If you've diagnosed a failed motor in your Schwintek slide out system, the next step is replacement. The Lippert IG-42 is the standard motor used across the vast majority of Schwintek in-wall slide systems, and while it's not a five-minute job, it's absolutely within DIY range for anyone with basic mechanical experience.
This guide walks you through the complete IG-42 motor replacement process — from tools and safety prep through installation and post-install setup — so you can get your slide out running again without a shop visit.
Haven't confirmed a motor failure yet? Start with our Schwintek Slide Out Troubleshooting Guide before ordering parts.
Tools and Materials You'll Need
- Replacement Lippert IG-42 motor (confirm quantity — most slides use two motors)
- T-25 and T-30 Torx screwdrivers or bits
- Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
- 10mm and 13mm sockets with ratchet
- Needle-nose pliers
- Drill with hex bit adapter
- 12V power source or jump pack (for manual motor testing)
- Dry slide lubricant (for gear rack)
- Multimeter (optional but recommended)
- Flashlight or work light
- Helper (strongly recommended — slide rooms are heavy)
Safety Warnings
- Disconnect shore power and turn off the inverter before working on any electrical components
- Never work under or inside a slide room that isn't properly supported — if the slide shifts during the repair, serious injury can result
- Do not force the slide manually during any step — the gear rack teeth can strip under lateral pressure
- Confirm which motor has failed before ordering — replacing the wrong motor wastes time and money
- Label all wiring connectors before disconnecting — the IG-42 has multiple connections that look similar
Step-by-Step: Lippert IG-42 Motor Replacement
Step 1: Extend the Slide Out Fully
If the slide still has partial movement, extend it fully before beginning. You need access to the motor mounting area inside the slide wall cavity, which is only accessible with the slide in the extended position. If the slide won't move at all, you'll need to manually extend it using a drill on the motor shaft — consult your RV owner's manual for the manual override procedure.
Step 2: Disconnect Power to the Slide System
Turn off the slide out circuit at your main fuse panel and disconnect shore power. If your RV has a battery disconnect switch, use it. You'll be working directly with the motor wiring, and the system must be completely de-energized before you touch any connections.
Step 3: Access the Motor Mounting Location
The IG-42 motors are mounted inside the slide room wall — typically accessible by removing the interior wall trim panel on the slide room side wall. In most installations, there is a trim panel or access cover on each side of the slide room near the front wall. Remove the screws holding the trim panel and set it aside carefully to avoid damage.
Step 4: Locate and Identify the Failed Motor
With the trim panel removed, you'll see the IG-42 motor mounted to a bracket inside the wall cavity, with the drive pinion engaging the gear rack. If you haven't already confirmed which motor failed, this is the time — visually inspect both motors and test each one with a 12V power source if needed. Proceeding with the wrong motor replacement is a common and costly mistake.
Step 5: Disconnect the Motor Wiring
The IG-42 motor has two wiring connections: a main power connector and a feedback sensor connector. Take a clear photo of both connectors and their routing before disconnecting anything. Disconnect the power connector first, then the sensor connector. Label them with tape if you're concerned about mixing them up — the connectors are keyed but it's easy to get disoriented inside the wall cavity.
Step 6: Remove the Motor Mounting Bolts
The IG-42 motor is secured to its mounting bracket with bolts — typically three or four, depending on the installation. Using your socket set, remove all mounting bolts and set them aside in a safe place. Do not let them fall into the wall cavity.
Step 7: Disengage the Drive Pinion from the Gear Rack
Before pulling the motor out, you need to disengage the drive pinion gear from the rack. In most installations, the motor bracket has a small amount of adjustment — loosening the mounting bolts slightly (before fully removing them) allows the motor to pivot away from the rack. Disengage the pinion carefully to avoid bending the rack or stripping teeth.
Step 8: Remove the Old Motor
With the pinion disengaged and mounting bolts removed, carefully extract the motor from the wall cavity. IG-42 motors are compact but awkward to maneuver in tight spaces — work slowly and avoid snagging the remaining wiring. Set the old motor aside.
Step 9: Inspect the Gear Rack and Mounting Bracket
Before installing the new motor, take a moment to inspect the gear rack for worn or missing teeth and clean any debris from the rack teeth with a dry brush. Also inspect the mounting bracket for cracks or deformation. If the rack is damaged, it will need to be replaced before the new motor will operate correctly — a new motor driving a damaged rack will fail prematurely.
