Power running boards malfunction

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tpf903

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Running board goes half way up then down. Will not stay up
 

Tim Fuller

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Mine just started doing the same thing. Last time I "helped" it the rest of the way and turned them off. I'm curious as to what the answer is
 

gixer2000

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Most likely the pivot points need to be cleaned and lubricated. Use WD40 for cleaning and a motorcycle chain lube for lubrication and protection
 

Jachniw

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Common problem and complaint reported on this forum.
I just replaced mine with fixed boards. Was tired of cleaning/lubing and "helping" the passenger side.
 

haviland

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Would anyone be kind enough to take a pic of what exactly is to be cleaned and lubed? Pretty please?:)

I wasn't pro-active on my last Expy and don't want to repeat that mistake on my new one.

Thanks
 

jeff kushner

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Would anyone be kind enough to take a pic of what exactly is to be cleaned and lubed? Pretty please?:)

I wasn't pro-active on my last Expy and don't want to repeat that mistake on my new one.

Thanks


Might be easier if you lay on your back and have someone else cycle the rb's, then you can see the pivot points that you should clean and lube as suggested!

jeff

PS, clean and lube every moving joint....and you'll be golden!
 

1111ExpyEL1111

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Might be easier if you lay on your back and have someone else cycle the rb's, then you can see the pivot points that you should clean and lube as suggested!

jeff

PS, clean and lube every moving joint....and you'll be golden!

Respectfully Jeff, if you live in the northern states where salt and sand are used on snow covered roads you are almost fighting a losing battle. In the three years we have owned our 2012 expy I have cleaned and Lube them in Spring and fall. Last winter they stopped working twice and I had to repeat the process again. It's likely that I'll have the same troubles this winter and we'll get to the point where I'll just install permanent boards. The dealer says there is no way to take the pivot Points apart, but I have a hard time believing this but haven't taken the time to take a close look. And if you haven't already found out, Ford's extended warranty will not cover repair or replacement of the running boards.
 

gixer2000

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Respectfully Jeff, if you live in the northern states where salt and sand are used on snow covered roads you are almost fighting a losing battle. In the three years we have owned our 2012 expy I have cleaned and Lube them in Spring and fall. Last winter they stopped working twice and I had to repeat the process again. It's likely that I'll have the same troubles this winter and we'll get to the point where I'll just install permanent boards. The dealer says there is no way to take the pivot Points apart, but I have a hard time believing this but haven't taken the time to take a close look. And if you haven't already found out, Ford's extended warranty will not cover repair or replacement of the running boards.
I'm in the North East and understand what you go through with salt, sand and snow but I'm curious what your using to lube? A motorcycle chain lube is the best product for the job and will hold up to all the elements. Clean with WD40 first to remove dirt and displace the moisture then hit it with a chain lube. As Jeff said "you'll be golden"
 

1111ExpyEL1111

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I'm in the North East and understand what you go through with salt, sand and snow but I'm curious what your using to lube? A motorcycle chain lube is the best product for the job and will hold up to all the elements. Clean with WD40 first to remove dirt and displace the moisture then hit it with a chain lube. As Jeff said "you'll be golden"

Yea sure....I'll be golden. If you say so of course it must be true. I'm not saying anymore on this subject, a goodbye all and good luck with your power running boards.
 

JExpedition07

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Lubrication won’t save the running boards up here in NY and lots of northeast. It’s not so much the salt as it is the ice coating and snow that kills them. After a few seasons of trying to close and open with the extra weight and after being iced in place the motors take a crap. Lots of people can the power boards or sepecifically order high trim trucks without them. Think about trying to close the door with a brick jammed in between while the hinges are iced solid....same concept....somethings going to give.
 

1955moose

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I've got a suggestion, move to a warmer climate, like Georgia? No snow just a little heat/humidity! Just funnin. Motorcycle lube is probably your best bet, either a chain or cable lube. Their meant to be exposed to weather. The other lube you might look into would be industrial ones used for machinery or heavy equipment.

Sent from my N9131 using Tapatalk
 

gixer2000

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Yea sure....I'll be golden. If you say so of course it must be true. I'm not saying anymore on this subject, a goodbye all and good luck with your power running boards.

Don't knock it till you've tried what actually works! Its a poor design and theres no going back so rather than complaining about it try the method/products that were suggested and report back or you could just move on. Good luck with whatever you decide
 
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