Electric step Project 2000 cables?

[Soycd]

Just dismantling the above step to either repair or replace. Have managed to get the step off but can't work on it away from the van due to the cabling (see below) I can disconnect the + - red and black cables as there is a coupling but there is a thicker black wire and I don't know what its function is. Is it something to do with the automatic closure or is that the red/black cables? Some advice would be great. I'm thinking cut the thicker black cable then reconnect?

 

[Andacami]

Where does the other cable go? Into the motor too? There should/might be a micro-switch somewhere, it will either detect when the step is in or out and if out, sound an alarm or other warning so you don't drive off with it sticking out. Or, it will detect the position of the step and turn the motor on or off or back or fwd - the former I think more likely. It is possible that the thicker back cable is in fact a sleeve containing two or more wires...

On mine I have the two power cables that provide power to move the step in and out, I believe the amount of movement is controlled by the control panel engineering settings. I also have a pair of cables to a micro-switch that detects the position of the step and therefore (as above) sounds an alarm if not folded in.

May I ask, what is actually the reason for removing to repair or replace?

 

[Soycd]

Where does the other cable go? Into the motor too? There should be a micro-switch somewhere, it will detect when the step is in or out and if out, sound an alarm or other warning so you don't drive off with it sticking out. It is possible that the thicker back cable is in fact a sleeve containing two wires...

On mine I have the two power cables that provide power to move the step in and out, I believe the amount of movement is controlled by the control panel engineering settings. I also have a pair of cables to a micro-switch that detects the position of the step and therefore (as above) sounds an alarm if not folded in.

Thanks. I disconnected the two thinner cables (black and red) and the step didn't work so am assuming they are for power? The thicker black cable goes into the motor as shown below. The reason for taking it off is that it was not retracting or coming out properly, it was getting stuck half-way and needed a bit of a shove/push. Interestingly, the step operates perfectly now its unbolted from the van! I've noticed on of the bolts was bent when I dismantled so maybe I or previous owner has bumped it somehow and it's now a bit twisted. I'll investigate further in the morning. In order to give the step enclosure and other internal a good clean I wanted to get it into the shed where I could work on it properly and test it.

 

[Lenny HB]

I have a Project 2000 step on my driver's door a right pile of poo. If you don't keep the sliders clean and greased the step sticks and judders. Don't use white grease, just ordinary grease works well. Another problem is the screws holding the arms to the gearbox are small self-tappers that work loose I replaced mine with larger & longer self-tappers they have not worked loose since.

 

[Soycd]

I have a Project 2000 step on my driver's door a right pile of poo. If you don't keep the sliders clean and greased the step sticks and judders. Don't use white grease, just ordinary grease works well. Another problem is the screws holding the arms to the gearbox are small self-tappers that work loose I replaced mine with larger & longer self-tappers they have not worked loose since.

Thanks Lenny. I agree a pile of dogs! The top part is made of corruflute plastic and part of the bottom also, not the best quality. I wanted to take the whole thing off to give it a good clean, hence the post. I may just now clean/grease it as best I can and replace. As mentioned above I believe part of the problem might be twisting coupled with the build up of gunk as its works perfectly when detached from the van

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[Lenny HB]

Thanks Lenny. I agree a pile of dogs! The top part is made of corruflute plastic and part of the bottom also, not the best quality. I wanted to take the whole thing off to give it a good clean, hence the post. I may just now clean/grease it as best I can and replace. As mentioned above I believe part of the problem might be twisting coupled with the build up of gunk as its works perfectly when detached from the van

I had my sorted by a couple of dealers when under warranty but only lasted a couple of months with the screw poping out then it jamming and sticking. The dealers had greased the side runners with white grease which is a no, no on plastic. Cleaning and degreasing the runners then greasing with a bit of ordinary grease, now it just needs cleaning and regreasing once a year.
While you have easy access fit some bigger screws to hold the arms on.

 

[Soycd]

Thanks Lenny HB and Andacami. Have now sorted the step. Was a mixture of build up muck and some damage caused by I don't know what. As you can see one of the four retaining coach bolts bore the brunt but it meant that the holding frame for the step was knocked out of shape slightly. After much fiddling (and swearing) I managed to compensate for this with 3 washers on the rear retaining bolt. Used grease as Lenny recommended and its running more smoothly. Fingers crossed it will be ok now but not holding my breath.

 

[Lenny HB]

Looks good, mine has never run that smoothly, I would grease the retaining bolts in case you ever need to get it off again.

Did you change the screws holding the arms on?

 

[Soycd]

Looks good, mine has never run that smoothly, I would grease the retaining bolts in case you ever need to get it off again.

Did you change the screws holding the arms on?

I didn't manage to change the screws, forecast was for rain, so was keen to pack up. I'll possibly have a look at that again when the weather is more reliable.

 

[Lenny HB]

I didn't manage to change the screws, forecast was for rain, so was keen to pack up. I'll possibly have a look at that again when the weather is more reliable.

You can do it in situ with a stubby screwdriver.