Steps work (when they get ready to).

[Mondoggie]

Ok, here's one for you. I have a 2019 Jayco Melbourne 24K motorhome. Recently my steps stopped working so, thinking I had a bad motor, I bought a new one. To test my new motor, I plugged it in and laid it on my RV steps then opened the RV door. The motor immediately engaged, ran through it's cycle, then stopped as it should. I then closed the RV door to see if the motor would retract, but nothing happened! I then started opening doors and flipping switches trying all the combinations I could think of, Door Open, Door Closed, Power step switch on, Power step switch off, RV engine on, RV engine off, New motor, old motor, gears connected, gears disconnected.
and with each step, I tried every combination of the above settings.
Not knowing what else to do, I sat on the tailgate of my truck and tried to think through my process. I've switched out step motors in the past with no problems, but this one had me stumped. Then, as I was pondering my situation, I suddenly heard the motor kick in and cycle through! And it's happened four or five times since. It just kicks in and runs when it's ready, with no prompting! What the Heck?
I should add that I don't have a voltage tester, but I can tell you that the amber step light under the RV has remained on and everything with he connection seems good.
Does anyone have any ideas?
Thanks!

[Shokyle1]

Just a thought do these have a door switch that maybe failing

[Camper_bob]

It could be the controller?

[don_kleinschnitz]

If this is the same as my step the step activation is controlled by a door magnetic switch and a magnet that is on the lower hinge side of the door frame.

My step started acting intermittent and I troubleshot the motor and controller deciding that it was an intermittent connection on the controller's input. I even started to get a new one from LCI.

Then I found that consistent with crappy Jayco assembly the door switch and its magnet were double back taped to the frame and had come loose.

A couple of mounting screws later and the operation of the step was stable again.

[msherw]

Yep. Carry some Gorilla double side tape with you for this very (but not only) reason.

Why did Jayco elect to use a taped mag switch? Because they didn't think we would notice nor care. But it is an easy fix.

[Mondoggie]

Thanks. I pulled the magnet from the frame and tried to activate the motor by placing it, then removing it from the door. Still no luck. Motor just seems to activate intermittently. I'll be going by the dealer in a few days and Ill have them take a look.
Appreciate the responses.

[Camper_bob]

If you get the chance, apply 12V directly to the motor (bypass the control module). If you get consistent operation out of the step, it's most likely the control module.