Rev: 08.04.2017
Page 4
Kwikee® 888 Electric Step Owner's Manual
Product Information
Steps With Control Unit
This manual has been provided to assist you with the identification, operation, maintenance, and
troubleshooting of the Kwikee Electric Step equipped for use with a step lockout switch, control unit and
permanent magnet motor. This manual does not apply and should not be used as a reference to previous
versions of a Kwikee Electric Step.
The control unit is essentially a current sensor as well as a switching device. When the motor assembly
moves the step tread to its extended position, or stops moving because of an obstruction such as a curb or
the binding of a damaged or bent step frame, the motor draws a larger amount of current. The control unit
senses the larger current draw and shuts off the power to the motor.
All control units are equipped with an ignition override system. This system is designed so that the vehicle
will not be driven with the step in the extended position. When the step is locked in the extended position,
the door closed, and the ignition is turned on, the ignition override system will engage and the step will
automatically retract.
NOTE: Refer to vehicle OEM owner’s manual (or OEM Requirements) which will provide switch position of
“on” or “off” for the step lock position.
The "Auto Extend" feature is another safety feature designed to extend the step when the door is opened for
the first time after the vehicle ignition is turned off, regardless of the position of the step switch. Some van
steps use door-switch-only operation. When the door is opened the step extends and the step retracts when
the door is closed.
Steps Without Control Unit
This manual has been provided to assist you with the identification, operation, maintenance, and
troubleshooting of the Kwikee Electric Step equipped with a self-centering rocker switch. This manual does
not apply and should not be used as a reference to previous versions of a Kwikee Electric Step.
NOTE: Follow the instructions in this manual carefully. Failure to do so may result in damage to the step
control, the motor and/or the vehicle wiring. Such damage may also result in voiding the warranty.
General Service Notes
Failure to act in accordance with the following may result in death or serious personal injury. Read all
operating instructions first before using your Kwikee Electric Step.
Prior To Operation
If the power wire to the step is disconnected from its source and reconnected, a spark is common. This
is caused by the momentary charging of the control unit and does not necessarily indicate the system is
staying on, which would cause a drain on the battery.
To determine if a control unit is not shutting off, remove the 4-way connector to the chassis and the 2-way
connector between the step motor and the control unit. Place a voltmeter between the red and yellow
motor wires at the 2-way connector from the control unit. Reconnect the 4-way connector. Place the step
switch in the appropriate position for the step to remain in the extended position. If any voltage registers on
the meter for more than five seconds, the control unit is not shutting off and may be defective. When doing
this test, switch the voltmeter leads back and forth between the red and yellow motor wires to make sure no
voltage registers.
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