Our outside step has stopped working. We can hear it tryng to come out but it doesn't. Any suggestions on what the problem may be.

Hi: These steps are really pretty reliable as long as they are kept lubricated and there are no damaged or bent parts. Start by lubricating all of the places that have moving contact areas. Then be sure to check the ground connection for the electrical circuit. In many cases a "star" lock washer may have been used to secure the ground. The "star" washers can corrode and lose good electrical bonding. If it is corroded it will create a high resistance point in the circuit which will decrease the current flow through the motor. This will greatly decrease the power the motor delivers to the mechanism. Then any small snag in its movement could result in a stoppage. Replace the star washer with a "split ring" lock washer. If that doesn't work it is possible that the motor itself is at fault. If that is the case motor replacement is the only solution. Good luck with your trouble shooting.