2009 running boards & car wash

[sherrels1]

Can the retractable running boards on the 2009 EB EL be in the deployed position for running it through an automated brush-type car wash or is this not recommended? The manual gives directions for keeping them in the deployed position while doors are closed for washing and accessing the roof rack, but does not address the car wash question. This one was a stumper for my dealer guys too. Any wisdom / experience on this?

 

[dgray69]

i dont see any reason that cant be, no part of the washer puts any presure on auto, and the running boards are solid, what would be the harm, hmmmmm clueless to why they even use that design of running boards

 

[sherrels1]

Thank you!

Many thanks for your response. I suspected as much but wanted some confirmation of my thinking. Ran it through today - no problems. Appreciate you taking time to offer your perspective.

 

[dgray69]

no prob, thats what we are here for, but i fixed my running board problem, there gone, solved alot of problems, even keeps wife from stealing the truck, or going off roading with me, lmao

 

[jimmyv13]

I've tossed the idea around of going with the retractable boards instead of the fixed. I like the looks of the truck when the boards are retracted and since the wife is the primary driver, she uses them regularly....so removing them is out of the question.

I wonder what the difficulty would be in making the swap. It's definitely not a priority on my list, but it would be kinda interesting to pursue...

 

[sherrels1]

Interesting thought. Since this vehicle was bought for the wife, the running boards are here to stay -- as long as they work. They were factory-installed and operate in "auto mode" (deployed when any door is opened) or there's an override to allow for having them "off" (not deployed regardless of doors) or "on" to remain deployed with the doors closed to use as step to access roof rack or, as I had inquired, running the rig through the automated car wash. If left in the deployed position, they revert to "automatic" and retrack when the vehicle exceeds 5 MPH. The control is integrated into the on-board electronic control used for setting odometer and the like. Yes, they do provide a slick clean-line look to the rocker panel area and may, in fact, help gas mileage at highway speeds. Not a feature I would have ordered, but that's the way it came, along with a thousand other "bells and whistles" to break down - DVD, navigation, sat radio, power rear hatch, etc.

 

[Boomer]

One easy fix. Never go to a car wash. Bust your butt and keep it clean.

If it hits 33 degrees here, I get out the hose and get off the winter salt. Yep, I am the neighbor everyone points at! LOL

 

[Black_Exhaust]

If it hits 33 degrees here, I get out the hose and get off the winter salt.

33?? It'd be a god send to be able to wash my expy with the temps that warm around here! Quarter car washes are the best thing you can do because for one, pressure washer, for two most have hot water so you can even use them on 20 degree days. third (specifically to sherrels1) EW! God only knows what dirt, loose rust or Whatever on those rolling things at the automatic car wash!!! lmao I've never trusted those nor will I ever.

 

[Boomer]

You are correct. I read an article years back that car washes recycle the water, some type of filter etc. LOL. Makes sense their water bill from the local authorities would be sky high. Plus the swirl marks from the heavy brushes are terrible. Do you think removing the cross bars really helps I have always hated them. ( Any structural issues in removing them?)

 

[Black_Exhaust]

They RE-USE water??? that makes me sick just thinking about it. I only ever go to those to get the under body washed.

As for the cross bars, they create lift instead of down force because of their design, and last time I checked no body puts spoilers on their car to make lift. Also There's no way that they're there to make the car more rigid or structurally sound because their adjustable and not directly attached to the body. I say take them off and just keep them in the garage somewhere incase you go hunting or whatever.

 

[Boomer]

Ok, I know this will sound somewhat nuts, but. I travel quite a bit. Example six adults luggage for three days. Nothing really heavy. I know the computer is an estimate but I consistently can get a solid 19 mpg on the highway. Full tank, no stops at the rest area, no gas, 350 miles to my kids college, non stop. Last time, only two adults I swear it was reading 17 mpg. Could less weight and then those damn cross bars causing issues because the truck is unladden cause an mpg reduction?

Am I nuts or what. 07 EL limited 37K- completely stock.

 

[rick chitown]

I've tossed the idea around of going with the retractable boards instead of the fixed. I like the looks of the truck when the boards are retracted and since the wife is the primary driver, she uses them regularly....so removing them is out of the question.

I wonder what the difficulty would be in making the swap. It's definitely not a priority on my list, but it would be kinda interesting to pursue...

I wondered the same thing with my '05, so called my local dealer. After I finally explained to him what I was trying to do, he kind of chuckled and then started to price everything... well, by the time he hit $2k, I told him to stop and have a nice day.

So, I just bought a 2010 with them already installed.

 

[dgray69]

wow, wish mine got that type of milage, hmmmm pulling 12 on a good day

 

[Boomer]

to blackexhaust. When removing the cross bars, won't those slide things the cross bars screw into on the long rails rattle around when driving? I don't see a way of removing the things with out taking the plastic ends off the rails. Is there a way to remove them without damage???

 

[Black_Exhaust]

I have an 03 and all you have to do is put a knife or flat head screw driver on each side of the rail the crossbar's on to push the plastic flap down that stops the racks from going beyond the end point. the front ones just unscrew and everything is all just self contained for both so nothing stays in the rails or should break when removing them, But thats for 03-06's I've never gotten the chance to really examine 07-11's though. hope this helps you at all.

 

[Boomer]

No screws on the front. Both plastic ends look like they snap on and off. Too paranoid to try it because I do not want to buy new parts if i break something. Thanks!
As easy as they are to remove I have taken them off, slid both clips to the very front. Put a small piece of duct tape to keep them from rattling. After this weekends trip i will check MPG and just put them back on for daily running around till I can find out how to remove the plastic ends.