Entry Step problem

[detroitldc]

I have a 1991 SP36. The problem is when I got the motorhome out of
mothballs the other day, the entry step was in the extended position,
and it wont retract. I have tested both switches (at the front
drivers seat and also at the step well) and they both test fine.
There is air pressure on the cylinder, but always pressure on the side
that extends the step. I believe the two switches are three way, so
when I change the switch and close the door, the step should retract.
Any ideas?

Jim Gaasch
1991 SP36

[erniecarpet@...]

p.s on the step-- stay outta the way- it could surprise ya! Ernie-83PT40 in
Texas- too old for those kind of surprises


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[fred89sp]

Under Files check Air Step. This is information I put together to fix
the step on my 89SP. I suspect it applies to the 91SP but check to
see if you have any prints for the step in your blue box to see if
they are the same.

By way of supplement, puncturing the wires permits moisture to enter
which will rot the wires and cause failure down the road. Perhaps
sealing with silicone is the answer. Also my cylinder seized up
eventually. Without air pressure it should move freely, if not it
must be replaced, it cannot be rebuilt.

It is frustrating to trouble shoot this system. After checking the
door switch and the cylinder, the prime suspect is the valve assembly.
With the history you give it could be the cylinder. The positioning
of the mercury switches is also a problem. Suggest you take some
digital photos of same before you start.



--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "detroitldc"
wrote:
> I have a 1991 SP36. The problem is when I got the motorhome out of
> mothballs the other day, the entry step was in the extended position,
> and it wont retract. I have tested both switches (at the front
> drivers seat and also at the step well) and they both test fine.
> There is air pressure on the cylinder, but always pressure on the side
> that extends the step. I believe the two switches are three way, so
> when I change the switch and close the door, the step should retract.
> Any ideas?
>
> Jim Gaasch
> 1991 SP36

[Jeff Miller]

Start by disconnecting one of the wires to the tape switch above the
step and see if it will retract.

- Jeff Miller
http://www.wanderlodge.net
http://www.millercoachworks.com


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "detroitldc"
wrote:
> I have a 1991 SP36. The problem is when I got the motorhome out of
> mothballs the other day, the entry step was in the extended position,
> and it wont retract. I have tested both switches (at the front
> drivers seat and also at the step well) and they both test fine.
> There is air pressure on the cylinder, but always pressure on the side
> that extends the step. I believe the two switches are three way, so
> when I change the switch and close the door, the step should retract.
> Any ideas?
>
> Jim Gaasch
> 1991 SP36

[Tom Seitz]

Jim, This happened to me on my 90sp 2 times.1st time it was a sticky
botton in the door jam, cleaned and lubed it and everthing was fine.A
few months later it was acting up again and i found a bad connection
in one of the wires under the coach by the step.Repaired the splice
and its been good. Hope this helps..Tom 90 SP36 Alpharetta GA


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "detroitldc"
wrote:
> I have a 1991 SP36. The problem is when I got the motorhome out of
> mothballs the other day, the entry step was in the extended position,
> and it wont retract. I have tested both switches (at the front
> drivers seat and also at the step well) and they both test fine.
> There is air pressure on the cylinder, but always pressure on the
side
> that extends the step. I believe the two switches are three way, so
> when I change the switch and close the door, the step should retract.
> Any ideas?
>
> Jim Gaasch
> 1991 SP36

[detroitldc]

-Thanks for all the help, especially the file on troubleshooting the
air step...
Jim
1991 sp36

[brad barton]

To Ralph or anyone w/ experience on this:



Ryan can't make my entry step misbehave. It comes out (psst) stutters (clunka clunka) goes back in (psst) then comes back out (psst) and finally locks (clunka-clunk). First noticed it in cold weather, but problem persisted two months later on our trip through AZ, CA and NV. Step is well lubed and frequently. Now it won't do it..and he can't find anything wrong with the valves or the switches. Any other causes? I'd like to get this fixed before Wed if possible. Thanks.



BradBarton00LXiDFW bbartonwx@...

---

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[erniecarpet@...]

My step will retract in cold weather- but the air leaking from somewhere depletes my air tanks. So I just drive with it out. Who wants to climb around under there when it's freezing and the wind blowing at 40 mph? Not me. Warm weather, everything works fine. Weird.

Ernie Ekberg
83PT40
Livingston, Montana

---

Need a new ride? Check out the largest site for U.S. used car listings at AOL Autos.

[erniecarpet@...]

Ok, Brad, now I see your problem. Hope it is an easy fix.

Ernie Ekberg
83PT40
Livingston, Montana

---

Need a new ride? Check out the largest site for U.S. used car listings at AOL Autos.

[Pete Masterson]

I've had my step misbehave in cold weather (below freezing), but then work normally when we're in warmer areas. I've had other bouts of weirdness where the step doesn't quite lock in place. (I've learned to take a close look at the step before stepping on it!)

The steps are prone to air leaks. I also wonder if their location tends to pick up dirt from the road that may be partly responsible for some weirdness -- that later clears. I get intermittent poor performance, but then it self-corrects. I haven't found anything that specifically seems to be the cause of the problems.

Be _very_ careful when working on the step as it could catch you if it cycles unexpectedly and cause a serious injury.

Pete Masterson

'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42

El Sobrante CA

"aeonix1@mac.com"

On Apr 28, 2008, at 10:38 AM, brad barton wrote:

To Ralph or anyone w/ experience on this:
 
Ryan can't make my entry step misbehave.  It comes out (psst) stutters (clunka clunka) goes back in (psst) then comes back out (psst) and finally locks (clunka-clunk).  First noticed it in cold weather, but problem persisted two months later on our trip through AZ, CA and NV.  Step is well lubed and frequently.  Now it won't do it..and he can't find anything wrong with the valves or the switches.  Any other causes?  I'd like to get this fixed before Wed if possible.  Thanks.


Brad Barton 00LXiDFW "bbartonwx@hotmail.com"