Power Gear Leveler Won't Retract: Complete Repair Guide

The Quick Answer

Your 2012 American Coach Revolution's Power Gear leveling system has a failed retract solenoid or blocked retract valve that's preventing the hydraulic fluid from flowing back to the reservoir during retraction. The hissing from the airbags is normal - they deflate first in the sequence - but the hydraulic legs aren't getting the signal or pressure to retract. Since your emergency retract works when you put it in gear, the hydraulic pump and cylinders are fine, confirming this is an electrical control issue with the retract circuit.

What's Causing This

The Power Gear leveling system on your Revolution uses a specific sequence: first the airbags deflate (which you're hearing), then solenoid valves should open to allow hydraulic fluid to return from the leg cylinders to the reservoir while the pump stops or goes to neutral. Common culprits include a failed retract solenoid valve (typically the main retract valve or individual leg retract valves), corroded electrical connections at these valves, or a faulty control module that's not sending the proper signals.

Another possibility is contaminated hydraulic fluid that's causing the retract valves to stick closed. Since your system is over 10 years old, moisture and debris in the fluid can cause valve seats to corrode or stick. The emergency retract bypasses the normal control sequence and directly activates the retraction, which explains why it still works when you shift into gear.

Tools You'll Need

• Digital multimeter with probe leads
• Wire brush and electrical contact cleaner
• Basic hand tools (screwdrivers, wrenches)
• Flashlight or work light
• Dielectric grease for electrical connections
• Shop rags and safety glasses
• Replacement solenoid valve if needed (correct part for your model - verify with dealer, around $85-120)
• Hydraulic fluid (check manufacturer specs - may be Dexron III ATF or Power Gear specific fluid, about 2-3 quarts)

Step-by-Step Fix

WARNING: Always turn off the leveling system and disconnect shore power before working on electrical connections to prevent shock or system damage.

First, ensure the coach is stable and properly supported by the leveling legs before beginning diagnosis. Block or secure the jacks to prevent unexpected movement during troubleshooting. Then locate your leveling system control panel and hydraulic pump assembly, typically found in a basement compartment. With the system powered on but not activated, listen carefully when you press the retract button - you should hear clicking sounds from solenoid valves activating. If you don't hear these clicks, the problem is electrical.

Check all electrical connections at the solenoid valves on the hydraulic manifold. Look for green corrosion, loose connections, or burnt wires. Clean any corroded connections with a wire brush and contact cleaner, then apply dielectric grease. Test each solenoid valve with your multimeter - you should see approximately 12 volts (within manufacturer's tolerance range) when the retract button is pressed. If you have voltage but no clicking, the solenoid is likely failed internally.

1. Turn off the leveling system and disconnect shore power for safety
2. Remove the hydraulic pump cover to access the solenoid valves
3. Have someone press the retract button while you test for voltage at each solenoid (reconnect power only during testing, then disconnect again before making repairs)
4. If voltage is present but solenoid doesn't click, remove and replace the faulty valve
5. If no voltage, trace the wiring back to the control module and check for broken connections
6. After any repairs, cycle the system several times and check hydraulic fluid level

If electrical connections and voltages check out, the issue may be mechanical - stuck valves due to contaminated fluid. In this case, you'll need to drain and replace the hydraulic fluid, and possibly remove and clean the valve assemblies. This is more complex but still manageable for a DIY repair.

When to Call a Pro

Call a qualified RV technician if you find multiple solenoid failures, which could indicate a control module problem (replacement cost $300-500 plus labor). Also seek professional help if you discover hydraulic leaks during your inspection, as this requires proper fluid disposal and system bleeding. If the hydraulic pump motor itself is failing or you're not comfortable working with 12-volt electrical systems, professional diagnosis will save you time and prevent damage to expensive components.

Given that your Revolution is a high-end coach, some shops specialize in American Coach service and will have the specific diagnostic tools and experience with Powergear systems. Expect to pay $150-200 for diagnosis plus parts and labor, but this ensures proper repair and maintains your warranty coverage on any new components installed.