Inoperative air step

[Kevin McKeown]

I finally decided to tackle trying to fix my inoperative air step. I
downloaded the air step trouble shooting guide in the files section,
but I'm not sure where to look for the 4 relays (they are not in the
right overhead load center)....the guide is for a 89 SP and I have an
86 PT.

Also, if someone can possibly help me troubleshoot...the step extends
when airing up the BB, but I can not make it retract... it will not
retract in a locked position...it just kind of flops. Any help???

Also, are the aux water pumps still available (the one that helps the
coolant flow to the front heaters...my circuit breaker keeps
breaking/resetting).

Thanks....

Kevin McKeown
Yorba Linda, CA
1986 38' PT

[Ralph L. Fullenwider]

Kevin:

In your 86 there is a single relay and it is located behind the drivers
headlight panel. That is the relay that changes state when the in or out
limit switch are made telling the electronics which way to go. There is
also a strip switch glued under the edge of metal flashing and that strip
goes bad, most of us just cut the wires, it was to appease the OSHA Gods,
I know of no one that can stand on the step and close the door to retract
the step.

The Groco pumps are available try this
page,,
http://commerce1.cera.net/tacbusparts/se...?cat_id=64

Look down the page at the pump with the brass head.

Safe travels,

Ralph and Charolette Fullenwider
84FC35 "Ruff Diamond"
Duncan, Oklahoma

At 01:28 AM 1/17/2008 +0000, you wrote:
>I finally decided to tackle trying to fix my inoperative air step. I
>downloaded the air step trouble shooting guide in the files section,
>but I'm not sure where to look for the 4 relays (they are not in the
>right overhead load center)....the guide is for a 89 SP and I have an
>86 PT.
>
>Also, if someone can possibly help me troubleshoot...the step extends
>when airing up the BB, but I can not make it retract... it will not
>retract in a locked position...it just kind of flops. Any help???
>
>Also, are the aux water pumps still available (the one that helps the
>coolant flow to the front heaters...my circuit breaker keeps
>breaking/resetting).
>
>Thanks....
>
>Kevin McKeown
>Yorba Linda, CA
>1986 38' PT

[Glenn Allen]

When the step is extended, there is a pin that gets extended if you
flip the step master switch (on the dash or in the stepwell). This
pen Locks the step in the extended position to keep it from moving
when air pressure is lost. When the step retracts, it relys on air
pressure to keep it retracted. If your step will not stay retracted,
then you either have a switch, relay, or air problem. If the step
trys to retract, then the relay might be doing its job and commanding
the retraction. However, if it does not fully retract or it fully
retracts but does not stay forcefully retracted, I would think you
have an air pressure problem or an air cylinder problem.

Just be careful in having a head or hand around the step when
activating. It has some power and could do some damage.

Glenn Allen
1986 PT-40
Marietta, GA

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Kevin McKeown"

wrote:

> Also, if someone can possibly help me troubleshoot...the step
extends
> when airing up the BB, but I can not make it retract... it will not
> retract in a locked position...it just kind of flops. Any help???
>
> Also, are the aux water pumps still available (the one that helps
the
> coolant flow to the front heaters...my circuit breaker keeps
> breaking/resetting).
>
> Thanks....
>
> Kevin McKeown
> Yorba Linda, CA
> 1986 38' PT
>

[ssbreese@...]

Kevin,

I had the same problem some time ago on my way to an RITV. I explained the situation at the tech table. And here is what they told me. There is a black and yellow plastic strip in the door frame. It is pressure sentitive and designed as a safety measure. A little over kill since you could not stand on the step while is was retracting. Over time water, etc. cause the two wires inside to short out and the step is forced to stay in the extended position. The fix is easy. At one end to the strip (right I think) two wires are attached. Cut them both, making sure you have your step extended switch on. This worked for me..

Peace and blessings,
Sid Breese

85PT40

Maysville, MO 64469

Walk in the rain, smell flowers, stop along the way, build sand castles, go on field trips, find out how things work, tell stories, say the magic words, trust the universe, be centered in God.

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