AMP Research PowerStep Installation Guide for Dodge Ram

Product Overview & Application

The AMP Research PowerStep running boards automatically move when the vehicle doors are opened to assist with entering and exiting. They extend down and out when doors open (automatic power deploy) and return to the stowed position when doors are closed, with a 2-second delay (automatic power stow). If an object obstructs the movement, the running board will automatically stop. To reset, clear the obstruction and cycle the door. The running boards can also be manually set in the deployed position for roof access.

Maintenance: In adverse conditions, debris may cause noise. Clean the mechanism and apply silicone spray lubricant to hinge pivot pins. Avoid spraying motors directly and do not apply silicone, wax, or protectants like Armor All® to the stepping surface. Keep hands clear of moving parts.

Applicable Models:

*Modification required to running board assembly. See Item 1 on page 3.

Note: Wiring on the 2013-2018 models (1500/2500/3500) and 2019 Classic has changed. Refer to Page 10 for details.

Installation Requirements

Installation Time: 3-5 Hours (Professional installation recommended)

Skill Level: 4 (Experienced)

Tools Required:

• Safety goggles
• Measuring tape
• 13mm wrench
• 19mm wrench
• 13mm socket
• 10mm socket
• Ratchet wrench and extension
• Wire stripper / cutter
• 3/16" hex key (allen wrench)
• 4mm hex key (allen wrench)
• Rivet Tool
• 1/8", 9/32", and 3/16" Drill Bit
• T27 Torx Bit
• Center Punch
• Anti-Corrosion Paint
• Electrical tape

Parts and Hardware Identification

The kit includes various components and hardware. Key items include:

• 4 Wire Harness
• 5 Controller STA
• 6 Rivet Nut (x8)
• 7 Rivet Nut Tool
• 8 M8 Hex Bolt (x8)
• 9 Blind Rivet (x8)
• 10 Washer (SS) (x8)
• 11 Socket Cap Screw (x8)
• 12 Cable Tie (7") (x20)
• 13 Cable Tie (11") (x2)
• 14 Posi-Tap™ Connector (x4)
• 15 Button Head Torx Screw (x8)
• 16 Washer (x8)
• 17 Grommet (x4)
• 18 LED Lamp (x4)
• 19 Butt Connector (x8)
• 20 Reinforcement Bracket (x4)
• 21 Blind Rivet (x4)
• 22 Driver/Passenger Drill Template (x2)
• 23 Spacer (front drive linkage) (x2)
• 24 Short Hex Bolt
• 25 Large Washer
• 26 Nylock Nut
• 27 Bracket
• 28 Harness Relocation Bracket

For 1500 Models Only: Specific brackets and drill templates are provided.

Installation Steps

Step 1-5: Brake Cable and Wire Harness Relocation (1500 RAM Models)

For 1500 RAM models, follow these steps before proceeding with the main installation. This involves relocating the brake cable and wire harness plug. For Ram 2500/3500, skip to Step 6.

2015 MODELS ONLY: On the driver's side, remove the harness bracket with a 10mm socket/wrench, remove the plug, and replace it with the supplied bracket using factory screws.

Step 1: Loosen the brake cable adjustment nut on the driver's side frame to create slack, marking the nut's position.

Step 2: Remove the brake cable guide from the frame by depressing locking tabs and sliding it out. Unthread the brake cable from its frame mount.

Step 3: Detach the brake cable where slack is gained, located behind the adjustment nut.

Step 4: Attach the brake cable guide to the supplied Brake Cable Bracket (27) and mount it using the provided hardware. Reattach the brake cable and readjust the adjustment nut to its original position.

Step 6-10: Hardware Mounting Overview

Locate the forward and rearward mounting provisions on the inner sill of the truck. Remove tape from sill drain holes. Note that some vehicles may have pre-installed front welded fasteners, negating the need for backing plates and rivet nuts in those locations. Factory rivet nuts may need removal to install backing plates.

Step 6: Position the Reinforcement Plate (20) and align with rivet nuts. Drill a hole using an 1/8" drill bit, then apply paint to prevent rusting. Insert a piece of string or wire through the hole in the plate to aid positioning.

Step 7: Insert rivet nuts for alignment. Secure the plate with a pop rivet through the hole. Ensure the plate is flush to the body before securing the pop rivet.

Step 8: Assemble an M8 Hex Bolt (8) (lubricated), Washer (10), Rivet Tool (7), and Rivet Nut (6). Place this assembly into the hex cutouts in the sill. An extra Hex Bolt and Washer are supplied for installing rivet nuts.

