Just picked up a 2020 Limited. When we got to the dealership, the driver-side board wouldn't retract. They determined that the motor needed replacement. I can tell that they lubricated it in an attempt to get it to function properly. It's awaiting the motor for replacement, but in the meantime, it has been retracting 90-95% of the time. I will try what MIkeL867 stated and hope to prevent future problems.
Running boards have mind of their own, dealer says drive more?
- Thread starter Dice Roll
- Start date
Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.
hapEcat
Member
We sometimes have the same problem.
It's not a battery, or a drive it more problem, but a door sensor problem.
One of the door sensors on that side is not telling the running board; "OK, I'm closed now, and you're no longer needed, so retract".
When ours acts up, I go to that side and open/close both doors (sometimes multiple times), until it retracts.
Our dealer cannot reproduce the condition, even after bringing it in with a board deployed. Now I just exercise the door sensors on that side until the board goes up. It's not a frequent occurrence, maybe once a month.
It's not a battery, or a drive it more problem, but a door sensor problem.
One of the door sensors on that side is not telling the running board; "OK, I'm closed now, and you're no longer needed, so retract".
When ours acts up, I go to that side and open/close both doors (sometimes multiple times), until it retracts.
Our dealer cannot reproduce the condition, even after bringing it in with a board deployed. Now I just exercise the door sensors on that side until the board goes up. It's not a frequent occurrence, maybe once a month.
Dice Roll
Full Access Members
Mine happens several times a day. Reminds me of my two Lincoln mark 8s. Both of those cars would keep saying door ajar and keep the lights on inside. Sprayed oil on the door latch area and that would solve it for a spell.
doesn’t ever trick the computer into thinking the door is open on this one. Anybody know if it uses a separate sensor for the running boards and for the door ajar? Be weird, but people do some strange things sometimes designing stuff.
doesn’t ever trick the computer into thinking the door is open on this one. Anybody know if it uses a separate sensor for the running boards and for the door ajar? Be weird, but people do some strange things sometimes designing stuff.
F150 Pat
Full Access Members
Same thing. 2019 drivers side only. I’ve had it in. Lube job. Still bad. I unbolted the front hinge but it won’t come off the step. Do I need to unbolt both hinges to remove the step? I want to see which hinge is causing the problem. Has anyone taken a hinge apart? Can you?
shellman00
New Member
I had the same issue on my 2021 Expedition. Power wash, then WD40 followed by lithium grease
2020-MAX-Limited
Full Access Members
My 2020, bought December 2022 with 72K miles, is doing the same thing. My battery is weak. I get the low power warnings all the time (going into deep sleep). AS/S has never worked with message "charging the battery" I occasionally put the battery on a charger overnight to top it off, after which a battery load test shows GOOD charge. Nothing helps the AS/S and now the running boards. I simply shut off the running boards due to the erratic behavior.
Lisa Hawn
Member
We live in the Interior of Alaska. We had the same problem with ice/snow/mud build up on the running boards. We solved this by purchasing Weathertech front mud flaps and the problem went away.
I am having the same issue and I'm in Florida. 2020 expy max limited 72k . Got it in February and it's been in the shop more than I've had it.
The running boards drove me and my kids crazy as they need it to get in and out. Ford stated it was a battery and they are currently working the issue now. I'll post back with an update.
The running boards drove me and my kids crazy as they need it to get in and out. Ford stated it was a battery and they are currently working the issue now. I'll post back with an update.
Last edited:
Calidad
Full Access Members
Low battery definitely causes issues. Just replaced my 2019 battery btw the costco battery was identical to the ford battery. Running boards were first to get goofy. Then sun roof and other extras. Also sun vs expansion seems to affect the running boards ie sunny side binds up occasionally when in the sun. Flip the car around shade the board that binds up no issues.
When I get a minute I was goito loosen the bolts a little set it in the sun let it expand then cycle the boards and re seat the bolts see if that addresses the binding caused by sun vs expanded metal etc.
When I get a minute I was goito loosen the bolts a little set it in the sun let it expand then cycle the boards and re seat the bolts see if that addresses the binding caused by sun vs expanded metal etc.
2020-MAX-Limited
Full Access Members
Follow Up: I started leaving my battery maintainer connected for longer periods (as opposed to just overnight), and out of nowhere I suddenly have AS/S! I have noticed that I need to put extra pressure on the brake pedal after the car has come to a stop in order for it to activate. So I can bring the car to a stop using light pressure on the pedal, but no AS/S. But when I add extra pressure on the brake pedal, the AS/S kicks in. One other thing I have noticed is when I bring the car to stop and place in P to shutdown, the AS/S activates until I put the trans selector in P, at which time the AS/S deactivates and the engine re-starts.
Similar threads
