Kwikee steps - that plastic gear issue 1991 250

[Boom Sounds]

Hi - my steps are still not fully functional. I've done a fair amount of research, bought a replace Taurus window motor, which fitted fine. Steps still not working.

Can anyone confirm a source for the plastic gear mechanism which is prone to failure in these steps? I am assuming it is within the gear linkage. I'd rather not buy the entire linkage set, so any leads on just the plastic gear mechanism would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
All
Nick


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[bkahler]

Nick,

Do you remember the brand and part number for the step motor that you purchased?

Brad

[Isuzusweet]

John will be jumping on this thread soon as well. His steps opened out but didn't lock; upon stepping on the last step the step started folding back up taking his foot with it. Luckily he managed to extricate himself before he face planted into the concrete sidewalk.

The motor he took out certainly is a power window regulator for something, but he's not convinced it's the motor yet; further testing required.

Dropped by his place on Saturday; three new LED headlamps working but only getting 9.3 volts to drivers side high beam. He wasn't a happy camper.

Cheers
Tony

[shepherd57]

What were the symptoms you were having with your steps . And what was the fix

[bobmiller1]

Had the same problem when we were in Lancaster, PA last summer, I unbolted the whole unit (2) step , ordered a new (3) step unit (the 370LE sits 10” higher than the other classics) re wired them correctly, the previous owners had combed them up terribly....and now all is good, Regards, Bob

[Boom Sounds]

Step Motor was Dorman 742-206. Apparently, the 742-277 is a supersession, or replacement, part number for the 742-206, which has been discontinued by Dorman. I managed to pick up the 742-206 from Rockauto for about 20 bucks. I haven’t used a 742-277 so can’t vouch for that, but the 742-206 bolted straight in. Simplicity itself.

[Boom Sounds]

For the record, I had multiple issues. Knackered motor and gearing which was caused by a faulty control module. The steps had obviously been knocked by the prior owner because the frame is slightly bent. Any binding creates voltage issues which can cause the module to switch off and steps malfunction. Those replacement modules are pricey. On occasion, you can pick up a new set of steps for circa 400 (ppl I think) which might be an option for some. Kwikee have some excellent fault finding test guides kicking about on the net. For those who have shredded plastic gears (a very common issue). They sit inside the motor. I believe they are replaceable for a few bucks but have never done that fix. Quite why plastic is used I do not know. It’s conceivable that the gearing in the motor which comes with new steps is made of metal, which would make sense and might justify the price. From memory, i think the Kwikee spare motor is made by AM equipment, so another option might be to source one direct from them.

[martin300662]

Aren't you tempted to switch to one of the European vendors Nick?

For example Thule (the roof rack guys), make a automatic step called the Omnistep which would be a hassle to install but for which spares are widely available and cheap (in comparison).

[shepherd57]

My steps come down half way and the motor runs for about 10 seconds and stops . When the door is closed it dose the same thing but won't retract.

When the door is closed or open the steps can be pulled in or out but the will not stay locked open or closed.

They just hang half way open with no resitence either way.

[bkahler]

For what it's worth Rockauto still has 16 of the Dorman 742-206 motors in stock for $20.79 plus shipping. I just ordered a spare for a total of $29.78 delivered.

[shepherd57]

Brad on my motor the gear sits quite a bit higher in order to mesh with the one in the gear box. Other than that it is the same

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by shepherd57

brad on my motor the gear sits quite a bit higher in order to mesh with the one in the gear box. Other than that it is the same

John,

Here's some pictures to work from. The first one is the Kwikee replacement. Surprisingly it doesn't even come with a gear. From the pictures it shows the gear is removable so maybe Kwikee expects you to order the gear separate from the motor!

Kwikee motor 1101428 ($79.19 from Amazon)


The original suggested replacement.
Dorman 742-206 ($29.78 from Rockauto)


The superseded part from Dorman.
Dorman 742-277 ($38.95 from Amazon)


I guess the next time I have the steps extended I'll see if the motor fits, however that won't be for a while yet.

Brad

[shepherd57]

The first one looks like it might be the right one I will take it off and take a pic and email it to you .

[Boom Sounds]

Originally Posted by martin300662

Aren't you tempted to switch to one of the European vendors Nick?

For example Thule (the roof rack guys), make a automatic step called the Omnistep which would be a hassle to install but for which spares are widely available and cheap (in comparison).

Probably good advice, but i am too far in now....until i give up!

[Boom Sounds]

Originally Posted by shepherd57

My steps come down half way and the motor runs for about 10 seconds and stops . When the door is closed it dose the same thing but won't retract.

When the door is closed or open the steps can be pulled in or out but the will not stay locked open or closed.

They just hang half way open with no resitence either way.

I think the Kwikee fault finding guide will help you isolate the issue. It could be a poor ground which is impacting voltage and making the motor cut out when it senses low voltage, a faulty control module or motor.

You can probably (being very, very careful!!!!) apply direct voltage to the motor to see if it retracts when bypassing the control module, switch etc. That way, you can probably isolate the cause. Obviously, goes without saying to be extremely careful when working underneath the steps.

Have you got the Kwikee original manual or fault guide. From memory, it's a very systematic process to fault find those steps.

[shepherd57]

I just ordered a motor from these guys in Ohio for 73.00 us plus shipping to Canada
I will try it and see if it fixes the problem if it doesn't I will have a spare

and I will try the trouble shooting


https://www.rvupgradestore.comn

[shepherd57]

Well got the new motor yesterday and it seems to have solved my problem with the steps. They now extend when the door is opened and lock and then retract when the door is closed.

Although they are now working as they should I don't have a lot of confidence in the design these steps are barely 2 years old for the price they should last a bit longer.

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by shepherd57

Well got the new motor yesterday and it seems to have solved my problem with the steps. They now extend when the door is opened and lock and then retract when the door is closed.

Although they are now working as they should I don't have a lot of confidence in the design these steps are barely 2 years old for the price they should last a bit longer.

John, do you think you could dismantle the old motor to see if you can figure out what the failure mode was?

[Hans 34.5]

I just pulled this motor out from my 1987 345. It's a Delco motor with 12 teeth having a hard time finding one. It does look like maybe I can swap the gear into a 10 tooth motor. I'm going to dig deeper see what went wrong. The motor is locked up.

[bkahler]

Hans,

It would appear the Dorman 742-206 motor I purchased as a spare for mine likely won't work for my steps. However looking at the motor and comparing it to yours I'm pretty sure the 742-206 motor will work on your steps.

My steps and the steps John bought are later model steps and it would appear that Kwikee changed the type of motor. The difference I see is the shaft on the motor on the 742-206 is round whereas the shaft on the one John bought (1101428) has flat sides.

PM me your mailing address and I'll send the 742-206 motor to you so you can see if it will work.

Brad