Bigfoot Levelers Won’t Retract (Troubleshooting Error Codes)
Whether you go with after-market and cheaper options or you go with top brand names, one thing is the same. They will have problems at some point in time. You won’t escape problems and Bigfoot Levelers are no exception. You will have to troubleshoot them at some point in time.
If all 4 levelers are not working, then you should check the batteries. If they are not getting a good power supply, then they will not operate like normal. You would have to check which battery they are connected to, clean the wires, terminals and check for loose wires, etc.
To learn more about this topic, just continue to read our article. it has the information you want to know about so you can get your Bigfoot leveler issue solved quickly. Take some time to see how this important information helps you solve your leveler problems.
Troubleshooting Bigfoot Levelers 101
Bigfoot Hydraulic Leveling System Troubleshooting
This is a step-by-step process. In our research, we came across quite a few situations that could cause this problem. These sources can strike at any time. We have read where people using their RVs, etc., full time has had this problem and where people who have stored theirs for 3 years come up with the same issue.
The problem is that the sources are not the same for either situation. You may have to go through several possible problem sources before you get to the right one. Some are easy to fix and others are not so easy.
One possible source we will talk about specifically in this section is the type of fluid you are using. The company’s website says very clearly on their support web page to NOT use hydraulic fluid at any time. You are to use ATF Dexron III.
With the company making a big point out of this you know you should not replace the fluid with hydraulic fluid. Their website can be found at bigfootleveler.com and the support page link is at the bott6om of the landing page. You can contact them as well to find out more solutions to this problem.
Bigfoot Leveling System Won't Retract
In this section, we will list numerous possibilities. The solution for each will be different but you may need experienced technical help for some of them. The manuals available have a link on the support page. It is green so you can pick one up to further help with your repair work.
1. no power- possibly bad connections, loose cables, low battery charge
2. no power 2- the breaker has tripped or the fuse has blown
3. clicking noise- low power and all of these can be tested using a multimeter or a voltmeter. The battery terminals and cables can be cleaned or tightened.
4. red breaker rest button tripped- just needs to be pushed back in
5. rear rams jam- won’t move- may need experienced help on this one
6. a broken pipe on the ram- leaking transmission fluid
7. toggle switch out of place or is broken
8. all interlocking components are not set right for the system to work
9. sat too long and ‘froze’ in place
10. bent limit switch sending a wrong message to the control panel
As you can see there are multiple sources for this problem. Unfortunately, we may not have listed them all as the pumps or one pump may have failed. Be prepared to take some time to find the right source.
Bigfoot Leveling System no Power
This is one of the easiest problems to fix on this system. You know it is an electrical issue and that tells you you have several places to look. If you have a new battery it may be okay and it may not.
While new batteries do not usually fail, they can and do happen. Check the battery, new or used, for power and charge level. If both are okay, then move on to checking terminals, cables, and connections. If they are showing corrosion, etc., or are loose clean and tighten them up.
If those are all okay, move on to the breakers or fuses. These can blow at any time and you will have to simply flip the breaker if it is the source or replace the fuse or fuses. There is also a red reset button that has to be pushed back in. It is supposed to be pushed back in and under the breaker.
This little button may be hard to spot at first. One owner looked at the setup for some time before spotting it. It is an easy fix and you do not need help in resetting it.
Bigfoot Auto-Leveling System Beeping
The best we can do is quote from one manual that talks about this problem, It is a very long explanation:
“Audible Alarm
Alarm will sound (sounds like seat belt alarm) when the ignition or accessory is on and there is no ALL UP light. This means that one or more of the cylinders are not fully retracted. If this happens, press and hold EMERGENCY RETRACT until the alarm goes off or shut ignition off and retract the system. If the alarm does not shut off, this could mean that one of the footpads came up at an angle (pivoting dome design can interfere with solid connection if not straight) or that one of the pins are bent and are not making contact with the switch.
Extend each cylinder individually, and inspect, then press RETRACT (not in manual mode) so that all cylinders retract. Check for ALL UP light. If not, repair switches by removing with 7/8" wrench and cleaning with WD40 (spherical ball switch), then try again. To temporarily get rid of alarm: After retracting each cylinder with emergency retract button, temporarily disconnect (unplug) two spade connectors on switch at particular cylinder (located near footpad) OR unplug control panel or leveling sensor to eliminate alarm from beeping as long as you have confirmed cylinders are retracted.
Then repair switches and return to proper installation. This is for disabling alarm only while camping, Quadra does not recommend putting the vehicle in gear with this setup.”
Bigfoot Leveling System Error Codes
We checked the manual and it did not mention one error code that would pop up letting you know what problem is taking place. Their troubleshooting page did not mention any codes either.
We have checked other sources and no one mentions any error codes like you will find with Cummins or other engine systems. The control panel only shows lights, letters, and the location of the problem. Some control panels are quite detailed but none seem to have a screen that would show an error code.
Unfortunately, there have been complaints about Bigfoot’s customer service as they have not been too helpful when owners contact them. There are troubleshooting videos on their website and those may help you.
But the detailed manual will be your best bet and help. It is 23 pages long and filled with very good information. You just have to go to their support page to get to the link that takes you to the manuals. Then you have to pick the right link for the manual you need.
