47 Series Operation Manual Page 3
If the step does not work or operates erratically, such as extending part way and shutting 'off,'
the first item that should be checked is the vehicle’s battery. Low supply voltage may cause
erratic operation of the step. Poor ground connections may also cause erratic operation of the
step. Check battery voltage and condition. A battery in good condition and properly charged
will have a no load voltage of approx. 12.6 volts. Check the voltage at the battery and at the
four-way connector at the control unit. Insure that all battery and step control unit connections
are clean and secure. Recharge or replace the battery as necessary and retest the step for
proper operation.
The step may also operate erratically if the step is being operated directly from a converter,
and the output from the converter is not adequate or properly filtered for clean DC voltage. The
converter must be capable of producing a minimum of 30 amps for proper step operation.
If the ground to the control unit is lost, either between the step control unit and the vehicle
chassis (the long green ground wire) or between the vehicle battery and the ground (negative
battery cable) the step will not function. Make sure the battery terminals and all wire
connections are clean and tight. Verify that all wires meet the minimum requirements specified
in Figures 2 and 3 on Page 4-5.
These general service notes and
the Step Test Procedures
address the most common
questions about Kwikee electric
steps. Due to the number of
variable conditions, you may
experience symptoms other than
those covered. Please feel free
to contact the Customer Service
Department at 1-800-736-9961 for
further information or
assistance.
The following Step Test Procedures have been provided to troubleshoot and test all of the
Kwikee automatic electric step functions. They are designed to initially check the step's basic
functions separately from the RV wiring to determine whether or not the step is malfunctioning.
The following procedures test the various components of the step until the source of the
malfunction is located. Using these procedures will shorten and reduce the time spent
troubleshooting.
Some portions of the test procedures require additional equipment. This equipment includes: a
voltmeter, a well charged 12 volt DC automotive battery, and a 4-way connector/pigtail (Part
#909306000, available from Kwikee Products Company).
Read the entire procedure prior to testing. If you need assistance contact Kwikee’s
Service Line at 1-800-736-9961.
TESTING THE STEP
1. Inspect the step for visible damage that might restrict the step’s operation.
2. Obtain a 4-way pigtail connector (part #909306000) from Kwikee.
3. Disconnect 4-way connector on underside of step and connect step-half of the connector
to the four-way connector pigtail. See Figures 2 and 3 on Pages 4 and 5.
4. Set a fully charged 12 volt DC automotive battery beside the step.
ATTENTION: Do not allow the battery terminals to come in contact with step. Complete a
ground for step testing by connecting 10 gauge wire from the negative (_) battery post to the
green ground wire of the control unit.
5. To supply power, attach the red wire from pigtail to positive (+) post. The step will extend.
6. With the power and ground connections complete, all functions of the control unit can be
checked at the four wires of the pigtail. The brown wire is the door switch, the white wire is the
override switch, and the yellow wire is the ignition override.
7. To retract the step, touch the brown wire to the negative (_) terminal.
8. To extend the step, remove the brown wire from the battery's negative (-) post.
Troubleshooting & Testing Procedures
WARNING
!
WARNING
!
Keep fingers, arms,
and legs clear of step
mechanism while performing
these tests.
12 volt automotive
batteries contain sulfuric acid
which can cause severe burns.
Avoid contact with the skin,
eyes and clothing. 12 volt
automotive batteries produce
hydrogen gas which is
explosive; keep cigarettes,
open flames and sparks away
from the battery at all times.
IMPORTANT INSTALLER
NOTES:
Be sure that all ground
connections are securely
fastened with good
metal-to-metal contact. A
good ground is required for
proper step operation.
