FIX Pickup Truck Automatic Running Boards

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

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:

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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[gozzman]

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"!!!

[christianlarson]

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

[RenegadesGarage]

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.

[DagoPadilla-lkcr]

What if they are stuck in the up position?

[ScottSymons-rzbk]

Thank you very much it worked perfectly thank you from a Canadian farmer

[jean-pierrehebert]

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 .

[Ahleen]

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

[kyleterlesky]

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?

[robertwalker]

How do you get the step to stay down if still working with the door shut to power wash it.

[WizardManSTH_]

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

[aaronquinn]

My boad comes halfway down and goes back up.What do i do for this?

[cindysauer]

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?

[Ahleen]

لدي يوكون دينالي ٢٠١٤ ودعسه القدم اصبحت تصدر صوتا مزعجا جدا وأعتقد انه يوجد ترس مكسور هل يمكن ان أصلحه بنفسي
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