When a Kwikee electric step quits, it's tempting to blame the motor. But Kwikee has gone through three generations of motor, gearbox and control, and the parts aren't all interchangeable. Before you order anything, figure out which generation and series your step is. Everything below comes from Lippert's own Kwikee manuals and parts lists.
Step 1: Find the label and read the part number
Look for the Kwikee label under the step, on the mounting surface that attaches to the RV. You may need to extend the step to see it. On steps built after February 1999, the part number follows the pattern 90XX0Y000:
- The third and fourth digits (XX) are the series number: 22, 28, 32, 40 and so on.
- If the sixth digit (Y) is a 6, 7 or 8, the step was built between early 1999 and late 2005 or early 2006. That's a pre-IMGL step.
- If the sixth digit is a 9, the step was built after late 2005 and has the IMGL (integrated motor, gearbox and linkage) parts.
Lippert's examples: 902806025 is a 28 Series step built between 1999 and 2005 (sixth digit 6). 903209025 is a 32 Series step with IMGL parts (sixth digit 9). The label may also show a build date, which you'll need in a moment. The serial number on the label can't be used for identification.
Revolution and Platinum Series steps don't have a series number. Their labels show only the step part number.
Step 2: Confirm with the control box and switch
- Control box shape: the IMGL control has a distinct triangular shape at the mounting end of its housing.
- Motor sticker: Lippert's kit instructions say the IMGL (9510) control is only to be used with the AM Equipment "214" motor, and that 214 number is on a sticker on the motor.
- Switch behavior: the IMGL control can only be locked in the extended position, using what Lippert calls the override switch. The older pre-9510 controls used a "power switch" instead.
Step 3: Know your generation
Lippert's current Kwikee owner's manual (for Series 22–28A, 30–36, 38–41 and Platinum) splits the steps into these generations:
- Mid-1999 and older (Kwikee Classic): service and support are discontinued.
- Late 1999 to 2005, pre-IMGL: Lippert recommends upgrading these with the right IMGL II conversion kit for your linkage style (A, B or C). Some direct-replacement parts still exist, depending on the series and the part.
- 2006 to 2018, IMGL: if the motor and/or the control needs replacing, Lippert says to replace them together with the new IMGL II motor and control.
- 2019 and later, IMGL II: the motor and control are different from the IMGL versions and are not compatible with them.
The exception is the Series 23 triple step, which Lippert says continues to use IMGL components.
Which motor fits which step
| Your step | Motor | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IMGL II (2019+) singles and doubles: Series 22, 26, 28, 28A, 30–36, 38–41, Platinum | Kwikee 14NM IMGL Motor Assembly with Screws (676061) | Comes with 3 installation screws. Lippert lists it as the IMGL II motor and says it supersedes 379147. |
| 2006–2018 IMGL singles and doubles (same series) | 676061, plus the IMGL II control | Lippert's manual says to replace the motor and control together. Lippert lists the control as 786949. We don't list it on its own, so contact us. |
| Series 23 triple | Kwikee 18NM Motor and Screws for IMGL Steps (379147) | The original IMGL motor, with 3 screws. Lippert's current parts list puts it on the Series 23. |
| Series 24 and 25 triples; Series 42 and 47 doubles | Kwikee 25 Series IMGL Motor (369506) | 12V DC with sealed connections. Comes with a 9-tooth pinion gear and spring clip that engage the 24/25 motor table. |
| Pre-IMGL (late 1999–2005) | Kwikee Motor Replacement Kit for Pre-IMGL Steps (379608) | Lippert's exact-match replacement motor for pre-IMGL steps. Lippert's preferred fix is an IMGL II conversion kit: 781005 (A linkage), 781006 (B) or 781007 (C). |
So what do 14NM and 18NM mean? They're Lippert's torque ratings, in newton-meters. Don't pick by the bigger number. Pick by series and generation, the way Lippert's parts list does. If your series isn't in the table, such as a Revolution step or a 37 Series, send us the label and we'll check it for you.
