2002 Patriot---Interior Entry-Step Close Out

[Jack W Hannah]

I have two problems w/the Step Close-Out on my 2002 Patriot. 1) When closing, the step cover strikes the interior of my entry door. 2) It's set w/too much force.
I'm pretty sure there are supposed to be some "stops" in the track to prevent the cover from extending far enough to strike my screen door but I can't seem to be able to ID them or find a source. My 1st effort w/BCS wasn't successful.
Regarding the closing force adjustment; is there a factory setting for the adjustment?
Any input on this subject would be appreciated.

Jack Hannah

[Fred Brooks]

   Hi Jack,
I am pretty sure that the close out cover is operated by an air cylinder. For starters, I would extend the cover with he door open and inspect the cylinder end rod where it attaches to the cover underneath. Perhaps the jam nuts have loosened and the cover is being over extended? The solenoid that controls the action is in the electrical compartment below the drivers window. It is mounted on the forward bulkhead of the compartment. It has exhaust adjustments on each end of the valve to regulate how fast the return air from the cylinder is allowed to escape. This keeps the cover from slamming open or closed. Inspect the solenoid operation while someone is activating the close out switch. Please advise, Fred

[Jerry Carr]

Fred is correct air in and out I did adjust our 06 PT

[Eric Maclean Co-Admin]

Jack
At the otter end ( towards the door ) you should find a pair of black plastic stops screwed in the slide track ,it's possible they are broken or missing.
And as Fred pointed out the solenoid valve has exhaust air adjustments on it to help control the speed of the movement
If the slide hangs up anywhere in it's travel the air pressure required to move it builds up and when it does move it will be
Faster than you won't causing it to thump loudly.
Clean the slid tracks check the movement ( it must move freely ) look for the stops and grease the slides with a bar of soap.

[Jack W Hannah]

Fred,

Thanks for all the good info; much appreciated. I have the coach scheduled in to the shop soon so I'm going to add this to their list and now I'll be much better informed/able to discuss this issue w/them.

[Jack W Hannah]

Eric,

Thank you for your reply; I really appreciate it. When I first started messing w/my Close-Out a couple of small pieces of plastic fell onto the entry stairs and I suspected they were the remnants of some stops in the tracks. I'm gonna try BCS again for replacements.

[Fred Brooks]

  Jack,
Knowledge has value when talking about your coach at a repair facility. When in transit and you have an issue and go to the closest repair facility, it is not Wise to mention you are traveling. Some facilities measure the depth of your pocket by the length of your coach. My suggestion would be to treat the interaction like a deposition. If you know what you are talking about, they are more inclined to show respect. Just throwing that out there so we all have happy trails. BTW I am not referring to BCS. Fred

[Carl Boger]

Jack,
On my slide out the stops are positioned where the slide out stops about 2 inches from the door.  The plastic stops are nothing special, they could be replaced with small pieces of wood, different plastic, or nylon.  I believe that they are held in with screws.  Basically like a 1/4 inch keyway key made from plastic.  Also the solenoid on mine is in the front cap not the electrical bay.

[Jack W Hannah]

Fred;
Yes sir, that's why I value the BAC inputs so highly as well as BCS. Thanks again.