Problems with the retractable step - help please.

[Robin12]

I have an Autocruise Stargazer 2007. The retractable step is not working. The power is getting to the switch and to the connections to the motor. I have removed the steps and motor and the motor works when connected to a stand-alone battery. However, the motor does not work when the steps are re-attached to the motorhome. Also the fridge is not working when the motorhome engine is started. I have changed the relay. Can anyone offer any advice?

 

[GeoffnDee]

It could be that there is a problem with the D+ signal and it would be worth looking at the bottom of the drivers side B pillar as the D+ connections , relays and / or a fuse module can sometimes be found behind a cover there. (depending on the type and model of your PSU )

 

[Gaston aires]

Both the fridge and the step have a permanent live feed. Your service manual should tell you which one. Check that first.. I find that electric steps are always failing and have disconnected mine and made them manual operation.
Phil

 

[TDub49]

I have an Autocruise Stargazer 2007. The retractable step is not working. The power is getting to the switch and to the connections to the motor. I have removed the steps and motor and the motor works when connected to a stand-alone battery. However, the motor does not work when the steps are re-attached to the motorhome. Also the fridge is not working when the motorhome engine is started. I have changed the relay. Can anyone offer any advice?

What control panel do you have. We had a "step failure" which was cured by resetting the control panel (don't ask me why . . .). It is a NordElectrica NE183-mate. and reset was achieved by pulling the big fuse from the hab batteries.

 

[Robin12]

Thanks everyone. I have tried these suggestions, to no avail. What is confusing is that there is power to the terminals that attach to the step motor. The steps work when connected to an external battery. But put the two together (terminals to motor) and nothing happens. Why am I be getting live to the terminals when they don't then operate the steps?? The fridge works on EHU and gas but not when the engine is running.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[berni109]

Not the same van and probably not same step but:
Our step has 4 wires. 2 +&- for power and 2 to switch the power off when fully open or retracted.

 

[jockaneezer]

What is the actual voltage reading at the step ? The reason I ask is sometimes a digital multi meter may show 12 volts present at the step, but due to poor connections, a bad earth or corrosion at joints, micro switches etc, you may see 12 volts, but have next to no current available to operate it ? Can you put your test meter on the step motor when it's installed and activate it to see if this affects the voltage reading ?
The environment a step lives in under a van isn't the best of places for electrical equipment.
As to your fridge not working on gas with the engine running, isn't there a feature on some vans that prevents the fridge from running on gas for a fifteen minute period after the ignition is cycled to prevent it "firing up" if, say for instance, you had stopped to refuel ?

 

[denisejoe]

Have you checked all the fuses with a multimeter

 

[Mickthefis]

Try to light a 12v bulb with the power that goes to the step, meters can give false readings

 

[1967bowesj]

Not 100% as I sold my stargazer but from memory there are a set of relays behind the lower fridge vent, also think there is fuses in there for fridge and step. If there is a positive 12v at the switch and at the connects it looks like the negative side is breaking the contact some how.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[GeoffnDee]

There should be a step limit switch fitted which cuts off the negative side when operated ,perhaps this switch , or its connections , is faulty
The step and fridge relays are often linked for engine running operation.
If your PSU is a Sargent EC155 unit have you checked both fridge fuses on it , 1 x 5a (electronics) and 1 x 15a (main supply)

 

[Robin12]

Thanks again for everyone's suggestions. I have attached a bulb as suggested and you are right. There is no power despite my voltmeter recording 12 volts. Where do I go from here? I have again changed the relay and the fuses I know about. I am not aware of fuses other than those on top of the relay. Just to clarify, the fridge works on gas and EHU. It is only when the engine is running that it doesn't work.
I had a similar problem last year and had an auto-electrician look at it. He said it was a problem with the D+ to the alternator. He soldered that which resolved the problem. Could this have recurred? I have tried to get him back but he has let me down.
Any suggestions gratefully received.
Very frustrated Robin!

 

[GeoffnDee]

Have you seen the information regarding Omnistore electric step operation and wiring (inc, D+) that is on page 2 of the Motorhome technical articles section of Resources (It may not be the same as whatever electrical system / step type you have on your year of Autocruise, but it may help)

 

[Mickthefis]

Have you changed the fuses or tested them with the Meter as I said meters can give false readings

 

[L' Hobo]

If your vehicle is a Fiat, have you checked the earth lead?
Simple things first!

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[GeoffnDee]

Robin12 , If you Autocruise Motorhome is a very early 2007 model and your starter battery is under the bonnet , as found in X244 series Fiat/Peugeot vans , there may be 2 x relays and fuses near to it related to the fridge and step operation plus split battery charging. (there could be a plastic cover over them)

 

[Trevor Wbm]

Assuming its the Techno step ... Check the three switches very carefully. Best way to explain how they operate is that it's much like the two switches on your landing light, operated by the step, so when the step retracts it hits a switch and turns the motor off, ditto for when it opens. If any of them are worn out the step won't work. You can buy exact replacements on line.
Also, the metal frame joints wear over time so the parts that actually hit the switches and operate them might not be doing that. Simply wrapping insulating tape around the appropriate bit of the bar to make it hit the switch sooner might sort it out.

 

[nicholsong]

Both the fridge and the step have a permanent live feed. Your service manual should tell you which one. Check that first.. I find that electric steps are always failing and have disconnected mine and made them manual operation.
Phil

Phil

How have you made them manual please, as I might like that as back-up?

Geoff

 

[Gaston aires]

Phil

How have you made them manual please, as I might like that as back-up?

Geoff

I disconnected the 12 v supply at the switch and I just pull the step out and in.

 

[BrianS]

Thanks again for everyone's suggestions. I have attached a bulb as suggested and you are right. There is no power despite my voltmeter recording 12 volts. Where do I go from here? I have again changed the relay and the fuses I know about. I am not aware of fuses other than those on top of the relay. Just to clarify, the fridge works on gas and EHU. It is only when the engine is running that it doesn't work.
I had a similar problem last year and had an auto-electrician look at it. He said it was a problem with the D+ to the alternator. He soldered that which resolved the problem. Could this have recurred? I have tried to get him back but he has let me down.
Any suggestions gratefully received.
Very frustrated Robin!

Can I ask where you sourced the relay please? I am struggling to buy one :-(

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[1967bowesj]

T

Can I ask where you sourced the relay please? I am struggling to buy one :-(

Hey are usually just a standard 4 pin or 5 pin relay. Haven't looked in a while at one but that's what I would expect.
Put a pic up of yours and people will soon tell you what it is