Auto Steps Won't Retract

[JDSport]

I have a nearly new Greyhawk and a few weeks ago the steps stopped retracting (Auto Step Switch On) when I close the door. Every time I want them to come up, I have to use my foot to assist. Was wondering if anyone else has had that problem, and if there might be an easy fix? If not, I'll just have to add it to the list for the dealer to handle in the Fall.

[landinj]

I have had similar problems since my Greyhawk was new. Sometimes they won't either retract or extend fully. Regular lubricant on the hinge mechanism resolves for me.

[Jopopsy]

Have to do a lot more than the hinge.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYM7MDO730Q

[abarkl]

I was having to use my foot to help the steps fully retract on my 2008 Seneca until today after I replaced the motor.

[ChuckD37]

I had our steps go out and atay out when I was in Grand Perrier in Alberta, Can. Cost us nearly $500 to replace the step motor. That was the second time it happen. The first time was just for a few days, then it started working again. This time it didn't. It was done at the Jayco dealer. I was not happy with the way it was done so I would advise everyone to stay away from them.

[CarlB]

My first steps problem was random retraction which the dealer claimed was a loose fuse in the wiring bundle. Shortly after that was fixed, I got the motor grinding and needing a shove to go up issue. Rv shop said it was the motor and got it replaced under the manufacturer warranty, not the JAYCO Warranty.

[GrayHawk51]

So, the question is..... Is there anyway to disconnect the motor and push/pull the steps in/out manually?

S/
Rick

[che57vy]

I remember reading once that motor is a window motor from a auto

[abarkl]

Originally Posted by che57vy

I remember reading once that motor is a window motor from a auto

Most of them are and I just replaced mine with the OEM part from AM Equipment for $83 and saved the markup of Kwikee or Lippert.

[abarkl]

Originally Posted by GrayHawk51

So, the question is..... Is there anyway to disconnect the motor and push/pull the steps in/out manually?

S/
Rick

Most of Kwikee brand steps I have worked on have a main linkage connecting the motor/drive mechanism to the steps. Usually just one bolt and the steps move freely. They are very tricky to use when not bolted to the mechanism but move with little effort.

[cmswilly]

My 2016 Jayco Greyhawk Automatic Steps will not extend

[michael.g]

When our Greyhawk was about 4 or 5 years old, the steps would act up, like you mentioned. I took it to mean they needed to be lubricated. I'd spray all the joints down with White Lithium Grease and they'd work fine. Sometimes, I'd use my foot to help with the last inch or two when retracting.

That worked for a few years until the motor failed completely. It sounds like your motor is failing/failed. The replacement is very easy and the motor is pretty cheap. I bought it in April of 2017 for $65.20 from Amazon, I see it is now $83.81. Here's the motor I purchased: Kwikee Motor.

Here's a write up I did on RV.net after I replaced my motor.

-Michael

[1SGPETE]

Originally Posted by JDSport

I have a nearly new Greyhawk and a few weeks ago the steps stopped retracting (Auto Step Switch On) when I close the door. Every time I want them to come up, I have to use my foot to assist. Was wondering if anyone else has had that problem, and if there might be an easy fix? If not, I'll just have to add it to the list for the dealer to handle in the Fall.

Ours did the same thing but we solved the problem with spray lub on all moving parts under the stairs.

1SG Pete

[jd99336]

My steps failed after two years. After chasing many potential issues (used the Lippert trouble shooting guide), I ultimately replaced the motor as the tech at Lippert said something like "90 percent of step failures is the motor".

He was right in this case.

Many times disconnecting the steps with the pin and cotter key is nearly impossible due to the tension (the motor controller senses the spike in power from the motor hitting the stop in either direction) on the arm placed by the motor.

The easy solution rather than beating the pin out (which I did on mine) is simply remove the 3 bolts (on mine) of the motor after unplugging the wire harness.

Pop on a new motor after greasing up the gears and ALL hinge points and you will be $100 lighter in the wallet and happier with working steps. When I asked about what grease to use on the motor, the tech said "moly" I said I use Lucas Red Sticky grease he said "that's whats on my work bench". The hinges require a white spray grease but I forgot the recommendation on that.