Troubleshooting Guide

If the Sidewinder retractable step does not operate correctly after installation, please perform the following troubleshooting steps to isolate the problem before contacting customer service:

External Checks:

1. Check all fuses. The Sidewinder retractable step electrical kit includes an in-line fuse holder and a 20 amp fuse. Locate the fuse holder on the RED battery positive lead to the step. Check to see if the fuse is in place. If the fuse holder is empty, place a 20 amp blade style (ATC) fuse in the holder.

If the fuse is in place, remove the fuse and visually inspect the internal trace for breaks or burns. Replace the fuse if necessary.

2. Check all electrical connections for contact. Check the battery positive RED lead to the step to be sure it is connected tightly to the POSITIVE (+) terminal on the battery or a constant 12 volt POSITIVE (+) vehicle power source.

Check the ground GREEN lead to the step to be sure it is connected tightly to the NEGATIVE (-) terminal on the battery or an otherwise suitable ground location on the vehicle.

Check the 3 way connector from the chassis harness to the step. Be sure the colors on the harness match up to the colors on the step (RED to RED, GREEN to GREEN, and BROWN to BROWN). Be sure the connector is pushed together tightly until it “clicks” and is locked together.

Check the door switch connections. Make sure the paint around the door switch hole has been scraped to provide a good grounding surface.

Check any other splices that may have been made to lengthen or alter the provided harness. Make sure all splices are tight and free of corrosion.

3. Check wire harness at the step for power and ground continuity. This check requires the use of a meter. Disconnect the 3-way connector between the step and the harness. Using the meter set to read 12 volts, place one meter lead to ground and one to the RED battery positive lead in the harness. The meter should indicate at least 9.0 volts on the RED lead, and no more than 18.0 volts. If there is no voltage on the RED lead and all of the connections and fuses have been checked, the harness needs to be replaced. If there is less than 9.0 volts, check the battery voltage. If the battery voltage appears good, the harness needs to be replaced. If there is more than 18.0 volts, there may be a problem with the vehicle electrical system that should be addressed by a certified technician.

Set the meter to measure resistance (OHMS) or for a continuity check. With one meter lead to ground and the other to the GREEN lead from the harness, the meter should read very close to zero ohms or as a closed, continuous circuit. If all of the connections have been checked and the meter reads an open circuit or very high resistance, the harness needs to be replaced.

Re-connect the 3 way connector when all checks are complete.

4. Check the door switch operation. This check also requires the use of a meter, set to measure resistance (OHMS) or continuity. Disconnect the 3-way connector at the step. With one meter lead on ground and the other lead to the brown wire, close the vehicle door. With the door closed, the meter should show an open circuit. With the meter still in place, open the vehicle door. The meter should now show little or no resistance, or a continuous closed circuit. If all harness connections have been checked, and the meter does not confirm proper door switch operation, replace the door switch.

Re-connect the 3 way connector when all checks are complete.

5. Check the vehicle battery voltage. This check requires the use of a meter, set to read up to 20 volts. The Sidewinder step will not operate if the voltage at the step falls below 9.0 volts DC or rises above 18.0 volts DC. With the vehicle engine OFF, place one meter lead on the NEGATIVE (-) battery terminal, and one meter lead on the POSITIVE (+) battery terminal. The meter should read between 12 and 14 volts. If the meter indicates less than 12 volts, the battery may require charging or replacement.

Start the vehicle engine, taking care to be sure all tools and meter leads are away from the fan and other moving parts. With one meter lead on the NEGATIVE (-) battery terminal, and one meter lead on the POSITIVE (+) battery terminal, the meter should read around 14 volts. If the meter indicates more than 18 volts when the vehicle engine is running, there may be a problem with the vehicle electrical system that should be addressed by a certified technician.

If all of these checks have been completed and the Sidewinder step still does not function properly, contact Kodiak’s Customer Service group at 1-800-962-2881 from 7:00 am to 5:00 p.m. Pacific time for additional assistance.