Nuevo ES Electric Step

Towards the end of a two week trip our electric step stopped working. I have looked underneath for a push button to clean (mentioned on a similar thread) to no avail. The step may have taken a bash whilst hugging into a bend to allow a huge hymer squeeze past.  Any thoughts would be appreciated.
MJ

I also wondered if the step can be opened and shut manually? It does feel like it can, it's a2005 nuevo es.

I've got a manual step on my 2006 ES. I didn't know an electric step was ever fitted. I think you'll find the button referred to in earlier threads is just a switch for the step alarm .

Ok, I don't have an alarm. Using an old milk crate now.

I would've thought there was a manual override. Disengagement lever somewhere near the opening mechanism maybe.

I will have another look. The magical wd40 failed to work. I will remove the cover and inspect, probably full of Irish mud.

When our step packed up I was still able to operate it from the switch just on inside the door. However the culprit was found to be a blown fuse under the drivers seat, which a few Puegeot owners have found in the ame location

When my step stopped retracting I was able to fold it manually by lifting the outer edge slightly and easing it in.  My problem was identified by Mark at A/S as some corrosion on what I take to be a limit/changeover switch that is operated as the step reaches its fully open state. Some water repellent lubricant (not WD40) cured it.

I plan to check fuses, I am only aware of the stitch next to bottom of the door. Off on a trip now so the milk crate is having another holiday. thanks for advice.
MJ

Our electric step has been removed and examined.  There was no significant build up of mud near the mechanism.  There is no switch on the step itself.  We have searched for a fuse under the driver seat to no avail.  Is it possible to check the step motor by hooking it up to a 12 volt supply? If anyone knows of a fuse location I would be most grateful.
Thanks marie

I've just thought a Nuevo the age of yours could well have the MES electrical system - I'll do another post on that.

For the standard installation at that time, the retract detection switch (S2) should be under a black plastic cover on the left side of the step as you look at it.  The manual operation switch (S1) is at the habitation door. The operating relay is usually behind the lower fridge vent.  The alarm sounder and fuse should be under the drivers seat.

MES Step Operation.

The 12v distribution system will be under one of the fronts seats.  The step automatically retracts when vehicle motion is detected.  Fuse 10 is supposed to be for the step but no guarantee.

The step on my Inca is supposed to close automatically if not retracted before moving. Do you know where the fuse could be for that?

On my Inca (FJ 05 FYL) it was under the drivers seat.

Thanks for the information Peter, we have looked underneath the van again there is no sign of an s2 retract detection switch. The wires from the step go straight into the van.  I did find a small black rectangular box hidden under the passenger seat.  It was labelled L J Microwave and had a caution warning.  There was a + and - sensitivity control switch, it looked like something to do with the alarm perhaps.

I can see no hint of fuses under either front seat.  The drivers side contains the leisure battery which is boxed in and difficult to see.  We may remove the seat to have a better look. We have found three fuse boxes one under bonnet and one on each side of the dash board.  The fuses appear to be for regular van items such as wipers etc.  Would it be ok to test the step motor with a 12 volt supply from a jump starter? 
Thanks for your help so far.

As I am uncertain as to the installation you have, I can't comment on where to apply the 12v , what precautions to take and what might happen. Sorry.

Having found an installation leaflet for the step I was able to test with a 12 volt supply.  The step opens and closes fine.  The s2 switch is on the step itself.  As our step operated intermittently I guess the problem may be a loose wire not making good contact or a bad earth.

We refitted the step after giving the gears a good lubrication. To test the step motor is a simple matter of connecting positive and negative to the step motor terminals, changing polarity to open and close.  I will scan the installation notes and post if you think this is worth having on the forum?  Once refitted the step closed when the engine was started. This leads me to think that the problem may be with the S1 rocker switch at habitation door.   I am not sure as to whether or not post a question on replacing/ testing the switch elsewhere on the forum as I need more advice on this issue.  We also attempted to remove the front seat to locate habitation fuses, several nuts under the seat stopped the removal.  We will return to this task.

Find the relay and check if it is operating correctly

MarieJ wrote:  We also attempted to remove the front seat to locate habitation fuses, several nuts under the seat stopped the removal.  We will return to this task.

Just as an aside, of the 4 bolts that hold the seat, two have captive nuts and are no problem, the other two, front if I remember, have free nuts that rotate as soon as you loosen the bolts, and they are almost impossible to get a spanner on. Once you manage to get the seat off, install two captive nuts on the front before reassembly, it makes removing the seat in future a doddle. Why this isn't done at the assembly stage I don't know..
Al.

Thanks for the latest advice.  We are still trying to track down the relay, work out how to access it behind the fridge.  Removing the front seat looked like a quick job until we discovered the front bolt with free nuts, bad design. To replace these with captive nuts seems like a good idea, would this involve welding the nuts Al?
Regards Marie

No welding required, there are lots of designs of DIY captive nuts on ebay etc, it will involve filing or grinding the holes a little. If you have a dremmel type tool it's an easy job.
Al.

Thanks for the advice Al, i;ll add replacing the nuts to our list.  The fuse turned out to be behind the fridge. The detective work continues!