Auto Running Boards Won't Retract after 38k

[jay1112]

I have a 2012 LTD with the auto running boards and after 38k miles, the driver's side doesn't retract anymore. It would struggle to try to retract under the truck, but then it senses that it can't retract and it would open back out.

Luckily, I got the extended warranty when I first bought my truck since I am past the 36k factory warranty, so went to the dealership and it was covered after a $50 deductible.

They said that the problem was that the motor went bad and a replacement motor has to be special ordered and will take 2 weeks to come in. The part alone is $1,258.02, which is pretty crazy IMO.

Does anyone else have this problem with your running boards?

 

[1engineer]

Ever since auto running boards came out I could see huge problems with their operation in cold weather conditions. Ice can jam up and stop anything, especially these running boards. I would think there would be a thermal switch to keep the motors from burning up though.

 

[jay1112]

I wasn't really a fan of the auto running boards. I would rather have the regular running boards but it came with most of the 2012 LTDs.

Driver's side was probably the first to go because it gets the most usage.

If the motor goes out again when the warranty goes out, I think I am going to remove them and put some regular ones on there. I can't imagine spending that much out of pocket to fix it.

 

[philsey]

These things are a great idea in theory, not so much in practise. I'd love to have them, but I figured 1 salty, slushy, freezing winter would do them in.
[MENTION=99844]jay1112[/MENTION] Smart to get the EW - it just paid for itself.

 

[Titanpat57]

I know a lot of the Hummer crowd use them, may help to search in their forums for reoccurring issues, and they may have a better solution.

Better meaning cheaper..