dougrainer
Carrolton, Texas
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thelazyl wrote:dougrainer wrote:thelazyl wrote:I had this exact same symptom last month. I lubricated the joints and it resolved.
I doubt that. IF the steps do NOT move lubing will not help. You had a symptom, but NOT the same fault. Doug
I don't want to stomp on the OP's thread .. but as a relative newbie I am hoping you will elaborate so I can learn. By "same symptom" I mean the steps would not move but I could hear a "clunk clunk" like they were trying to. I checked electrical connections and the door switches. I then lubricated the hinges and the problem resolved. That was 2 weeks ago and has been consistent since. In a few weeks we hope to start a long trip - is there another type of diagnostic you recommend?
Clunk Clunk is a totally different sound from Click Click![[emoticon]](https://forums.goodsamclub.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/biggrin.gif "biggrin") Obviously you had rusted linkages. The OP was hearing a tiny Click when the relay inside the control module sent power to the step motor. As you found out, Cleaning and Lubing the step linkages will keep the steps operating for years. Doug
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RambleOnNW
Pacific Northwest
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I had this problem with our Kwikee steps. The steps stopped deploying. The way to check it was to unbolt the motor, then open and close the door to see if the motor turns back and forth.
Ours did turn back and forth and the steps worked again after bolting the motor back in.
I concluded it was a lubrication problem and had been missing a joint. I keep the steps well lubed with Kwikee Kwik-lube and haven’t had a problem since.
2006 Jayco 28', E450 6.8L V10, Bilstein HDs,
Roadmaster Anti-Sway Bars, Blue Ox TigerTrak
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mikestock
Vestavia Hills, AL, USA
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Again. I'm 99% certain that the problem is not lub related. If it were I would see or hear the steps attempt to move. I do not. A lub problem is not a sudden failure in most cases. It had been only a few days since the steps were working perfectly with no rubbing or grinding associated with a lack of lubricant.
When I get time I will roll up onto blocks so I can check all the nasty looking wires and connectors. If this inspection doesn't expose a problem I will see if the motor is getting power when it is supposed to. Once the motor is disconnected I can test the armature and field circuits.
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DFord
Near St Louis, MO
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Let us know what happens after you smack the step motor with a hammer.
Don Ford
2004 Safari Trek 31SBD (F53/V10 20,500GVW)
'09 HHR 2LT or '97 Aerostar MiniVan (Remco driveshaft disconnect) for Towed vehicles
BlueOx Aventa II Towbar - ReadyBrake Inertia Brake System
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RambleOnNW
Pacific Northwest
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mikestock wrote:Again. I'm 99% certain that the problem is not lub related. If it were I would see or hear the steps attempt to move. I do not. A lub problem is not a sudden failure in most cases. It had been only a few days since the steps were working perfectly with no rubbing or grinding associated with a lack of lubricant.
When I get time I will roll up onto blocks so I can check all the nasty looking wires and connectors. If this inspection doesn't expose a problem I will see if the motor is getting power when it is supposed to. Once the motor is disconnected I can test the armature and field circuits.
I thought the same thing too, there was no noise. But the controller has an over-current protect so it will not supply unlimited current to the motor if the steps are jammed. My experience was exactly the same, the steps worked perfectly, then they didn’t.
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mikestock
Vestavia Hills, AL, USA
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As usual, another conundrum. The motor looks like nothing I've encountered before. I would love to tear into it but that would be looking the gift horse.... I finally ran the front end up onto blocks so I could get under it. I checked the power source, tapped on the motor and it worked. I went ahead and lubricated all the joints. I cycled it over and over but it continued to work perfectly. I'm sure there's a dead spot in the motor but we'll continue, as is until it fails again. Guess we'll keep a step stool handy.
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dougrainer
Carrolton, Texas
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mikestock wrote:As usual, another conundrum. The motor looks like nothing I've encountered before. I would love to tear into it but that would be looking the gift horse.... I finally ran the front end up onto blocks so I could get under it. I checked the power source, tapped on the motor and it worked. I went ahead and lubricated all the joints. I cycled it over and over but it continued to work perfectly. I'm sure there's a dead spot in the motor but we'll continue, as is until it fails again. Guess we'll keep a step stool handy.
If you look at it, replacing the motor is easy when the steps are extended. The Motor WILL FAIL again and odds are it will fail when retracted, making it a chore to hopefully get it to operate to extend to replace the motor. Get a new motor and have it handy when the motor fails again. Doug
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mikestock
Vestavia Hills, AL, USA
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Doug, You're probably right. It will likely fail again. I would like to take it apart and see what I can see but don't want to without another one handy. I see what you mean about the difficulty in removing the motor with the steps up.
Looks like I can get one for just under $100 with shipping, etc.
I'm just about to spend $2800 to repair sun damage to the driver's side where the afternoon sun hits. We really need to sell out. My wife's health is making it difficult to travel far from home but she is determined to hold onto it. Between storage cost, taxes, insurance, and these constant problems it is hardly worth it but it keeps her happy knowing it's there. See PM.
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DFord
Near St Louis, MO
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A search for Dorman 742-206 on RockAuto returns Dorman 742277 as the current replacement. You'll need to cut the wires on both motors and put the old connector on the new motor with some butt splices. The motor itself is held in with 3 bolts. Easy swap.
RockAuto Listing for Dorman 742277 Window Lift Motor
https://www.rockauto.com/info/42/742-277-010__ra_p.jpg
![[image]](https://www.rockauto.com/info/42/742-277-010__ra_p.jpg)
Topic: Replacement motor for Kwikee steps
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mikestock
Vestavia Hills, AL, USA
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Great find. That is less than half the price from eTrailer. Looks like the armature shaft might be different. Sounds like you did the repair yourself. Is the shaft the same as the one you removed or did that issue have to be addressed? If the wiring harness is the only difference that won't be a problem.
I took pictures of the labels today. I'll have to go back and get more information and pictures tomorrow before I order it. Looks like I could maybe swap armatures if necessary, but that may mean I'm bringing the old problem along, to the new motor.
* This post was
edited 04/14/20 09:02pm by mikestock *
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