Schwintek slide-out stuck? Here’s what to do!

Talk to a Tech!

Lippert Components, the manufacturer of the Schwintek In-Wall slide-out system, has excellent aftermarket phone support. You can visit their webpage here: https://support.lci1.com/contact. A representative will walk you through basic troubleshooting: error codes, synchronization, electronic override, manual override, etc.

>>> READ MORE: Why Does Everyone Love to Hate on the Schwintek Slide-Out System?

Walk Through the Error Codes

Schwintek slide-out controllers are programmed with basic error code recognition. The controller LEDs (red and green) will blink 2-9 times depending on the error code. While the error codes aren’t perfect, they will generally point you in the right direction. 

Synchronize the Slide-Out

Synchronization is the most important act of maintenance for a Schwintek system. It’s easy enough: Let the motors stop the room. Hold the power switch until the room hits full extension or retraction, and then keep holding the switch another 1-3 seconds. You should hear both motors spool down (i.e., “amp out”) at the same time. If not, back the room off 0.5-2.0 inches and try again. Let the motors do the thinking! 

You see, the controller isn’t that smart. It doesn’t know where “home” is. It can’t “see” if the slide-out is partially extended or retracted because it can’t measure the exact distance of travel, even with Hall sensors. So instead, it measures the electrical current – the amperage – being drawn by the motors. When the slide-out room hits full extension or retraction, the motor amperage spikes, and the controller assumes the room has hit maximum travel. That’s why synchronization is so important: It “rehomes” the system after each extension and retraction. It keeps the slide-out moving straight.

A technician can walk you through the synchronization process if you’re uncomfortable doing it yourself for the first time. 

Try Out Electronic Override

The electronic override procedure is fairly simple. On the controller, there is a small recessed black button. Get a small screwdriver or pick tool. Push the button six times and hold for the seventh. When the LED lights start blinking rapidly, you’re in override mode. (Read here for more information). 

But with great power comes great responsibility. In override mode, the controller will ignore any error codes and will send as much power to the drive motors as possible. That means the motors will keep driving, even if the mechanism is broken – even if the slide-out is fully retracted or extended. You can severely damage your RV this way. 

Resort to Manual Override

If you’re in manual override mode, you’re normally desperate. The slide is stuck, it ain’t moving, and electronic override mode probably didn’t work, either.

Here’s the theory behind manual override mode: The drive motors have built-in motor brakes. If you remove power to the motors (i.e., disconnect the motor harnesses from the controller), then the brake will deactivate.

Unfortunately, this rarely works. Even with the brake turned off, it takes an enormous amount of force to manually push the room in or out. It normally takes 2-4 beefy dudes to overcome the system resistance. Plus, if the mechanics are jammed, such as a broken Schwintek shoe, then forcing the room to move could cause further damage. Proceed carefully! 

Should I Remove the Motor?

In cases where merely disabling the motor brake is insufficient, the next step MIGHT be to manually remove the motor. (The motor, by the way, is the ONLY component of the system that can be removed without externally supporting the slide-out room and disassembling the system.) Once you’ve removed the motor, the room is much easier to push or pull in or out.

However, I would advise you to STOP HERE if you are DIYing this fix. Many times, removing the motor is not necessary. Plus, removing the motor can be quite difficult, especially when there’s a lack of access. (If the room fails when fully retracted, you’re really in a pickle). 

What About Lubrication?

Fair warning: Lippert will tell you not to lubricate the gear racks. Many lubricants, especially anything grease- or wax-based, will attract dirt. Dirt particles will accelerate wear and can even increase friction, so the general recommendation is to avoid lubricants. Instead, just keep the gear tracks clean. 

However, other techs, such as My RV Works, will instruct you to seasonally lubricate the shoe race (not the gear S-track, just the shoe race) using a dry PTFE spray lubricant. I myself have used this trick to free up older Schwintek slides. It does work! Just don’t overdue it. 

>>> READ MORE: About RV Slide-Outs

Know Your Limits

Personally, I don’t think the Schwintek deserves quite all the hate heaped upon its head, but it certainly is a finicky system. The designers have released multiple iterations over the years: inverted vs. standard gear racks; 300:1 standard vs. 500:1 high-torque motors; 6 different controllers; three different torque shaft and spur gear designs; Winnebago-only versions; oi vey! 

If you’re stuck – no pun intended – it’s OK to call for help. Start off with a call to Lippert Components technical support. If they can’t resolve the issue with you, call your local qualified RV technician. They’ll be happy to help!