Started with a 12 volt solenoid that didn't allow steps to retract. After I straightened the steps they go up and down - no problem. The problem is that they are a couple of inches short of going in all the way.
Doesnt appear to be anything blocking them, and if I manually lift the steps up they go in the last few inches. I have lubed them. there is no clicking noise. Goes down fine. No noise.
Could I have jumped a cog in the gears?

The steps may be binding only when powered by the motor. When the motor stops the mechanism loosens up. Then you can push the steps in. The step motor will stop if there is an obstruction in either direction.

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It may have jumped a gear or cog, but something had to cause the additional pressure to jump the gear. It should not matter though. If I recall correctly the steps are worm drive, so the gears are not timed to a specific gear position. Step gears are not like the timing of an internal combustion engine timing gear.

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Be sure to disconnect the power source before attempting any work on the steps. If you remove the motor, try using the arm where the motor attaches underneath the step to pull the step in manually. It should be smooth and effortless. You may then see where the steps are hanging up.

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Step motors stop when the step motor brain circuit sees high amp draw. They motor does not know location of the step. There are stops on the closed and open position that stop the step and cause the motor amp draw to increase. If your steps are halfway out and hit a curb the step circuit will stop the motor from high amp draw.

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Of course your steps may work differently. All of the steps I have replaced stop when amp draw changes.

The controller senses the load on the motor, and stops when current goes up and voltage drops. Since yours is not obviously sticking, I would check all the connections to the motor and controller. If the connections are poor the controller may stop prematurely.

good luck

My Regal power steps, also stick out an inch or two when retracted, they are all the way up and back as far as they go, the installation is just not far enough under the coach. Nose manual steps go way under the coach when retracted.