Automatic Running Boards Issue

[KGWVU]

Anybody else have issues with the automatic running boards failing to retract? It started on the driver's side in the last month and now the passenger side is doing it. The running board will begin to retract then immediately shoot back out. Sometimes they will retract all the way to their driving position before coming back out. The warning light in the cluster turns on for the running boards and once you drive away, the running boards retract and the light goes away.

Still have 1,000 miles left on the factory warranty so I will be calling the local dealer tomorrow but they are such a pain to deal with. I am hoping this is a known issue with an easy resolution that can be done without having to involve the dealership.

I searched this forum, as well as Google, and did not find much info on this issue.

Edit to add that I have already put the truck on a lift to confirm there are no obstructions in the way of the running boards that would impede operation.

 

[dclark2171]

The same thing with my 2013 Limited a couple weeks back. The RB would retract once I was in gear and began to drive about 5MPH. The dealer (warranty) ordered new motors. They said nothing was obstructing the boards and that the sensors inside the motor sensed weight on the boards. So they replaced motors on both driver and passenger side. However, while installing, they over torqued some bolts and busted up some of the framing that supports RB motors.

Luckily, this is a fine Toyota dealership (unlike most GM dealers i have dealt with in the past). They gave me a new Highlander (11 miles on odometer) to drive while they waited for parts to come in (2 days).

 

[Blitzkrieg]

I personally would never do the automatic running boards.

I test drove a 2015 LE with them and I thought "Those are really cool. I'll give them a year here in Colorado before something breaks and I bet they are not cheap to fix".

I look at them sort of like hideaway headlights. Cool, but usually one of the first things that breaks.

Good luck to you though.

 

[adam2562]

could have been slush/ice build up under there?

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I personally would never do the automatic running boards.

I test drove a 2015 LE with them and I thought "Those are really cool. I'll give them a year here in Colorado before something breaks and I bet they are not cheap to fix".

I look at them sort of like hideaway headlights. Cool, but usually one of the first things that breaks.

Good luck to you though.

Yeah... that's my reaction too... It'd be cool if they could be made into like super heavy duty sliders when folded and then they unfold for stepping on (with a manual override switch if you're on the trail.)

 

[Dishmantom]

Mine are wacky

The passenger side boards have been staying open when closing the door until I drive away for awhile. All of a sudden they will start operating properly again. Recently the drivers side boards will open then immediately close while you're stepping on. This is a safety hazzard both getting in or out of the vehicle. i just shut the switch off unless I have passengers. Any ideas would be appreciated. The vehicle is out of warranty. Thank you, Tom

 

[Formidable]

As soon as you close the door the RBs take a few seconds to retract. If you start the car WHILE the boards retract it will fail to retract... Not enough power to drive the motors. Do yourself a favor and wait until the boards fully retract before starting the car. Or, drive off and they will retract automatically anyway.

 

[Dishmantom]

Thanks Formidable, I am aware of what you mentioned. The board comes out and goes right back when you open the door-this is a hazzard!

 

[Formidable]

Thanks Formidable, I am aware of what you mentioned. The board comes out and goes right back when you open the door-this is a hazzard!

That's definitely not normal. I would take it to the dealer and have them trouble shoot it under warranty.

 

[msp]

I personally would never do the automatic running boards.

I test drove a 2015 LE with them and I thought "Those are really cool. I'll give them a year here in Colorado before something breaks and I bet they are not cheap to fix".

I look at them sort of like hideaway headlights. Cool, but usually one of the first things that breaks.

Good luck to you though.

I look at the Amp Research page from time to time and think "these would be cool to have" then threads like this damage my calm and I realize it's a terrible idea...

 

[Haylon]

Same Issue on Driver side.

I have the same issue on the Driver Side. Has anyone been able to figure out what the issue is?

 

[vjack]

I am circling on a new Limited for my next vehicle... has anyone who bought the automatic running boards regretted it?

I think I do need running boards of some kind since I'm not tall (5'-8") and getting stuff up onto the roof is going to be quite a challenge without them. But I don't really like the look of the fixed boards. I just can't decide if the automatic ones are worth ~$1500.

