2012 ford expedition running boards not activating

[mrjeandj]

2012 expedition...when i cycle the running boards from off, on and auto I hear like a gear or something coming from the running boards but they don't come down. what can I troubleshoot?

 

[injunear]

I had this issue on my 2013 Max Ltd., I cleaned the hinges w/a little water press. and lubed w/ lithium grease for awhile eventually it's going to fail completely, I replaced the whole assembly for about $ 300. mine was D side