Lippert Slide-Out Not Working — Complete Troubleshooting Guide

If your Lippert slide-out won’t extend or retract, you’re not alone. Lippert Components (LCI) makes the most common slide-out systems found in RVs and motorhomes, including:

This guide covers the exact troubleshooting steps Lippert techs follow, including motor issues, controller faults, switches, encoders, wiring problems, and emergency retraction.

Common Symptoms

Tools You May Need

1. Verify Power — The #1 Cause of Lippert Slide Failures

Check Voltage at the Controller

Lippert slide motors draw heavy amperage. If voltage drops below 11.5V under load, the controller will shut off and you may hear:

Steps:

  1. Locate the controller (usually in a cabinet, under bed, or basement compartment).
  2. Connect multimeter to the main input wires.
  3. Press slide button and watch voltage.
If voltage drops into the 10s or lower, your battery or wiring is the issue — not the slide system.

2. Check the Switch — Lippert Switches Fail Often

Lippert momentary slide switches fail more often than people realize.

How to Test:

  1. Pull the wall switch out.
  2. Identify the IN, OUT, and GROUND wires.
  3. Test continuity while pressing the switch.

If there's no continuity → replace the switch (usually $9–$15).

3. Inspect the Lippert Slide Controller (LCI Controller)

The controller is the brain of the system. If it detects overload, binding, or mismatched motor RPM, it stops the slide.

Look for Fault LEDs:

Reset the Controller:

  1. Press the reset button on the board.
  2. Hold for 5 seconds.
  3. Try operating slide again.

4. Test the Motors (Schwintek & Rack & Pinion)

Lippert motors have built-in encoders that tell the controller how fast each side is turning. If one motor is slower, the controller will stop the slide.

Test Procedure:

  1. Remove the motor cover.
  2. Unplug the motor connector.
  3. Apply 12V directly to the motor.

If the motor spins → the motor is good. If not → replace it.

Many “bad motor” issues are actually caused by binding rails or a bad controller.

5. Check for Mechanical Binding

Slides are heavy. If rails, gears, or tracks bind, the controller shuts down to protect the system.

Look for:

Lubricate using a slide-approved dry lube (not WD-40).

6. One Side Moves, Other Doesn’t (Schwintek)

This is the most common Lippert complaint. It means:

Try the Re-Sync Procedure:

  1. Hold slide IN until fully in.
  2. Keep holding for 5 seconds after it stops.
  3. Hold slide OUT until fully out.
  4. Hold 5 seconds extra.

This forces the controller to relearn motor timing.

7. Emergency Manual Retraction

If you're stuck at a campground, Lippert includes manual override options:

Never drive with the slide partially extended. Use emergency retraction only to get the RV movable.

8. When to Replace the Controller

You may need a new Lippert controller if:

Controllers are around $150–$220 depending on model.

Final Thoughts

Lippert slide-out problems are extremely common, but 80% of issues come from:

Use the steps above and you can diagnose almost any Lippert slide system without paying a mobile tech.