A system for calculating control pulse duration for optimal stepper motor performance. Duration of control pulses to a stepper motor is increased until stepper motor function begins. The duration of control pulses continues to be increased. It is determined whether stepper motor failure is detected. In response to detecting a failure, the duration of control pulses at the time of the failure is recorded. The duration of control pulses is decreased until stepper motor function is restored. The duration of control pulses continues to be decreased. It is determined whether a second failure is detected. In response to detecting a second failure, the duration of control pulses at the time of the second failure is recorded. A control pulse duration is calculated that optimizes performance of the stepper motor using recorded control pulse duration data. The calculated control pulse duration is applied to the stepper motor.