Automatic Running Boards.

I have a '15 with the automatic running boards and they tend to get stuck/delay more often than I'd like. I sometimes just open the door and close just to trigger them after I'm already inside. It's a neat feature, but can get annoying. Been debating on getting rid of them.

If you turn on the car while they are deploying they get stuck. Outside of that issue there is a TSB for the replacement of the ECU that controls the boards. Removing them is very easy also. I kept mine because it was easier for my little kids to get in and out. I was debating sliders but it would still be harder for the kids to get in.

If you do want to remove them I've attached the instructions.
 

Attachments

If you turn on the car while they are deploying they get stuck. Outside of that issue there is a TSB for the replacement of the ECU that controls the boards. Removing them is very easy also. I kept mine because it was easier for my little kids to get in and out. I was debating sliders but it would still be harder for the kids to get in.

If you do want to remove them I've attached the instructions.

I appreciate that! Makes sense now. I asked the tech today at Toyota but he wasn't clued in much on how they worked.
 
If you turn on the car while they are deploying they get stuck. Outside of that issue there is a TSB for the replacement of the ECU that controls the boards. Removing them is very easy also. I kept mine because it was easier for my little kids to get in and out. I was debating sliders but it would still be harder for the kids to get in.

If you do want to remove them I've attached the instructions.

It looks like I will need to replace the ECU to resolve my issue ( https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3331155-post47.html) and I'm looking for any info about location of the ECU, auto boards/step disassembly...?

BTW, where did you buy the ECU from ( what website)?

I can't open/download the EXTERIOR PANELS TRIM AUTOMATIC RUNNING BOARD REMOVAL 2014 MY 4Runner [082013 - ].pdf, tried on different devices... Would it be possible to check if it is working for you?

Thanks!
 
I just got a 2016 with Automatic Running boards, I didn't want them but the car came with them so WTF.....Anyway, when retracting and deploying it sounds the same as it does on a airliner when the wheel come up.....Is it really meant to be that loud? I was thinking about maybe trying to dry grease them or something?????
 
It looks like I will need to replace the ECU to resolve my issue ( https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3331155-post47.html) and I'm looking for any info about location of the ECU, auto boards/step disassembly...?

BTW, where did you buy the ECU from ( what website)?

I can't open/download the EXTERIOR PANELS TRIM AUTOMATIC RUNNING BOARD REMOVAL 2014 MY 4Runner [082013 - ].pdf, tried on different devices... Would it be possible to check if it is working for you?

Thanks!

Sorry just saw this.

I got the parts from McGeorge Toyota:
Computer Assembly Side - Toyota (89720-35011) | Toyota Parts

I uploaded Jpeg images, does that help?
 

Attachments

  • parts.JPG
    parts.JPG
    78.8 KB · Views: 2,204
  • instructions.JPG
    instructions.JPG
    97.2 KB · Views: 1,952
  • location.JPG
    location.JPG
    24 KB · Views: 2,015
  • initialization.JPG
    initialization.JPG
    86.8 KB · Views: 1,907
I know this my be to late but I used an Amped research controller for my OEM running board install, I bought it and a wiring harness for less than $200. The factory controller has a lot of input signals, any one of which can jam up the steps. With the AMP controller if the door is open the step goes down, simplicity.
 
I know this my be to late but I used an Amped research controller for my OEM running board install, I bought it and a wiring harness for less than $200. The factory controller has a lot of input signals, any one of which can jam up the steps. With the AMP controller if the door is open the step goes down, simplicity.

Good to hear there are other options! Would you please share your setup? Did you have to cut any cables or the harness took care of everything ? Would help knowing the actual part number of the harness and the controller you bought/used for this application.

Also, did you have to "initialize" the AMPED controller ?

BTW, as soon as I posted my question about issues with the ARB, my boards have started "behaving". I suspect replacing the alternator might have helped :)

Thanks for taking the time to reply!
 
Last edited:
I called Amp Research and told them I need a controller and wiring harness for my 2016 4Runner. I installed it per their on line instructions, you don’t need to flash or do anything because the Amp controller is stand alone, just needs a signal from the door switch. When you wire into the running board motor you’ll only use the bottom two wires on the 5 pin harness.
 
If for some reason your running board motor goes bad check out Amazon. The 4 runner uses the same motor as the Ford trucks and SUV, just different harness plug.
 
Is it okay to use it on Off road too?
I know it is not as hard enough as rock slider but just curious if the running board would break down when get hit by rock or something

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
 
I know this my be to late but I used an Amped research controller for my OEM running board install, I bought it and a wiring harness for less than $200. The factory controller has a lot of input signals, any one of which can jam up the steps. With the AMP controller if the door is open the step goes down, simplicity.

Now that you’ve had this for a while do you still recommend it? Does the board still stop retracting if it encounters resistance?
 
Is there a market for selling these automatic running board systems used? I live in Seattle and my running boards operate fine, but I never use them. I’m planning on moving to Minnesota in the next year and I’d rather remove the system before it sees salt. I haven’t seen any on Craigslist, EBay, or the forum buy/sell/trade, so I’m wondering if used ones are too vehicle specific or prone to failure for resale?
 

Members online

Forum statistics

Threads
278,306
Messages
3,554,045
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Trending content

Back
Top