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Step Well Cover

December 19, 2015, 02:35:45 pm

I have a question about the mechanics (and electrics) of the sliding step well cover in our 1999 U320.  Our cover began malfunctioning some time ago. It would occasionally cycle uncommanded.  Also it would sometimes stop in the deployed position or partially deployed position.  since we never used the cover anyway, I eventually just disconnected the air line and plugged it. 

I have an air schematic which depicts the air step & slide cover.  However I could not locate the electric valve solenoid or trace the wires from the switches to the activator. 

My primary question is the location of a circuit breaker or fuse, also where is the solenoid. 

Thanks for any help. 

Richard

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Re: Step Well Cover

Reply #1 – December 19, 2015, 03:02:42 pm

Richard,

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.  This is known as your shuttle valve/ Norgen valve that transfers an electrical signal to an air movement.

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.
http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=25744.0;attach=34099
http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=25744.0;attach=34101

The breaker that feeds the step cover is hid behind the cover that is in front of the passengers seat. Or  said another way behind the cover that is to your right just as you come in the front door.  I don't have a print of a '99 with me but I think the breaker that feeds the step cover is #52.

Pamela & Mike

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Re: Step Well Cover

Reply #2 – December 19, 2015, 05:51:26 pm

Thank you Mike (or Pam), that is exactly what I deeded to know.  I will get up underneath the coach next time I have a chance and check this out. 

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Re: Step Well Cover

Reply #3 – December 19, 2015, 11:00:51 pm

I had a problem with the valve after FOT replaced it. The problem was that the electrical connection to the valve was not properly secured. The connection was "flaky." I disconnected the wire, properly dressed the connection, and put it back together. The step well cover has been much more reliable since I performed that repair.

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Re: Step Well Cover

Reply #4 – January 25, 2016, 04:20:47 pm

I had to replace the regulator for the step well cover to resolve a leak problem.

I still have some leakage and i think it might be coming from the air lines at terminate at the step well cover.

Is there a good way to view the air lines and cylinders? I assume i would have to remove the cover for access to this area.


jack

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Re: Step Well Cover

Reply #5 – January 25, 2016, 06:54:03 pm

You most probably are losing air from the end seal of the cylinder as this is a common problem and the cylinder on mine was none servicable so I put a NClosed air valve on the line behind step and activate by a switch every time we need the cover open or closed. This way there is no loss of air (leakdown) possible. I posted pics and info so do a search and you should see it all.
JohnH

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Re: Step Well Cover

Reply #6 – January 25, 2016, 11:01:36 pm

I read your info and looked at all the pictures.

Very helpful.

It's great having the Forum available. So much info and EXPERIENCE is priceless.


Thanks,

jack

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