All four motors carry a 1-year Lippert warranty, and they ship free to the lower 48. You'll find more Kwikee and Lippert parts in our Lippert collection.
Is it really the motor?
Before you buy a motor, rule out power, ground and switch problems. Lippert's troubleshooting procedure goes in this order:
- Check the battery first. Erratic operation, like extending part way and then stopping, can come from low voltage or a poor ground. A good, charged battery reads about 12.6 volts with no load. If the step runs straight off the converter, Lippert says the converter must deliver at least 30 amps.
- Check the ground, fuses and disconnect. The step won't work if the long green ground wire to the chassis is lost. Lippert's wiring diagram calls for a 20–25 amp fuse or breaker on the main power and a 5–6 amp maximum fuse on the switch circuits. If the battery disconnect switch is off, the step won't run.
- Bench-test the step. Unplug the 4-way connector under the step, plug in a 4-way pigtail (Lippert 369243), and power it from a fully charged 12V battery, with a 10 AWG lead from battery negative to the control's green ground wire. If any step function fails on the bench, the problem is in the control unit and/or the motor. If everything works, look at the door switch, the step lockout switch or the coach wiring instead.
- Test the motor directly. Unplug the 2-way connector between the motor and the control. Connect the motor's red wire to battery positive and touch its yellow wire to negative to extend, then reverse the wires to retract. If the step goes both ways, the motor is good and the control is the likely culprit. On 37 and 42 Series steps, and on steps with a reverse-polarity plug, the extend and retract directions are reversed. Disconnect as soon as the step finishes its travel, because Lippert warns that leaving the wires on will burn out the motor.
- Check that the control shuts off. Unplug the motor's 2-way connector, put a voltmeter across the red and yellow wires on the control side, reconnect the 4-way connector and set the step switch so the step would stay extended. Any voltage that lasts more than five seconds means the control isn't shutting off and may be defective.
Two symptoms that aren't the motor: a step that feels loose or "mushy" underfoot usually needs its cam stops adjusted. And if the step won't retract when you turn on the ignition with the door closed, check the yellow ignition-override wire. It has to connect to a source that's hot with the ignition on.
Basic install notes
- Disconnect power before you start. Lippert warns of an electric shock hazard, and the coach must be supported per the manufacturer's specs before you work underneath.
- Lippert says removing the motor assembly is easiest with the step partly or fully extended. Unplug the 4-way connector to the control and the connector between the motor and the control.
- On 24 and 25 Series steps, the motor sits on a motor table held by 4 bolts, with the drive linkage on a stud secured by a 3/8" nut.
- Never splice into the step wiring for lights or alarms. Lippert says the step circuit must stay independent.
- When you're done, lubricate the pivot points, slides, clevis pin and linkage ball every 30 days with a moisture- and heat-resistant penetrating grease. Lippert says not to use silicone sprays or WD-40. A dab of dielectric grease on the connectors helps too.
FAQ
Is the 18NM motor an upgrade over the 14NM?
No, it's a fitment question, not an upgrade. Lippert lists the 14NM 676061 as the current IMGL II motor for most single and double steps, and the 18NM 379147 for the Series 23 triple.
My step is from 2003. Can I just replace the motor?
Lippert's manual says pre-IMGL steps should be upgraded with the IMGL II conversion kit for your linkage, though some direct-replacement parts still exist. 379608 is Lippert's exact-match motor for pre-IMGL steps, so it's the option if the rest of your step is healthy and you only need a motor.
Can I put an IMGL II motor on my 2012 step and keep the old control?
Lippert says no. On 2006–2018 IMGL steps, the motor and control should be replaced together with the IMGL II versions.
Where do I find my linkage style?
Lippert groups the series this way: A linkage for 22, 23, 30, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 38 and 40; B linkage for 28, 31, 37 and 39; C linkage for 26. Lippert's current manual also puts 28A, 41 and Platinum steps in the A group.