Step 11-16: Rivet Nut Installation and Drilling

Step 11: Use the Rivet Nut Tool with a 19mm wrench to tighten the Hex Bolt until the Rivet Nut deforms and secures to the sheet metal (approx. 110 in-lbs or 4 turns). Remove the Hex Bolt and Rivet Nut Tool. Repeat for all four mounting locations. WARNING: Improperly collapsed rivet nuts will not hold securely.

Step 12: Once rivet nuts are in place, use a screwdriver to push back a tab in the hole to avoid interference with the linkage mount.

Step 13: For models with pinch weld holes, skip to Step 17. Fold the passenger and driver side templates as indicated. Thread hex bolts into the template slots. Apply tape to all surfaces labeled "Tape" on the template, ensuring it is flat against the surface.

Step 14: Mark appropriate holes with a center punch, noting "Front" and "Rear" for linkage placement. Use a marker to cross-hatch areas to verify the drill bit won't walk.

Step 15: Pre-drill holes using an 1/8" drill bit. Then, drill holes to 9/32". Deburr all surfaces. Apply paint to holes to prevent rusting.

Step 17-22: Linkage Installation

Step 17: Show passenger side rear mount position. On rear linkages, thread the front hex bolt (with washer) into the rivet nut. On front drive linkages, both hex bolts can be threaded into position. Idler linkages use 2 of the 3 mount points.

Step 18: With linkage in position, insert hex bolts into rivet nut locations. Snug bolts but do not tighten. The pre-threaded bolt attaches to the slot centered on the linkage.

Step 19: Using a T27 Torx driver, start torx bolts and washers. Snug bolts but do not tighten. Filing may be required for pre-stamped holes on 2013-current models if alignment is off. Do not shift linkage up to align bottom holes.

Step 20: Using a 13mm wrench, tighten two hex bolts on the linkage to 16 ft-lbs.

Step 21: Front Linkage: On vehicles with a crash bracket, remove bolts attaching the bracket to the inner sill. Thread hex bolts into position as in Step 17.

Step 22: If a crash bracket is not present, use the supplied spacer (23) in place of the bracket. The spacer can be inserted after the linkage is positioned and held by drilling and pop-riveting (rivets installed in steps 54 & 55).

Step 23-27: Motor and Controller Installation

Step 23: Using a T27 Torx driver, torque bolts to 6 ft-lbs.

Step 24: Using a 4mm hex key, torque bolts to 36 in-lbs. Refer to Page 2 for motor installation instructions.

Step 25: The jogs in the lower part of the linkages should point toward each other. The Drive (motor) Linkage is in the front, and the Idler Linkage is in the rear. Linkage position is described in the parts list on page 3.

Step 26: Prepare large tie-wraps for mounting the Power Step Controller. Loosely loop them around a bundle of wires behind the battery in the engine compartment.

Step 27: Insert the controller into the tie-wrap loops and cinch them down securely. The tie-wraps should cinch into the channels on the controller surface.

Step 28-37: Wiring to Door Ajar Wires (2013-2018/2019 Classic)

Important Notes: Wiring on 2013-2018 and 2019 Classic vehicles follows steps 31-37. Wiring on 2009-2012 RAM 1500 and 2010-2012 RAM 2500/3500 follows steps 38-43.

Step 28: Remove the fuse from the Power Step Wire Harness.

Step 29: Connect power leads from the Controller: Red to the positive battery terminal and Black to the vehicle body ground.

Step 30: Locate the large rubber wire boot on the driver side firewall. Slice a small opening to run trigger wires through.

Step 31: Tape the leading ends of wires together and push them through the rubber boot to the cabin side of the firewall. Silicon lubricant can aid passage. The trigger wires will emerge above and to the left of the brake pedal.

Step 32: Remove the panel below the steering column to access trigger wires.

Step 33: Locate the white connector panel against the driver side firewall, behind the e-brake pedal. Identify the three connectors.

Step 34: Connect Powerstep trigger wires to the vehicle's Door Ajar wires as indicated in the chart below. Note: There may be two Violet/Gray wires; only one will trigger the steps with the driver's rear door.

Step 35: Note: Plug reassembly is critical. Ensure the lever arm of the plug is rotated completely to the locked open position for proper engagement. If not, pins may not engage, affecting vehicle components like radio, dash, and power windows.

Step 36: Splice Power Step trigger wires into the Door Ajar wires using the provided Posi-Tap™ splicers. The Power Step trigger wires color-coordinate with the factory Door Ajar wires. Follow the steps for splicing: Insert, Tighten, Strip 3/8", Insert and Tighten.

Step 37: For 2013 vehicles, proceed to STEP 44 after completing this step.

Step 38-43: Wiring to Door Ajar Wires (2009-2012 Models)

These steps are for 2009-2012 RAM 1500 and 2010-2012 RAM 2500/3500 models.

