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Xtreme steps won't extend - fixed!

August 04, 2012, 06:00:02 pm

Turned the ignition on to check fuel level. Door was closed. Steps retracted. Turned the ignition off. Steps stayed retracted. Opened the door. Steps stayed retracted. Tried the override switch. No joy.
Previous owner had Xtreme do the step upgrade in 2009. Searched the forum and found the thread which included posts from Michelle describing their Xtreme conversion. Had no manual so went to the Kwikee site and downloaded the manual for the 42 series step.
So, now I have the manual which includes the Kwikee trouble shooting procedure. First step seems to be to order/find/buy a 4-way connector/pigtail. Before I do this and go through the whole process, is there something simple I am overlooking? I've tried starting and stopping the engine, and tried both positions of the override switch with the door open and door closed.
Thanks

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Re: Xtreme steps won't extend

Reply #1 – August 04, 2012, 06:31:25 pm

I can ask James tomorrow when I see him if you have not figured it out. He might be able to give you some help on monday morning or Rance might.

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Re: Xtreme steps won't extend

Reply #2 – August 04, 2012, 06:44:38 pm

I sounds like the controller thinks either the ignition is still on or that the door is closed.

The steps are wired to ignition hot and use a magnet at the door frame (look for a white/beige plastic pair thing at the lower hinge side) to detect open/close.  Check the magnet and the wiring to the fixed piece as a start.

Also confirm that the ignition is all the way off and not still in first/accessory position.

Michelle

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Re: Xtreme steps won't extend - fixed!

Reply #3 – August 04, 2012, 09:08:48 pm

Based on Michelle's suggestion, took a magnet and pressed it against the white magnet fitting on the door frame. Closed the door, steps stayed out. Started the coach, steps retracted. Stopped the coach, opened the door, steps extended.

A wonderful simple solution but not sure what happened. Perhaps the controller got confused and the external magnet "rebooted" it? In any event, a magnet is added to my tool kit and a Kwikee 4-way connector/pigtail is being ordered from Tweetys.

Many thanks.

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Re: Xtreme steps won't extend - fixed!

Reply #4 – August 04, 2012, 09:26:42 pm

Mike,

There should be the sensor on the stationary frame and the magnet on the inside of the door - 2 pieces - that make up the door open/closed sensor.  Is the one on the door still there?  Perhaps it just needs realignment to the fixed sensor.

BTW - Glad it worked!

Michelle

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Re: Xtreme steps won't extend - fixed!

Reply #5 – August 04, 2012, 10:02:01 pm

Both sensors are still present. The one on the door was originally positioned so when the door closed the door mounted sensor was above the frame mounted sensor. It has obviously been adjusted so that when the door is closed the two sensors are side by side. In any event, both are stil present.
At this point, I'm afraid to touch the override switch. I'm happy just to have the steps extend and retract normally.
At some point will try the override, like to have the steps in when parked in a parking lot - would hate to have someone clip those steps. Had no idea they were so costly until I read earlier thread.

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