Automatic running board sensors

[Modelcarguy]

Howdy!

anyone know where the automatic running board sensors are? Got a 2008 Limited with balky running boards. New motors, we’ll lubricated, but it takes several open and close the doors to get them to retract. Back doors are the worst offenders.

So, location and how to tell if they have gone bad?

thanks in advance for the excellent knowledge found on this forum.

 

[JExpedition07]

Hmm I was under the impression the sensors were on the motor units themselves and then they just slave off the door switches (when door opens board deploys).

 

[Modelcarguy]

Quite possibly. I see two ridged posts on the drivers side door next to the retaining strap. They don’t move in or out, so not sure how they work. Not seeing any other such animal on the rear doors however, so I’m trying to figure out how boards know when to open/close.

 

[JExpedition07]

When you open the rear door are you getting door ajar and cabin lighting coming in every time? Could be a faulty door switch possibly.

 

[Modelcarguy]

That’s exactly why I’m thinking! But I’m not seeing any switch. Hopefully someone can tell me where to look.

could possibly just be my old eyeballs not seeing where they are, or the sensor doesn’t look like a traditional in/out button.

 

[Franklin Jones]

Switches are now inside the door, part of the latch assembly.

here’s a video showing kind of where they are.



As for the running board sensors, I also believe they are inside the motors themselves.
When you shut the doors, do they •try• to retract? Can you hear the motors engage, but they just spin?

 

[Modelcarguy]

Ah! Thank you! Now I have a starting point.

to one and all, great group and thanks for all your good answers and support!