FIX Pickup Truck Automatic Running Boards
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- Опубликовано: 2 окт 2024
- If your truck’s automatic running boards are acting up, the fix is probably easier than you think! DirtFarmerJay will walk you through the simple steps to get your steps working like new!
#runningboards #truckstep #truckrepair
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The automatic running boards on our truck are really nice. They raise up out of the way after use and drop down when the door is opened. Because they “tuck” up out of the way when the truck is underway, the truck is just a bit more aerodynamic. And it looks cleaner when the running boards are stowed when the vehicle is parked. Having them raised also keeps the width footprint of the truck to a minimum and allows a bit more space between our two vehicles parked next to each other in the garage.
Like most things in life, you don’t get all those upsides without a downside or two. While this type of running board is really handy, they have to be maintained from time to time. And, it’s no wonder. Because of where they need to be positioned, they are in the “direct line of fire” from the grit, mud, and moisture flung off the front tires. Because of this, the swivel brackets and attachment points need to be sprayed out from time to time and lubricated. If you don’t, the running boards will operate sporadically.
While it’s possible that the motor and operating mechanisms on your truck have failed, it is unlikely. It's better to start with maintenance. Besides, having these units replaced is (in my opinion) overly expensive. I asked our local dealer how much it would be to replace both units and the quote was about $4,000! NO THANKS!
In our case, the running boards would come down, and stay down until you started driving and exceeded 5 MPH, then they would retract. When stationary, the boards would come down, and after the doors were closed, would attempt to retract, stop and come back down. Frustrating.
I learned I need to “think” like the running boards, and as the engineers designed them. When the vehicle is stationary, and the running boards encounter resistance when closing, they “think” that something is in the way, like your or one of your children’s leg or foot, or even perhaps something that has dropped between the running board and the side of the truck. So, it stops and goes back down as a safety measure.
When the truck is underway, the running board retracts because it “thinks” that no one would be running alongside the truck and jamming their foot in it, and that any object would have dropped away. Actually, this is clever programming on the part of the component engineers!
So, it’s important to reduce resistance in the hardware and swivel brackets by spraying them out when the running boards are down, and then lubricate them with a spray that is “clingy” and will stay on the job for a while! The Blaster® line of lubricants works well for us.
However, should you take these measures, and the units still don’t work, then it may be time to replace the motors that lift and lower the running boards. While this “swap” is not the scope of this episode, here are some videos that you may find to be helpful:
• Ford F 150 Running Boa...
• GM Running Board Motor...
• How to fix power runni...
Even if you end up doing a motor or component replacement, it is well within the reach of even a basic-skilled home mechanic to do this without spending thousands! JUST DO IT YOURSELF!
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What if they are stuck in the up position?
Love your videos! Don't forget about the linkages further up under the cab! I also cycle the boards up and down (with the button) while going through the car wash to try and keep the gunk to a minimum! "Think like a running board"!!!
Thanks for your kind comment! These are some really great ideas. Thanks for passing them on and I'll make use of the cycling the boards tip the next time I go through an automatic car wash. Thanks for writing!
Lol just saw you at tractor supply 👀👀
DirtFarmer Jay. Cool video. I would love to get some automatic running boards for my Ram. They are way better than the typical tube style.
How do you get the step to stay down if still working with the door shut to power wash it.
Don’t forget the top hinge
Right on.
My running board stuck in the down position and making a very loud noise when it tries to retract. Can anybody help me or know who to contact?
Cindy, I suspect you have grit in the main hinges or linkages, or the running board may have been hit on a curb when it was down and it's misaligned. Open and close the door while looking down low and find what is making the noise. Something is in the way, misaligned, or seized up. If it is one of the hinges that is making the noise and stopping the running board from going up, it needs a good cleaning and lube. Let me know if this helps. best, DFJ
My boad comes halfway down and goes back up.What do i do for this?
The sensors in the running board are encounter resistance and you are seeing the safety feature in action. This is to ensure a leg or foreign object between the running board and truck body doesn't get crushed or damage the linkages or motors. It's also why you'll see the running board go ahead and raise many times once you get on the road. The logic their is that no one would be there at road speed with their foot in the gap, and a foreign object would have fallen off. The solution for this is the same as what is outlined in the episode - the linkages need to be cleaned out and lubed. That is usually the problem. Get the road grit out of them, and then lube them up with something that will stick - like a lithium grease spray from Blaster. Protect your floor while doing all this or do this out in an area that it won't make a mess. I hope this helps! Best, DFJ
لدي يوكون دينالي ٢٠١٤ ودعسه القدم اصبحت تصدر صوتا مزعجا جدا وأعتقد انه يوجد ترس مكسور هل يمكن ان أصلحه بنفسي
شاكر على الرد
أنا من السعوديه
من المحتمل أن تكون سيارتك مزودة بنظام تحكم إلكتروني في دواسة الوقود وربما تكون وحدة معيارية بدون أجزاء فردية قابلة للخدمة. قد تتمكن من إجراء الإصلاح بنفسك إذا قمت بشراء مجموعة الدواسات الإلكترونية. آمل أن يساعد هذا!
I had this problem 2 winters ago. I was able to get the driver's side going, but the passenger side stayed down. I pushed it up to have it out of the way. I pressure washed it, used compressed air, lubricants, and a pry bar, but it remains stuck in the up position. Any suggestions?
Do you know how to fix the wedge of the motor of the running board I appreciate your help
It’s better to put a video
Thanks alot
I have a question can Bondo hold steps on a truck that somebody has replaced the rocker arms underneath the truck and how strong is Bondo how much weight can it hold
Thanks for the video! Did exactly as you said on my 2017 platinum and it worked like a dream! The front left running board worked as normal but wouldn’t stay up only when the vehicle was shut off. Worked immediately
This fixed mine thank you so much
Glad I could help!
I had the same problem on my FourRunner and could not find out why they would not work after the winter. Fortunatly I saw your video. I had a can of 3-IN-ONE silicone lubricant on hand , you know what ? problem solved on both sides . Thank you for your good advice .
Great to hear this worked out so well for you. Thanks for writing! Best, DFJ
Thank you very much it worked perfectly thank you from a Canadian farmer
Glad to hear!
Great video!
Very handy, thanks.
Glad it helped!