Lippert 363985 Camless Step Control Module -- Plug-On Purple Connector
The genuine Lippert replacement brain for your RV electric step system. The 363985 is a camless step control module featuring a plug-on purple connector, engineered to directly replace Power Gear reference number 1510000140. If your electric steps are not extending, not retracting, or behaving erratically, the control module is the first component to evaluate -- and this is the correct OEM-grade replacement to restore reliable operation.
Electric step systems on RVs take thousands of cycles over a rig's life. The control module -- the logic board that reads door signals, commands the step motor, and manages timing -- is one of the most common failure points when steps stop working correctly. Lippert part number 363985 (also referenced as vendor part 96-4085) is a direct-replacement camless controller built to OEM specifications.
The camless design means this module does not rely on a mechanical cam-based position sensor to determine step travel. Instead, the controller manages step position through motor current logic, reducing one of the most common mechanical wear points in older step systems. The plug-on purple connector allows for a tool-minimal swap -- unplug the existing harness, plug in the replacement, and you are back on the road.
No mechanical cam sensor -- reduces wear-related failures and simplifies diagnosis.
OEM-style harness connection for direct plug-in replacement without wire splicing.
Manufactured to OEM specs under Lippert's Power Gear step product line.
Drop-in replacement for Power Gear control module part number 1510000140.
Lippert 363985 is the current production replacement for Power Gear step control module 1510000140. If your rig's step system originally used that Power Gear part, this module is the correct modern replacement without modification to the existing wiring harness.
The step control module is the electronic brain of an electric RV step system. It receives a door-open or door-close signal (typically from a door switch or ignition source), then commands the step motor to extend or retract. It also provides overcurrent protection to prevent motor damage if the steps are obstructed.
Common symptoms of a failed or failing step control module include:
Before replacing the module, verify that 12V power and ground are reaching the existing module, the door switch is functioning, and the step motor is not seized. If power and signals are confirmed good but the module is not responding, replacement is the correct next step.
Older Power Gear step systems used a mechanical cam and limit switches to detect when the steps were fully extended or retracted. Cam wear and switch failure were frequent service issues. The camless design in the 363985 eliminates that mechanical position-sensing assembly, relying on motor load logic instead. This makes installation simpler and removes a common long-term failure point.
Replacement of the step control module is one of the more straightforward RV step repairs. General process for compatible systems:
This module is designed for camless Power Gear / Lippert step systems that used the 1510000140 control module. Systems with cam-based controllers, different connector types, or different motor configurations may require a different module. Verify your existing module's part number before ordering. If the original module is unreadable, cross-reference by step model number through Lippert's parts lookup.