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Topic: Front step will not come down (Read 804 times) previous topic - next topic

Front step will not come down

Recently I shut my engine off and normally the front entry step would drop down until I would restart. well its stuck in the up position. This makes for a big first step. Any tips on an easy fix would be appreciated.
1995 U320 40', 2013 chevy sonic toad, my real love are corvettes have owned 30

Re: Front step will not come down

Reply #1 –
Apply a magnet to the switch at the screen door. Mine loses it's mind sometimes.
Mike & Molly Patronick
2001 U320 40'
2011 Forester

Re: Front step will not come down

Reply #2 –
After you check the door magnet and related wiring (as has been suggested) you need to check your shuttle valve/ Norgen valve that transfers an electrical signal to an air movement. It has a coil on top of it with wires  coming out. Make sure that the wire connector hasn't became unplugged. Take a Volt meter and check the connector to see if you are getting a signal when the door opens and closes or when you turn your key from off to the run position. Check the resistance on the coil to see if it is burned up.  If all this checks good then you may have to remove the valve and take it apart and clean the crud out of the little piston.  Now you are looking for a little square box mounted to the back of the step housing. Not only does it have wires coming out of it, it has several air lines connected to it.

Here is what you are looking for, one is the old version and the other is the new version they do the same thing. One operates the step cover and the other operates the outside step. As a side note the black ones are a lot simpler to work on that the aluminum colored ones.

Pamela & Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Front step will not come down

Reply #3 –
Thank you I'll crawl under and check things out. The pictures are very helpful.
1995 U320 40', 2013 chevy sonic toad, my real love are corvettes have owned 30

Re: Front step will not come down

Reply #4 –
With the ignition switch on and the door closed, (magnet close to micro switch) power (12V) should be applied to the solenoid valve.
energized coil = up
De-energized = down
With the ignition off there should be no voltage to the door switch.
sounds like the solenoid valve is stuck, you can turn the air off the valve by turning the regulator to 0 pressure, step should come down with very little help.
Dont ask how I know.......... 
Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota

Re: Front step will not come down

Reply #5 –
Quote from: joeszeidel –
Thank you I'll crawl under and check things out. The pictures are very helpful.

Make sure you block your air bags before you get under the coach.  Better to be safe then dead.
2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago

Re: Front step will not come down

Reply #6 –
Ours is probably different, but sometimes our step sticks up, too. Usually a nudge with a toe or heel will get it to flop open.

Re: Front step will not come down

Reply #7 –
During winter or rainy days I usually turn down the pressure on the AUX compressor and lift the step manually so it does not flood out with water or ice (in sc) ??

Hans

Hans & Marjet
1995 U300 "Ben" (#4719)
3176B Cat,4060HD,Jake
SKP#139131
Motorcade#17579
2006 Honda Element (towed)

Re: Front step will not come down

Reply #8 –
H & M, instead of doing all that work to get step into up position for rain and security why not go to the Beamalarm site and look under "Modifications" and you will see an article that explains how to simple wire the step switch so it goes up whenever you want it to. Good for nighttime so no one can stand on it and look in.
Very easy change.
JohnH
Coachless, now use aircraft. 2003 Ford Travelair TC280 class C. Super shape. Just for 1 yr .
1994 Ford E350 ClassC,total renovation inside and out. Now sold.
2000 U295  36' Cummins 350 c/w Banks Stinger, Resonator upgrade,Solar, LED lites.Residential fridge with slide out pantry. Build 5674. Sold
ex 92 GV 022C ored Cummins. Sold
ex 95 GV240 cat 3116. Sold
2017 Mini cooper s & 2016 land Rover LR2 HSE  LUX.
jhaygarth@aol.com    SKP #130098
treat everyone as you would like to be.

Re: Front step will not come down

Reply #9 –
Thx John, I'll take a look at Barry's site and see how todo. !  :)

Hans
Hans & Marjet
1995 U300 "Ben" (#4719)
3176B Cat,4060HD,Jake
SKP#139131
Motorcade#17579
2006 Honda Element (towed)

Re: Front step will not come down

Reply #10 –
Thanks to all for your responses. Started coach today and step is working perfect. John I may wire in that switch. I like the idea of controlling the switch, especially at night. 
1995 U320 40', 2013 chevy sonic toad, my real love are corvettes have owned 30