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wb13798 · 09-08-2002, 02:48 PM

GOT A GOD ONE THIS WEEKEND MYSTEP OPENS AND CLOSES FOR NO REASON .. WHEN I GO UP A HILL THE STEP OPENS AND WHEN I GET OVER THE HILL IT CLOSES . IT IS VACUUM RELATED JUST DONT KNOW WHERE TO START/// ANY ONE EXPERIENCE THIS PROBLEM OR IDEAS AS WHERE TO START??? GIVING SOME SERIOUS THOUGHT TO REPLACING WITH AN ELECTRIC STEP, YOUR IDEAS ON THAT ONE??

Pahaska · 09-08-2002, 03:29 PM

You probably have a vacuum leak somewhere. I had a similar problem with a former truck where all the doors in the air vents would slam shut going up a hill and then open again coming down the other side. Turned out to be low vacuum.

ALANSD · 09-08-2002, 05:31 PM

check the hoses for leaks around the step activator switch. By the way are you sure the steps are coming out, or is the warning light just coming on? Mine does that every so often, hitting a big bump for example.

wb13798 · 09-08-2002, 05:57 PM

th wife verified that the steps were out when the light was on. plus they went in and out so much they have a squeek now.
i have lok at the parts under the steps and dont see anything loose.

PeterH-350LE · 09-08-2002, 06:29 PM

it's your switch in the door frame. Pull it out, take it apart carefully and clean it real good.
I had the same problem. New switches are still available. I got mine from Inland for $30.- something.

wb13798 · 09-09-2002, 09:25 PM

looked at the switch tonight and the ohm meter reads 28 meg ohm with door open and one ohm closed , it is an electrical switch that is riveted in the door jam, i did find a wear hole in the aluminum plate that the switch plunger sits on when door is closed . flipped the plate over . strange that the switch plunger would wear a hole in the plate. will find out tomorrow when we go to onan to get the generator tweeked.

PeterH-350LE · 09-10-2002, 06:30 AM

The constant movement of the door while driving, rubbed the hole in the plate. Driving uphill, gravity pulled the door back just enough to disengage the switch.
The blinking door light (without the step coming out, like Alansd mentioned), could be the mercury switch, if so equipped.
I tilted mine a few degrees more, to eliminate that problem.
Now, the light only comes on when it is supposed to.

wb13798 · 09-11-2002, 07:21 AM

looks like the switch was the problem. lite didnt blink at all . the plate i mentioned is a bit over an 1/8 inch thick. thnx for the help..

ALANSD · 09-11-2002, 04:53 PM

Peter- makes sense about the light switch. Mine blinks when I hit a really hard bump. Not often enought to be a bother, though.

wb13798 · 10-14-2002, 10:07 AM

2000 miles and no problems . thanks for the help it was a simple fix that i would never looked at as the source for the problem..

/////ive been told two heads are better than one, must be true../////

guy99 · 07-01-2005, 10:03 PM

This three year old thread just helped me solve a problem wherein my automatic vacum powered step would no longer retract

Many thanks

Chaplain Kent · 07-02-2005, 08:11 AM

Let me ask further on the electric step question posed in the beginning. My step wobbles and does not extend to a distance I find comfortable. I have adjusted my step so that it is extended to its fullest length and use a stabilizer after we are parked. Since I use a cane for mobility and stability a wobble does not help plus I need extra room. Has anyone replaced our steps with an electric, or anything else that they like better?

87MH · 07-02-2005, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chaplain Kent

....Has anyone replaced our steps with an electric, or anything else that they like better?

The 1987 345 came with electric steps as standard equipment - don't know what year Airstream made the switch from vacuum to electric.

GlenCoombe · 07-02-2005, 12:43 PM

My '84 has a Kwikie Two Step.... needs to find a spot to use a com-a-long to bend it back into place... seems someone was backing up with the steps down and as a result they don't retract all the way up. Just another item on my 2-do list.

GlenCoombe · 07-03-2005, 01:08 PM

Well check off one of the 2do's.... Went to the now abandoned original Wal-Mart store, hooked the com-a-long to the concrete ballard out front and took some time with an educated hammer to re-twist my steps.

They still did not retract all the way!!??... took a little time to look at all the system and then looked at the label on the top step.... Lubrication works wonders. Used a little WD40 and now I have a fully retracting set of steps.

Now just need to sand the rust off and repaint and find new no slip treads to complete the job.

Moving to the A/S shop this week for the roof a/c fitment and then the generator install... ever closer to getting on the road.

ALANSD · 07-03-2005, 05:43 PM

since the wd-40 won't last too long on an outside app , you might try something like spray on lithium grease, it will help keep the steps operating.

GlenCoombe · 07-03-2005, 06:01 PM

Thanks for the advise Alan. I only had WD40 on hand and thought I'd give it a try... maybe the Kwikee label said every 30 days thinking folks only had WD40 to work with?? Once I get these things painted they'll get a good dose of lithium...er grease. Maybe I'll need the lithium??

Chaplain Kent · 07-04-2005, 10:03 AM

A com-along belongs in all of our toolboxes. I inherited one from my father and never used it until I got my first Airstream. I have since used to for straightening the bumper to reshaping the doors in both my trailer and motorhome.

You sound like you are just about ready to roll, Glen.

alfalsetto · 07-05-2005, 10:07 PM

If some one going to have bad luck it going be you Chaplain Kent.

ALANSD · 07-06-2005, 06:31 AM

Chaplain- you pulled the bumpoer out with the come a long? Mine has the vertical overrider on one side a bit bent back, I haven't tried that, although thought about it...worried I might pull too hard and snap it off.