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12 volt step power

May 22, 2015, 11:44:06 am

First an update.  Our air entrance step actuator stopped working due to the wires rusting off.  We thought a new or used actuator was in our future.  However, after cleaning the old contacts and soldering two pigtail wires, the actuator now works.  Sort of...
With air in the system, door closed and key in the on position the step does not close.  Seems we're not getting any 12v power to the actuator.. verified by a volt meter.  Using a small cycle battery as a 12v power source and connecting the actuator, the step does open and close.  So, somehow I'm not getting the necessary amperage? voltage? from the chassis system. 
Where do I look for a breaker?  A short in the system perhaps?  I've perused the 12v schematic and only get more confused. (my knowledge of electricity is somewhat limited..it still runs in circles right?)

Any help would be most appreciated.

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Re: 12 volt step power

Reply #1 – May 22, 2015, 12:53:38 pm

Bill,
On our '97 the front step gets it's power off the same breaker that feeds the relay that turns off the front TV when the ignition switch is on. This info is to help you find it on the print also if the TV relay works then you may have a broken wire somewhere down the line. This breaker is located on the breaker panel that is behind the kick panel in front of the passengers seat, or said another way the removeable panel just as you come in the front door to your right. The  breaker should be a 10 amp.

Pamela & Mike

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Re: 12 volt step power

Reply #2 – May 22, 2015, 02:04:17 pm

Thanks Mike (Pamela?) 
I'll take another look at the schematics. There seems to be two pages dedicated to the 12 volt side?

attached is the actuator after removal
BTW, I replaced all the air pressure controllers underneath the front when reinstalling the step actuator. 

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Re: 12 volt step power

Reply #3 – May 22, 2015, 09:12:22 pm

Bill,

Look on your B-2197 print that is where it is shown.  Old eyes big magnifying glass

Pamela & Mike

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Re: 12 volt step power

Reply #4 – May 23, 2015, 12:35:00 pm

Eureka! 
Found out the magnetic reed switch that the door activates is malfunctioning.  Found the breaker via the schematic (thanks Mike) and followed the hot to the magnetic switch.  Manually closed the circuit via a small wire & voila, the step worked.  Should be an easy replacement for around $10.  I even found a part number on the forum from NTE electronics. 

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