Power Running Boards

[MikeBrost]

I recently bought a low mileage 2023 Limited. Have a question on the power running board modes. Have AUTO, OFF & OUT. Would prefer OUT—out all the time when stopped. OK to pull them in when running. Just prefer them out when stopped, vs in and out and in and out everytime a door is open. At least give me more of a time delay. 60 seconds out vs. just 3-4. When I set the mode to OUT, works fine until I move beyond 3 MPH. Then, it doesn’t just bring them in, it flips the mode back to AUTO. Any fix for this? May be a programming issue.

 

[LegalBrief]

If you leave them out, it will affect MPG and risk damage. Not the best idea in my book.

@MikeBrost There is a software updateto address that ghost switch, back to the dealer Yee shall go. Hopefully you’re still under warranty, there are a bunch of updates. Search this site, so you can go in prepared. How does it shift? If not smooth add it to the list, bunch of tranny things to update as well.

 

[MikeBrost]

If you leave them out, it will affect MPG and risk damage. Not the best idea in my book.

@MikeBrost There is a software updateto address that ghost switch, back to the dealer Yee shall go. Hopefully you’re still under warranty, there are a bunch of updates. Search this site, so you can go in prepared. How does it shift? If not smooth add it to the list, bunch of tranny things to update as well.

I’m fine with them IN while moving. Just want them OUT when I’m stopped. The IN, OUT, IN, OUT… everytime a door opens or closes is annoying. So don’t switch back to AUTO. And move them OUT when I move into Park.

 

[LegalBrief]

Auto - are supposed to go out with the door opening when in park.
Out - is like for a car wash to get them out for a specific cycle

 

[2020-MAX-Limited]

When I set the mode to OUT, works fine until I move beyond 3 MPH. Then, it doesn’t just bring them in, it flips the mode back to AUTO. Any fix for this? May be a programming issue.

That's the way they are supposed to work. If you don't like the way AUTO works when you are going in and out a lot, you can always (1) leave a door slightly ajar, or (2) re-activate OUT mode. Either of these will keep the boards out until you drive off again.

 

[duneslider]

Don't worry, give it a little time and they will stay out all the time. If you want to improve your chances, go drive around in the dirt and mud and that will get them to stay out all the time.

 

[Mr Big]

Don't worry, give it a little time and they will stay out all the time. If you want to improve your chances, go drive around in the dirt and mud and that will get them to stay out all the time.

The sticking issue is due to poor maintenance. I've had 0 issues, but got to car wash with high pressure water, etc. They stay very clean but I still routinely lubricate the hinges.

 

[Mr Big]

I recently bought a low mileage 2023 Limited. Have a question on the power running board modes. Have AUTO, OFF & OUT. Would prefer OUT—out all the time when stopped. OK to pull them in when running. Just prefer them out when stopped, vs in and out and in and out everytime a door is open. At least give me more of a time delay. 60 seconds out vs. just 3-4. When I set the mode to OUT, works fine until I move beyond 3 MPH. Then, it doesn’t just bring them in, it flips the mode back to AUTO. Any fix for this? May be a programming issue.

You may e able to change settings in ForScan.

 

[Left Coast Geek]

The sticking issue is due to poor maintenance. I've had 0 issues, but got to car wash with high pressure water, etc. They stay very clean but I still routinely lubricate the hinges.

Is there any specific process to lubing them? Can I just set them to 'out', and put a drop or two of a light oil like Triflow on the pivots then cycle them a few times, or is it more involved?

 

[BSarchet]

Is there any specific process to lubing them? Can I just set them to 'out', and put a drop or two of a light oil like Triflow on the pivots then cycle them a few times, or is it more involved?

I’m sure there is a process documented somewhere out there but I just spray lube all the moving parts while I open and close the door. I’m sure there are a variety of lubes but I landed on Silicon PB blaster for mine to minimize it attracting dirt. I looked up articles on here and it seemed to be one of the more recommended ones.

Amazon.com

 

[Mr Big]

Is there any specific process to lubing them? Can I just set them to 'out', and put a drop or two of a light oil like Triflow on the pivots then cycle them a few times, or is it more involved?

Not really. The main thing is to keep them clean. Since mine get clean from the wash, I lube them with Blaster spray lube, open and shut them a couple times and wipe off the excess. Pretty much any lube will work. I tried lithium grease spray but it was messy. So, I switched back to spray oil. There are a lot of opinions as to what lube to use. But I feel as long as it is a good lubricant it will work fine.

 

[zeecarr]

Yes, I would love this also. The constant in and out is crazy - especially for people who have kids and pets running around in their garage. Its not safe.

Very simple of Ford is listening:

Car is parked --> Boards out.
Car in drive and 3mph+ --> boards pull back in.

The other bad part is the delay doesn't work. The best work around for now is to use Forscan and set the delay to the max 255 seconds. Otherwise leaving the door cracked open will leave them out indefinitely.

Here is a previous thread and a post on how to set this up with Forscan:

Power Running Board Settings

They ever get you taken care of? At a new dealer today. Will keep you posted. Question: the power running boards should have the same features and functionality regardless if it’s a Limited or Platinum or whether it has the 12-inch screen or 15-inch screen, right???? Regards,

www.expeditionforum.com

 

[duneslider]

The sticking issue is due to poor maintenance. I've had 0 issues, but got to car wash with high pressure water, etc. They stay very clean but I still routinely lubricate the hinges.

Yes, it is a maintenance issue but I do a lot of off highway driving and we get a lot of salted roads in the winter here and I don't have hours a week to deal with them. Just the car wash alone isn't enough to keep mine working. I encountered some mud on the last camping trip and that required a few hours with the pressure washer and penetrating lube to get them working right and then we went camping again and 20 miles of dirt roads and they are acting up again and the car wash wasn't enough to make them happy. I am going to have to hit them with the pressure washer again and lube them up again.

I have a love hate with them.

The motor placement on them is perfect for catching mud that comes off the front tires though!

 

[Left Coast Geek]

when you pressure wash them, do you first extend them with the steering wheel/dashboard menu option ? I extend mine and use a garden hose with a jet sprayer on them, and that seems to clean them sufficiently that they work reliably for awhile longer.