How do You Manually Retract a Bigfoot Leveling System?
On page 12 of the manual is where you will find instructions to manually operate the leveling jacks. Then when you see the 'all jacks up' light make sure to double-check as a failed system part can send the wrong message to the control panel.
Here are the instructions from the manual to help you get those jacks up before you leave your campsite:
“For individual operation: Press and release Extend Mode button, press and hold corresponding jack you want to extend. Do the same for retract function. In case of limit switch failure or “false all up light” (jack not fully retracted but it’s “up” light is on)...
Press Retract Mode and run that particular jack to override the limit switch, then replace switch and pin”
If this fails you should contact your dealer or approved repairman to handle the problem.
Bigfoot Hydraulic Leveling System Emergency Retract
When you look at the control panel you will find on the far left side a button labeled Emergency Retract and will have the additional words press/hold on it. This is the button you will use to get those leveling jacks up and out of your way.
The instructions are on page 3 of the manual and the manual we are linking to comes from a Forest River source. Just press here to see the full manual and it can be printed or downloaded. The instructions are as follows:
“The EMERGENCY RETRACT button, this is used to override the electronic safety features built in the control to retract all four cylinders simultaneously. You will need to press and hold this button until all four are retracted completely, once released the panel will shut off. As long as there is enough voltage in the house batteries to turn the motor, this button will retract the cylinders”
These instructions are followed by a page of images with directions beside each image giving you more instructions on different operational options. Read after this page as it gives you additional information about the emergency retract button.
Download Bigfoot Hydraulic Leveling System Manual
We linked to this above and it is the best source you will have to operate this system. The following link only connects you to 10 pages of this manual but that may be all that you need at this time. Just click here to get to it.
This second link will take you to a copy that is 31 pages long. It can be printed out or downloaded. The action you take just depends on your needs. The same can be said for this manual except this copy is 25 pages long.
We checked the longest manual to double-check what we wrote earlier about error codes and there was no mention of these in this copy either. No mention of them in the table of contents or in the troubleshooting section that starts on page 23.
You can always go to the company’s website to get your copy. That link is in a previous section. You will get some more information there through their troubleshooting videos but at least one owner did not find them that helpful.
Talk to dealers if you need more manuals or explanations and ask them about any error codes as well as we did not find any information on that topic.
How do You Reset The Leveling on Bigfoot?
We are betting that the rest is the same as the reprogrammed option mentioned in the manual. With this company, there are different levels of leveling systems. Here are the instructions for the automatic option:
“Programming / Reprogramming the Automatic Leveling System
urn panel/system on and let system run through its diagnostic mode. Lights will flash
clockwise around the green foot. When the lights stop flashing, push the button labeled “FRONT” 5 times. Then press the button labeled “REAR” 5 times. Once you have done this all lights on panel will begin to flash.
This means you have reached in the system what is called zero mode. At this time you can operate each corner or pair of levelers individually.
Once you have the coach level, you can now store a new program into the leveling sensor (brain box). To do so, press the RETRACT button 3 times. The AIR DUMP light will then be the only light flashing. It will flash for 20 seconds then shut off and the green, Level Foot will start flashing.
The leveling sensor is now (re)programmed. If you do not want to store the new program, simply turn off panel, to avoid changing the original program”
Check the manual for the other systems’ instructions.
How To Calibrate The Bigfoot Leveling System
“the auto level is not working right. I have done a recalibration about 5 times now but it doesn't last very long.” (from rv dreams active board)
This has been an issue at least since 2015 and Quadra has been working on the problem to get a permanent fix. Whether they were successful or not we have not found out yet. But the answer to this problem is:
“This is a known issue with the IDS Gen 2 “brain” as they call it. The black box that the two white molex connectors plug into including the newer “C” units. (I.e. 18512C on the top of the box) It is the sensor, not the computer, but the sensor is in the same box.
It has nothing to do with the hydraulic jacks, leaks, memory or whatever. The new sensor is the problem and it gets confused when you travel from the road bumps. are finding is that some sensors are collecting data while the coach is in motion and not just a static level position. This collection of numbers is over loading the sensor and causes the leveler to malfunction”
In other words, to recalibrate properly, you have to look at the sensors to make sure they are not malfunctioning.
How To Bleed Bigfoot Leveling System
Page 14 has the instructions for how to bleed the system as well as instructions for a secondary bleed if necessary. Here are the first instructions:
“This means there is more than likely air in the system (not bleed during installation). Two methods, easy method is to enter manual mode and completely extend all four cylinders to full extension and leave for an hour, then retract, and wait another 30 minutes before operating again. If this does not fix the issue then the secondary bleeding procedure must be done, see below for instruction.”
The secondary bleed has more instructions and may take a little longer to do. This includes the possibility of removing the front levelers to access the top extend ports during this process.
There is a little work involved but with some patience, you should be able to get this done yourself. If not, you may have to ask the repairman to handle this task for you. The manual in this case is very helpful and should lead you through the most common issues that arise.
Some Final Words
When you buy an RV or trailer, do not expect the big brand-name components to be error-free. They do break down from time to time and you will need to do some repair work or go to a repairman.
As for help from the company we have read that they are either very helpful or they are not that helpful. Do as much as you can yourself before asking for help. You may be able to save some money.
