability. What do you set that at? Or is it always the same ?

[@jimposey8848]

Thanks great video for us rv dummy’s

[@AZExpert]

LOL You're not a dummy if you are trying to learn

[@jrrollison597]

My steps just started doing what you showed in this video . I took the motor apart like you showed sure enough plastic gear was stripped . I ordered a gear box before watching this video. The gear box had two teeth at one end damaged so needed to do that too . I ordered a new Am motor so should be a piece of cake . Here is my question is there always a shim or 2. New gearbox, the picture shows it came with two shims. First one came with no shims re-ordered It didn’t come with any shims either. New motor no shims . Do you always need shims . Is it just basically a thick washer ? Looking for advice before putting back together . Thank you you videos are great I am now a subscriber

[@fredvaldez5927]

my Kwikee step stopped working on my 2002 Newmar Mountain Aire. Trying to troubleshoot but wanted to ask...is that light underneath suppose to be on when there is power to it? I noticed the light on mine doesn't come on so maybe check fuse? thanks again for sharing you knowledge, i love watching your vids...Fred

[@AZExpert]

No only when the door is open and the wall switch is on

[@fredvaldez5927]

@AZ Expert thanks, I will check for that...I believe it was open and switch on which is why I noticed light on in your vid while mine never came on

[@rgamore]

Smiley, That plastic gear is the sacrificial a-not, any material stronger would cause other damage. You should tell your viewers that maintaining the step pivot point with lube makes a big difference. And yes, stepping on the step before is fully extended causes problems. DON"T BE IN SUCH A BIG HURRY WANTING TO GET OUT OF YOUR RV>>>>

[@moegeek]

I can imagine that “simple” does not necessarily mean “inexpensive”.

[@ImpalamansGarage]

Motor clutch too tight causing plastic gear wear ?

[@bigtimeLL]

What would cause steps to stay out even with the engine running? Maybe the door switch thinks the door is open?

[@AZExpert]

fuse, door switch, motor, controller

[@NoelBarlau]

Amazing how something you could do in your sleep is literally impossible for many otherwise fully functioning and competent adults, isn't it?

[@AZExpert]

LOL

[@Patty747]

Why does the step look uneven? The left side has a wider gap than the right side.

[@AZExpert]

eye trickery

[@ragemonkey3163]

that worm gear assembly inside the motor is nylon and it's trash. Jamming the steps a half dozen times is enough to destroy the teeth. That's what causes this problem. Replacing the motor is trivial for $40. The gearbox would be $300 if broken.

[@thewiseguy3529]

I just paid $40 for a brand new "china made" motor exactly same application for my 1997 motorhome.

[@Kls1972sm]

PRO FESS A NAL...S I R...

[@CAROLUSPRIMA]

I suppose anything, even differential calculus, is easy if you know how to do it. But I swear, if faced by what would be simple fixes for James and perhaps some reading this comment, I wouldn’t know whether to scratch my watch or wind my a$$.

[@Yukonjackman1]

Can you just buy the gear ?

[@terson55]

Plastic gears... grrrrr

[@flexjay87]

Common theme on gear driven anything in modern times, is plastic gears to make it quiet. Once again, a marketing idea failure.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@warrenhughes1267]

THIS IS WHY i DON'T TRUST MACHANICS, A TWO DOLLAR PLASTIC GEAR WOULD HAVE FIXED IT JUST AS WILL AS A TWO HUNDRED DOLLAR RIP OFF.

[@robertmethia7080]

if it doesnt matter why talk about it

[@stana2z]

Metal gear on a Plastic gear. What kind of idiots are designing these things?