Step 10: Apply Lubricant to the Gear Rack
Apply a thin coat of dry slide lubricant to the gear rack teeth in the area where the new motor's pinion will engage. Do not use grease — it attracts dirt and debris that accelerate wear. This is also a good time to lubricate the full length of both racks while you have access.
Step 11: Position and Mount the New Motor
Position the new IG-42 motor in the mounting bracket with the drive pinion aligned with the gear rack. The pinion should engage the rack teeth cleanly with no forcing. Start all mounting bolts by hand before tightening any of them — this ensures proper alignment. Once all bolts are started, tighten evenly in a cross pattern to seat the motor squarely against the bracket.
Step 12: Reconnect the Motor Wiring
Reconnect the feedback sensor connector first, then the main power connector. Both connectors should click firmly into place. Refer to the photo you took in Step 5 to confirm correct routing. Tuck any excess wiring safely away from moving parts — the gear rack and pinion will damage wiring that gets caught in them.
Step 13: Restore Power and Test Motor Operation
Restore power to the slide circuit and test the motor operation before reassembling the trim panels. From the interior wall switch, attempt to retract the slide slowly. Watch and listen carefully — the new motor should engage smoothly with no grinding or skipping. If the control board throws a fault code, refer to your Lippert board documentation before proceeding.
Step 14: Run the Slide Through a Full Cycle
Extend and retract the slide through at least two full cycles while observing both sides. Both motors should move in sync with no binding, grinding, or hesitation. If the slide moves unevenly or one side lags, stop immediately and recheck the motor mounting and pinion engagement on the new motor.
Step 15: Reinstall the Interior Trim Panel
Once you've confirmed smooth operation through multiple cycles, reinstall the interior trim panel. Secure all screws and confirm the panel sits flush. Give the slide one final full cycle after reassembly to confirm everything is operating correctly with the panels in place.
Programming and Setup After Installation
In most cases, the Lippert control board does not require reprogramming after an IG-42 motor replacement — the board learns motor behavior automatically during the first few cycles. However, if your control board continues to display fault codes after installation, a board reset may be needed:
- Disconnect 12V power to the control board for 60 seconds
- Reconnect and power on
- Run the slide through one full extend and retract cycle at normal speed
- The board will recalibrate motor sync tolerances during this cycle
If fault codes persist after a reset and full cycle, consult the Lippert control board fault code guide for your specific board model — the issue may be with the board itself rather than the new motor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have an IG-42 motor in my Schwintek slide?
The IG-42 is the standard motor used in Lippert Schwintek in-wall slide systems across most RV brands from approximately 2010 onward. You can confirm by locating the motor and reading the label on the motor body, or by checking your RV's Lippert documentation. The model number IG-42 will be printed directly on the motor housing.
Do I need to replace both Schwintek motors at the same time?
You only need to replace the failed motor. That said, if both motors have high hours and one has failed, replacing both while you have the wall open is worth considering — it saves you from doing the same job again in the near future.
Why does my new IG-42 motor keep throwing a fault code?
The most common cause is a sync error between the new motor and the existing motor — especially if the existing motor has significant wear. Try a control board reset first. If the fault persists, the existing motor may be too worn to sync properly with the new unit.
Can I replace an IG-42 motor myself, or do I need a technician?
It's a legitimate DIY repair for anyone with basic mechanical experience and patience. The most important factors are working safely with the slide supported, confirming which motor failed before ordering, and taking your time with the wiring connections. If you're not confident working inside wall cavities or with 12V electrical systems, a certified RV technician is a reasonable call.
How long do Lippert IG-42 motors typically last?
With proper lubrication and maintenance, IG-42 motors commonly last 10–15 years or more. Premature failure is usually caused by operating the slide while binding, infrequent lubrication of the gear rack, or repeated sync errors that overload one motor.
Get Your IG-42 Replacement Motor at The RV Surplus
We carry Lippert IG-42 Schwintek slide out motors at discount prices with free shipping to the continental U.S. If you've confirmed a motor failure, ordering the right part is the straightforward next step.
Shop Slide Out Motors at The RV Surplus →
Not sure if it's the motor or something else? Go back to our Schwintek Slide Out Troubleshooting Guide to work through the full diagnosis before ordering. And as always, call or text us at 574-218-0549 if you need help identifying the right part for your system.