 

[philsey]

I am circling on a new Limited for my next vehicle... has anyone who bought the automatic running boards regretted it?

I think I do need running boards of some kind since I'm not tall (5'-8") and getting stuff up onto the roof is going to be quite a challenge without them. But I don't really like the look of the fixed boards. I just can't decide if the automatic ones are worth ~$1500.

They strike me as a problem waiting to happen - much, much more so if you have winter/ice/slush/salt/sand/cinders. I couldn't be without RBs as my wife is short, plus we haul around some seniors, both of which would have difficulty w/o them. I'm 5'9" and I use them too.

 

[TravelWest01]

I had the auto running boards and they did fail to retract sometimes. Especially with snow/ice. Finally removed them and put on sliders.

 

[ST1FLER]

I am circling on a new Limited for my next vehicle... has anyone who bought the automatic running boards regretted it?

I think I do need running boards of some kind since I'm not tall (5'-8") and getting stuff up onto the roof is going to be quite a challenge without them. But I don't really like the look of the fixed boards. I just can't decide if the automatic ones are worth ~$1500.

im 5'8 and my 4runner is lifted and I have no issues getting in without running boards. save the auto boards for the Escalades yo

 

[Saker]

Same as ST1FLER...save the boards for those cadi's.

My wife is shorter than 5'8" and she has no issues getting into my T4R... oh it's lifted too.

just sayin'

 

[vjack]

im 5'8 and my 4runner is lifted and I have no issues getting in without running boards. save the auto boards for the Escalades yo

Getting *INTO* the vehicle is not the issue... I'm worried about having access to the roof rack. I put stuff on my roof all the time: canoe, cargo box, skis, you name it. I'm coming from a Subaru Forester which is a lot lower and I'm honestly not sure I can really reach the roof rails on a 4Runner well enough to tie anything down without a foot stool or some running boards.

And just in case any of you are wondering, this is not going to be a "soccer mom" vehicle. I live in New Hampshire and spend a non-trivial amount of time driving in snow/mud/dirt.

I personally think that the automatic running boards sound like they provide a real utility while also getting out of the way (and out of sight) when not needed. So the question is, is there any downside?

 

[ST1FLER]

Getting *INTO* the vehicle is not the issue... I'm worried about having access to the roof rack. I put stuff on my roof all the time: canoe, cargo box, skis, you name it. I'm coming from a Subaru Forester which is a lot lower and I'm honestly not sure I can really reach the roof rails on a 4Runner well enough to tie anything down without a foot stool or some running boards.

And just in case any of you are wondering, this is not going to be a "soccer mom" vehicle. I live in New Hampshire and spend a non-trivial amount of time driving in snow/mud/dirt.

I personally think that the automatic running boards sound like they provide a real utility while also getting out of the way (and out of sight) when not needed. So the question is, is there any downside?

I use my GOBI ladder to access the roof pretty easily. I'm not wondering i fyou are going to have a soccer mom 4runner.... I actually dont give a shit but I was just pointing out these vehicles are not that tall even when lifted. So downside to auto boards? they look like ghetto Navigator steps and they are electronic exposed to elements..... bout sums it up. oh an dat 5'8" you wont be able to stand on side steps and access the roof easily anyway so look at a rear hatch ladder or step on the rear tire

 

[vjack]

I use my GOBI ladder to access the roof pretty easily. I'm not wondering i fyou are going to have a soccer mom 4runner.... I actually dont give a shit but I was just pointing out these vehicles are not that tall even when lifted. So downside to auto boards? they look like ghetto Navigator steps and they are electronic exposed to elements..... bout sums it up. oh an dat 5'8" you wont be able to stand on side steps and access the roof easily anyway so look at a rear hatch ladder or step on the rear tire

Oo that GOBI ladder looks like a great solution. Do you know if it is a standalone product or does it need to attach to one of their roof racks? It's a little hard to see from their photos what it attaches to.

 

[ST1FLER]

Oo that GOBI ladder looks like a great solution. Do you know if it is a standalone product or does it need to attach to one of their roof racks? It's a little hard to see from their photos what it attaches to.

you can purchase it on its own