power running boards

[alincosma]

my 2008 Expedition has power deploying runnig boards, now when I open the driver door the board on that side has an atempt to lower then goes back up, if I open the passenger door on that side it opens without a problem. I can only suspect that maybe a switch is not working right? Any ideeas?

 

[Stoned06]

Could be a bent or broken folding bracket. Another member on here had one of his brackets actually crack.

 

[alincosma]

well I think it's the door sensor? Because when the door is open the instrument panel doesn't display door ajar, and like I said it work when I open the passenger door on that side. Anyone know where that sensor could be? I could not see it on the outside so I am assuming it's inside the door,

 

[tonydiv]

Could be the door switch, but remember those motors have a built in limit switch that reverses direction if it encounters too much resistance. It's a safety feature.

 

[rexster314]

Have you made sure there's no obstructions underneath the truck that might affect the operation?

 

[alincosma]

I think it's the door switch, so other people have problems with them but the opposite problem, they stay open.mine looks like it's closed. Some recomend WD40, I m gonna try that see if it will mke a difference
thre are no obstructions under the boards, like I said when I open the passenger side door it works fine
Does anybody have any recomandation as far as trying to fix it?

 

[tonydiv]

The most simple way to test would be to swap the door switches from the driver's and passenger's sides. If the problem also changes sides, then it's the door switch.

I would also get under it and look for damaged wires, linkages or obstructions

 

[alincosma]

Well just an update on this issue, WD40 worked for a while, but now I noticed a different trend in the way the boards are working. If the engine is running they will retract, if the engine is off 90% chances they will not retract. Weird, I kinda hatem them now. How can I unplug them to keep them deployed at all times or does anyone know why would act fine with the engine running? I have a new battery in the truck, 2 moths old, so I don't think power is the problem.

 

[kmh1596]

Well just an update on this issue, WD40 worked for a while, but now I noticed a different trend in the way the boards are working. If the engine is running they will retract, if the engine is off 90% chances they will not retract. Weird, I kinda hatem them now. How can I unplug them to keep them deployed at all times or does anyone know why would act fine with the engine running? I have a new battery in the truck, 2 moths old, so I don't think power is the problem.

WD40 rinses off with water, and cannot be used on anything outside the car where it could be exposed to moisture or the elements. Try a real lubricant, and you'll be all set.

 

[kmh1596]

Also, there is more power going to them when the truck is running.. So the obstuction(s) or sticky bushings where the board pivots are not enough to slow it down while the truck is running, but too much to complete the deployment while the truck is off. Grease up all of the moving parts with a real lubricant, and I'd bet you'll be fine.

 

[Leissleib]

The easiest test would be to deploy them from the inside, on my 2011, in the setup menu you can turn them off, make them auto or down all the time. Try that first then go from there.

 

[alincosma]

Thanks I will try that can you recommend something better than WD40 in a can? Lithium grease?
In the menu if I turn them off while deployed or deploy them from the menu, as soon as I start driving past 10 miles an hour boards will retract automatically.