No it does not happen with the car off?
Automatic Running Boards Issue
- Thread starter KGWVU
- Start date
No it does not happen with the car off?
Then I'm willing to bet if you avoid starting the car when someone is opening a door or within 3 seconds of them getting out that you won't have the issue anymore.
babygotfront
New member
just a follow up on my ECU replacement ... working perfectly after ECU (not motors) replacement. i suspect (with no evidence) the ECU's are failing because of where they are mounted (underneath the 4runner, near the running boards) ... perhaps they're exposed to weather/conditions where they don't hold up based on location?
The running board ECU is actually in the driver's side footwell behind the fusebox inside the car. It also has a pretty interesting coating over the chips inside the box that appear to make it somewhat waterproof. I didn't closely compare the two to see what the difference is in chips.
babygotfront
New member
thank you ... i stand corrected
You can get fixed running boards, the old ones just un bolt. The only issue is the rocker panels. Get ones that are compatible with limited or modify rockers. There are threads here with resolutions.
I'll give you $100 for that new ECU
Knowing that it could still go bad, i'm holding onto the ecu for now
With my luck i'm going to need it, just like i'm starting to replace the failing door lock motors. Luckily those were a really cheap fix.
My Auto Running Boards (ARB) just started acting up ( 2012 T4R LTD): Driver side won't stow ( but attempt to) until car is moving ( @~5mph). By looking at replies above it looks like the cause is NOT the motors but either lubrication or ARB controller (PN 89720-35011).
Found a TSB 0278-17 about ARB but it looks like , if there is any movement of the board, the TSB does not apply (otherwise, TSB would recommend replacing the Side Auto Step Controller PN 89720-35011 - $240 at https://www.toyotapartsdeal.com )
)
I am hoping someone has a repair/service diagram for electrical or mechanical components... or any material ( even photos) that will help with disassembly or help identify safety module location, ARB controller (ECU) location...
Would also help to know if replacing ARB controller would require additional dealer configuration/setting ( with custom software).
Could not find anything on this subject no matter how much time I spent on Google
Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Found a TSB 0278-17 about ARB but it looks like , if there is any movement of the board, the TSB does not apply (otherwise, TSB would recommend replacing the Side Auto Step Controller PN 89720-35011 - $240 at https://www.toyotapartsdeal.com )
)
I am hoping someone has a repair/service diagram for electrical or mechanical components... or any material ( even photos) that will help with disassembly or help identify safety module location, ARB controller (ECU) location...
Would also help to know if replacing ARB controller would require additional dealer configuration/setting ( with custom software).
Could not find anything on this subject no matter how much time I spent on Google
Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks!
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trulli3300
New member
Fixed my problem - Easy
I have a '15 Limited here in Michigan with 64k miles. Two winters ago the auto running boards started acting up like many of yours. Sometimes hesitated stowing and deployment. Sometimes you had to step on it to trick it to stay out. Anyway, they were an expensive option back then( I think $1500) so I was not going to give up and just remove them. Then eventually put up with the ones that stick out all of the time. To make a long story shorter, I took bicycle chain oil with the little straw and squirted the oil in all of the joints and hinges that I could find. Apply to your satisfaction. Bicycle chain oil I just happened to have but I think binds less dirt and dust. Probably most important is where the motor mechanism is. I haven't had any problem with them since. Its been almost two years now. Every 6 months or so, I apply the oil for lubrication.
I have a '15 Limited here in Michigan with 64k miles. Two winters ago the auto running boards started acting up like many of yours. Sometimes hesitated stowing and deployment. Sometimes you had to step on it to trick it to stay out. Anyway, they were an expensive option back then( I think $1500) so I was not going to give up and just remove them. Then eventually put up with the ones that stick out all of the time. To make a long story shorter, I took bicycle chain oil with the little straw and squirted the oil in all of the joints and hinges that I could find. Apply to your satisfaction. Bicycle chain oil I just happened to have but I think binds less dirt and dust. Probably most important is where the motor mechanism is. I haven't had any problem with them since. Its been almost two years now. Every 6 months or so, I apply the oil for lubrication.
Good info, I never thought of doing that. I'll give it a try as well. I have a lift and had to remove the mud flaps because they rub. Ice builds up there and causes issues but I had issues prior to the lift as well. Ended up having one side replaced under warranty.
WhySoLimited?
New member
Modification?
Folks,
Has anyone tried to remove the trim piece on a Limited and raised the running boards up higher? Wanting to get a little more ground clearance...or are the boards set/designed to be a certain way and can't be changed.
Folks,
Has anyone tried to remove the trim piece on a Limited and raised the running boards up higher? Wanting to get a little more ground clearance...or are the boards set/designed to be a certain way and can't be changed.
lionbassplayer
New member
This is great info. I'm going to give this a shot. My '13 Limited is just starting to have issues with the driver's side. It works maybe 19 out of 20 times, but every once in a while the driver's side doesn't deploy when I open the door. I can then close the door and reopen and sometimes the running boards will come out the 2nd time. When I am driving alone I turn them off because I don't use them, but my two young kids need them for now.
White Lightning chain lube might be interesting to use. It's a wax based lube that flakes off to shed dirt. Regular oil based lube is still going to cling dirt to some degree.
The negative is, it needs much more frequent lubing.
4RunnerMileHigh
New member
I'm looking at a 2021 Limited. I have an Escalade with ARBs and they are wonky, so I'd rather not repeat that issue. Can you order a Limited with something besides ARBs, or are they pretty ubiquitous?
Issues with Passenger Automatic Running Board on 2016 4Runner Limited
I like the 4Runner had a 2005 SR5 and liked it so much purchased a 2016 4Runner Limited. Runs great, but now the passenger RB is coming halfway out when opening the Passenger Door and sometimes the RB comes out and stay out until I drive off and retracts after I reach 5mph.
Anyone have the solution for this issues?
I like the 4Runner had a 2005 SR5 and liked it so much purchased a 2016 4Runner Limited. Runs great, but now the passenger RB is coming halfway out when opening the Passenger Door and sometimes the RB comes out and stay out until I drive off and retracts after I reach 5mph.
Anyone have the solution for this issues?
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Someone said give it a good cleaning at the joints with a pressure washer and lube it. If it has resistance it won't retract. I tried this but it didn't solve my problem.
The first time it happened I took it to the stealership under warranty. They replaced the motor and some other stuff. It was about $1300 to repair but under warranty. Next time I'll just replace them with fixed boards.
Love my 2016 Limited, but a love hate relationship with my Running Boards
I'm brought my 2016 new and loved the RB from the beginning, but now they have a mind of their own. I'm in cold Michigan. They act up during the summer and winter. So I know it's not just a snow and ice issue.
I have sprayed them with WD40 to keep them lubed
Anyone have any suggestions?
I'm brought my 2016 new and loved the RB from the beginning, but now they have a mind of their own. I'm in cold Michigan. They act up during the summer and winter. So I know it's not just a snow and ice issue.
I have sprayed them with WD40 to keep them lubed
Anyone have any suggestions?
They usually come on the Limited versions. Nice option if you have someone that can't step up into the SUV without some help.
Thanks, I will try this today.
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