Kwikee Power Step Motor Replacement

[Willywalderbeast]

The power steps in my 97 concourse stopped working recently. I checked for bad grounds first, then ran power directly to the motor and got nothing. I replaced the motor which was very easy and only took roughly 20 minutes.


The best part and why I’m writing this, is beacuse a power window motor from a late 80s early 90s Thunderbird is what Kwikee actually used for the steps.

LCI who is the dealer support for Kwikee wanted $205 for replacement motor. By using a window motor I only pay $58 at my local parts store. You can actually find them as low as $26 on Amazon but I needed it same day.

I can confirm pre-99 steps use this motor. Dorman 742-210. I believe 99 + motors are window motors as well out of a 94 Taurus Driver Side Front but can’t confirm totally.

[LadyBlue]

I have a 1998 Chinook Concourse with a rear door entry. Is this the step for the rear door entry or for the passenger-side cab entry? The step on my passenger side is no longer working due to the motor and/or parts connecting to the motor and I haven't a clue what to order or how to fix it.

[Manitou]

I believe this thread is about the rear door step. I wasn't aware of cab power steps being an option.. can you post a picture?

[LadyBlue]

EDIT: So, I took pictures and found that this step (mounted on the cab passenger side) is indeed a Kwikee step (Model # 909513). (Perhaps someone just installed it on the passenger side instead of on the rear door?) It seems that it needs a new gear box and linkage and possibly a new motor. I have been unable to find any affordable parts for this step and wonder if anyone has any knowledge about where to find parts or does the car window motor discussed in an earlier thread have the other parts I need? I don't know how to post images or I would.

Thank you so much for your quick response. The step I'm talking about is the step on the passenger side front door. I just figured out that might be a Ford E-350 option and not something this forum could help me with. I'm trying to figure out how to post a picture, but, I'm a poor pitiful thing when it comes to that sort of thing. I believe it's the gear box that's messed up, but I can't seem to find any information on it.

[chin_k]

When you reply, you can post three pictures by using the "Attachments" tab.

I think Manitou should have a tutorial section to help new members who are not familiar with the PHP.

Anyway, if it is mechanical, you need to figure out what part is at fault. I think the motor is pretty interchangeable... but I do not have an electric step, so take my word with a block of salt. The first thing to do is to make sure it is getting the power. There is always a relationship between how much effort you want to spend to troubleshoot and DIY compare to just write someone a check to take care of the problem.

[terance13]

...as I get older, the there is a direct inverse relationship between the amount of my check and the amount of DIY!

[terance13]

...as I get older, there is a direct inverse relationship between the amount of my check and the amount of DIY!

[LadyBlue]

Thank you so much for the motor tip! Although my motor is still good, the little plastic shock absorber thing has totally dissolved, so, I have to get a new motor. Not so bad at $36.95, though!

Now to the bigger problem. The arm that pushes the step in and out has broken away from the box I need to put that thing back together. My thought is to drill a hole in the ball that the arm fits over and put in a ring there and tighten it all in with a screw. If you have other fixes, I’d love to hear what they are.

[LadyBlue]

I found the part I needed, but didn’t want to spend the money, so, I Fixed the gear box and assembly linkage and it didn’t cost a dime! I drilled a hole in the stud (about 3/4” deep) that goes through the ball and tapped a thread for a screw to fit into. I put two spacer washers on the ball shaft so the arm would not hit the case when it moved. Then, I put the arm on the ball and used two more spacer washers. The hole in the first washer needs to be a little bigger than the ball. The second washer needs to be small enough just for the screw to fit into. I put loctite on the threads of the screw along with a lock washer and screwed it in holding the arm in place. Finding the first two washers—I used lock washers that are used for an electrical conduit box. The teeth on the washers fit together making the spacing perfect!

ABOUT DRILLING THE HOLE: the stud appears to be hardened metal. In order drill the hole the size I needed, I started with a drill about half the size I needed and worked up to the size I needed. Use cutting oil while drilling and tapping the hole.

[chin_k]

Nice work! Very resourceful.