Step 38: Route the trigger wires (Purple wires) of the Power Step Harness down towards the fuse box in front of the battery.

Step 39: Remove the fuse box lid and power lead with a 13mm wrench. Lift the fuse box to view the bottom side.

Step 40: Locate and remove the Black Connector with a Gray latch on the bottom side of the fuse box (labeled "G").

Step 41: Identify the vehicle's Door Ajar Switch wires on the removed connector as per the chart and diagram below, based on model year.

Model Year 2011-2012 Door Ajar Switch Wires:

Model Year 2009-2010 Door Ajar Switch Wires:

Step 42: Splice Power Step trigger wires into the Door Ajar wires using Posi-Tap™ splicers. The trigger wires color-coordinate with the factory Door Ajar wires. Follow the splicing steps: Insert, Tighten, Strip 3/8", Insert and Tighten.

Step 43: With Posi-Taps secure, carefully replace the connector and wire bundles, then reattach the fuse box power lead.

Step 43-46: Wire Harness Routing

Step 43: On the driver side, run the Wire Harness leg down along the underside of the vehicle floor and frame to the front Drive Linkage. Connect the harness to the motor and secure with tie wraps. Route the remainder of the wire harness towards the rear linkage assembly for LED lights.

Step 44: Route the two Wire Harness legs down over the wheel wells towards the Motor Linkages, with the long leg across to the passenger side. Secure the harness with tie wraps.

Step 45: On the passenger side, run the Wire Harness leg down along the underside of the vehicle floor and frame to the front Drive Linkage. Connect the harness to the motor and secure with tie wraps. Route the remainder of the wire harness towards the rear linkage assembly for LED lights.

Step 47-52: LED Light Installation

Step 47: On each side, measure from the front edge of the door line on the pinch weld to the specified lengths for LED lights: 22" for the front LED Light and 64-3/4" for the rear LED Light. Note: For Quad cabs, mount lights at 22"; for Regular cabs, mount at 10" and 45".

Step 48: Drill a 9/32" hole through the pinch weld at the marked locations. Deburr all holes and apply paint to prevent rusting.

Step 49: Insert grommets into the drilled holes and then insert lamp wires through the grommets. Silicon lubricant can help wires slide through.

Step 50: Affix the lamp to the rocker panel surface, ensuring it is attached to a flat, clean surface.

Step 51: Using supplied butt connectors, connect the lamp wires (Red to Red, Black to Black). Use a heat gun to shrink the tube once crimped.

Step 52: Close and wrap with conduit and electrical tape. Secure all loose wires with cable ties, pulling lamp wires upward to avoid snagging.

Step 53-55: Board Installation

Step 53: Slide the mounting T-Nut of the board into position and attach to the linkages. Shift the board forward for clearance; the end cap should nest into the linkage lower mount by 1/2" when positioned correctly. With doors open, reinstall the fuse. With boards in the extended position, step on them to seat the linkages. Walk the length of the board, taking bouncing steps. DO NOT JUMP ON BOARD! Verify that board end caps do not contact the pinch weld. If contact occurs, loosen the four button head screws at the pinch weld. Apply weight to the center of the board and retighten the screws.

Step 54: With the linkage square on the hex bolts, use a 3/16" drill bit to drill both upper holes in the linkage through the sheet metal. Apply paint to the holes.

Step 55: Using a Rivet Gun, install rivets. Torque bolts to 10 ft-lbs (13.5 Nm).

Final System Check

Verify that all doors activate the Power Step and the LED lights function correctly when doors open and close. Reinstall any remaining trim panels.

Normal Operation: When doors open, PowerStep deploys automatically. When doors close, PowerStep returns to the stowed position after a 2-second delay.

Correct Operation of Lights: All four lamps illuminate upon opening any door. Lamps stay on until the Power Steps are restowed or 5 minutes pass with doors open. Lights can be re-illuminated by closing and opening any door.

Warranty Information

AMP Research warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship for FIVE (5) YEARS FROM DATE OF PURCHASE, provided there has been normal use and proper maintenance. This warranty applies to the original purchaser only. Remedies are limited to repair or replacement of the product or defective component. Damage from accidents, fire, vandalism, negligence, misinstallation, misuse, Acts of God, or parts not manufactured by AMP Research is not covered.

Implied warranties are limited to the duration and scope of the express written warranty. AMP Research is not liable for incidental or consequential damages. Some states may not allow limitations on implied warranties or incidental/consequential damages.

For Warranty Issues: Call AMP Research Customer Service at 1-888-983-2204.

Important Warnings

WARNING: Read and precisely follow all instructions. Failure to do so could place vehicle occupants in a dangerous situation. After installation or reinstallation, re-check to ensure the product is properly installed.

The material used in this product and its packaging can be recycled.