Landing Gear Switch

[rames14]

I have developed an annoying problem with the landing gear switch. When I go to move the landing gear and press the button, it will appear as if everything is dead. I get the wrench out and turn the landing gear a few turns and hit the switch and it works. Next time I go to use it, same thing again. Is it a bad switch or is there a sensor somewhere that may be getting a bad reading?

[scattershot]

Glad to see you posting. I have had the same problem recently. Maybe someone can clear this up for both of us.

[Bill-N-Donna]

Last summer it happened to me also. I'm starting to believe a pattern is developing here!

I went to use it last year when at a park and nothing. Next time it worked just fine and had been working ever since.

Could this be on one of those breakers that will re-set its self?

[SlickWillie]

Sounds like a motor problem to me. Here's the website for the vendor that sells the one we have; http://www.adth.com/home.htm The reason I would suspect the motor is that by moving the jack, you are changing the position of the rotor in the stator. Also, ours has a ATC 30 fuse.

[ols1932]

Occasionally when I'm set up and get ready to tear down, I press the switch for down and nothing happens. I then press it momentarily for up and it works. Now I can press the switch for down and everything is okay. Has been that way from day one, May 6, 2000. I don't fret. It's been that way with two motors, so I think it may just be switch contacts.

Orv

[rames14]

Orv -
If it were switch contacts, wouldn't that mean that moving the position of the jacks wouldn't affect it? I am trying to develop a theory on root cause, but haven't come up with one that matches moving the front legs up or down. It's an interesting theory about the rotor position.

[ols1932]

quote:Originally posted by rames14

Orv -
If it were switch contacts, wouldn't that mean that moving the position of the jacks wouldn't affect it? I am trying to develop a theory on root cause, but haven't come up with one that matches moving the front legs up or down. It's an interesting theory about the rotor position.

I don't know. I just related what has happened with mine. I've never had to move the legs by hand to release them.

Orv

[rogue]

In Orv's case by only using the switch to raise first and then lower, it could be dirty contact in his switch, or a bad contact or winding in the motor. In Rames14's case it sounds more like a dirty contact on the commutator, brush or winding of the motor. He could try what Orv does, and it may or may not work. But it sounds like the motor to me.
Bob

[rames14]

I went to the website posted by Will and sent them an email. I'll see what response I get and post it.

[Glenn and Lorraine]

quote:Originally posted by rames14

I have developed an annoying problem with the landing gear switch. When I go to move the landing gear and press the button, it will appear as if everything is dead. I get the wrench out and turn the landing gear a few turns and hit the switch and it works. Next time I go to use it, same thing again. Is it a bad switch or is there a sensor somewhere that may be getting a bad reading?

Ron, I always find it better to go direct. Do your self a favor and go directly to Lippert Mfg. They build the jacks and will be fully capable and willing to answer all your questions.

You will find their phone # and web site under "Jacks" on the OEM Components Installed on Keystone RVs

[Steve and Brenda]

One way for sure is to pull the switch away from the bulkhead and, using a multimeter, check the voltage on the load sides of the switch. If you have 12 VDC pass through the switch when depressed and the motor does not actuate, the motor is bad. Pretty simple and safe task.

[berridge]

I had a similiar problem with the motor. I found that the brushes in the motor were sticking in their guides. Remove the rear plate on the motor carefully and lightly sand the sides of each brush so they run easily in the guides. The brushes conduct electric current to the armature of the motor. Hope this helps.

[rames14]

Well, it finally stopped working altogether. I will try sanding the brushes as suggested. Hope this helps. It took me a while to crank it up to get it off the truck.

[rames14]

First, I neglected Glen's comments and sent Lippert an email tonight. The motor manufacturer never replied when I emailed them. My motor is completely dead now. I will pull the rear cover tomorrow night and see if the brushes are dragging. The motor did sound sluggish and then got faster as it went, so I am betting motor. Also, I took the screws out of the switch plate but the switch wouldn't come out. I will try tomorrow when I'm not so tired.

[rames14]

Well, Lippert just told me that the cost for the new motor is $317. Ouch. And yes, it had a one year warranty. I guess I will see if the warranty I purchased will cover it. That would be unusual. But, maybe I can get the motor working. I will try taking the back cover off first. I will keep everyone posted.

[Waynem]

Ron,
Sometimes you can have a armature shop rewind a moter and it is better than original.

Just a thought.

[rames14]

Wayne, I was thinking the same thing. I think at work tomorrow I'll find out if we have a small motor rewinding shop around. I happen to have the maintenance department reporting in through me, so I know a couple of good sparky's.