mediakingpin
Dallas, TX
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Joined: 07/02/2012
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My RV has automatic steps that kick out and retract. When they're retracting, what tells the motor to stop turning when the steps get up to their resting position? I don't see any sort of mechanical switch. Is it a load sensor detecting when the motor hits the end of the run and stops spinning?
My Kwikee steps have taken to NOT stopping when they get fully retracted. The steps go in and out perfectly fine, but when they retract, it gets all the way up and then goes "KACHUNK, KACHUNK, KACHUNK" a few times as the motor keeps on turning and doesn't disengage for several seconds.
I replaced the controller module, but that didn't change anything. The problem must be in the motor or the gear box, or both I guess.
It has an AM 214 series motor and Kwikee's "A" gearbox. I haven't taken those off yet. I guess the next step would be to yank both of those off of there and take them apart and find out what's stripped or slipping or whatever. Any idea where I can get just the gears, assuming that's what I find to be the problem? The motor works great. I'd hate to throw it out just because it has one bad gear.
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wa8yxm
Wherever I happen to park
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Joined: 07/04/2006
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Kwikee (In fact all the Attwood, family) tends to use a load sensor in the controller.. As the motor runs, the nature of motors is such that it bucks the flow of current through the coils.. But when the motor stalls out (due to the steps hitting the stops) the motor stalls, this causes a great increase in current flow, and the controller says "DONE"
Your problem is a stripped gear more than likely, thus the motor never stops. It keeps turning as the steps bounce in and out.. I stess however THIS IS A GUESS (Based on having torn mine down a time or two but still it is a guess).
Nothin adds excitment like something that is none of your business
Kenwood TS-2000 housed in a 2005 Damon Intruder 377
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harleyman1340
Marietta, Ga, US
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Joined: 03/31/2004
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When the steps reach the end of it's travel the voltage of the motor spikes tyring to keep the motor running, when the control module "see" this voltage spike the control module stops flow to the step motor. Sounds like the "bushings" in your motor are bad. I have SCS steps and had the same problem, I wound up replacing the motor with a automotive power window motor.
You might want to look at this bushing replace kit
Sonny, Anita and Phoebe
2005 Mountain Aire 4304
2005 F150 Crew Cab Toad
2009 Harley Ultra Classic
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Kilgorehorn
KILGORE,TX,US
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You have a stripped gear. I had the same problem and was able to extend the life about a year by taking the large aluminum gear off of the shaft and rotating it 180 degrees to get good teeth to contact.
You can not buy replacement gears or the gear assembly. You have to buy an assembly that includes the gears and a new motor and it is about $315.00.
2000 Gulfstream Scenicruiser 39'
2011 Ford Flex
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2008 Yorkie
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07Ambassador
Venice FL
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Just had the same problem a week ago. It sure sounds like the gears are stripped. Took mine apart and the ground up pieces fell out. Ordered a new motor and gear box assembly from Stromberg Carlson, $199.95 plus shipping. Installed the new motor and gear box problem gone.
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rad valve
In the woods
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Kilgorehorn wrote:You have a stripped gear. I had the same problem and was able to extend the life about a year by taking the large aluminum gear off of the shaft and rotating it 180 degrees to get good teeth to contact.
You can not buy replacement gears or the gear assembly. You have to buy an assembly that includes the gears and a new motor and it is about $315.00.
It also can be the plastic gear inside the power window motor.
http://store.amequipment.com/214-series-........?osCsid=eb563a67921440792af9f12e5ee2d0e2
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What Next
Northern IL
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It is the motor, stripped gear. The previous post had the right idea I could not get his link to work , trythis Then go to step motors mine cost about $53. If link does not work go to AM Equipment dc motors.
2008 Southwind 32v
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Dale.Traveling
Newport News, VA
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The bull gear on my steps stripped out last year. It's the weak link in the system. Best source I found for Kwikee parts was PPL for availability and price. Around $100 for a complete gear box for my double step. Watch your fingers when working on the steps. There’s a lot of torque in the motor when the steps are moving.
2006 Hurricane 31D aka 'Moby' the Whale
FCC(SW) US Navy Retired 1980-2003
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Flyfisherman128
Broadalbin, NY
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Joined: 08/09/2005
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x2 on AM Equipment my replacement was $26. For motor and gear assembly. Took less than 5 minutes to put in. It is important to lube all the movable parts. I use Kwikilube. Something like $12 per can. Theres probably cheaper products but they recommend it. I bought a can I lube every month or so and the can is 3 years old. No problem with the steps yet.
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LVJ58
Las Vegas, Nevada
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rad valve wrote:Kilgorehorn wrote:You have a stripped gear. I had the same problem and was able to extend the life about a year by taking the large aluminum gear off of the shaft and rotating it 180 degrees to get good teeth to contact.
You can not buy replacement gears or the gear assembly. You have to buy an assembly that includes the gears and a new motor and it is about $315.00.
It also can be the plastic gear inside the power window motor.
http://store.amequipment.com/214-series-........?osCsid=eb563a67921440792af9f12e5ee2d0e2
Mine did the same thing so I replaced it last month, stripped teflon primary gear. Went ahead and replaced whole assembly for $169. Got parts from local RV dealership.
Works great now..
Jim & Sherry Seward
Las Vegas, NV
2000 Residency 3790 V-10 w/tags & Banks System
2003 Suzuki XL/7 toad
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