AMP Research PowerStep Installation Guide

Product Overview

This guide provides instructions for installing AMP Research PowerStep running boards. The PowerStep is a power-deployable running board system that automatically extends when doors are opened and retracts when doors are closed.

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

Skill Level: 4 (Experienced)

Tools Required

• Safety goggles
• Measuring tape
• 1/8", 19/64" Drill bits
• 10 mm socket
• 13 mm socket
• 13 mm ratchet wrench
• Ratchet wrench and extension
• Wire crimpers
• Wire stripper / cutter
• 3/16" hex key wrench (allen wrench)
• 4mm allen wrench
• Electrical tape
• Weather proof caulking (silicone sealer)
• Drill Motor
• Heat Gun

Parts Identification

• Running Board assembly (x2)
• Driver Side Motor Linkage Assembly
• Passenger Side Motor Linkage Assembly
• Front Idler Linkage Assembly (x2)
• Wire Harness (5)
• Controller STA (6)
• OBD II Plug (7)
• Motor kit (8) (x2)
• Posi-Tap™ (Red/Grey) (9) (x2)
• LED Lamp (10) (x4)
• Socket Cap Screw (11) (x8)
• Posi-Lock Connector (12) (x2)
• Conical Washer Bolt (13) (x8)
• Cable Tie 7" (14) (x20)
• Cable Tie 11" (15) (x2)
• Butt Connector (16) (x8)
• Grommet (17) (x4)
• Nut (18)

Installation Steps

1. Attaching Motor to Linkage Assembly: Motors must be attached to the rear linkages before installation. The driver side motor mounts on the opposite side of the linkage as the passenger side motor. Position the gear cover, seat the motor onto the three mounting bosses, and fasten with three 4mm Hex Head motor mount screws. Tighten screws to 36 in-lbs (4 N-m). Do not over torque.
2. Installing Linkages (Driver Side):
   • Front Linkage (Idler Linkage): Install the idler linkage in the first mount position at the front of the truck using supplied bolts (13). Remove plastic or rubber hole plugs near the mounts. An extra vertical seam-sealer bead may need removal. Torque fasteners to 16 ft-lbs (22 N m).
   • Rear Linkage (Motor Linkage): Assemble the motor to the linkage as shown on page 2. Position the motor so the linkage is in the mid-extension position. Install the motor linkage with conical washer bolts (13) in the second to last set of holes (approx. 16" from rear of cab). If these holes are not present, use the next set of holes forward (approx. 33" from rear of cab). Keep the linkage held up to the angled surface and vertical surface. Some structural adhesive remnants may need to be chipped off. Torque fasteners to 16 ft-lbs (22 N m).
3. Installing Linkages (Passenger Side):
   • Rear Linkage (Motor Linkage): Install the motor linkage on the passenger side in the second to last set of holes from the rear. The motor should face the front of the vehicle. Follow the same steps as the driver side. Torque fasteners to 16 ft-lbs (22 N m).
   • Running Board Installation: Slide the front mounting T-nut into position. Place the board (1) about 5 to 6 inches from the front edge of the front door. Use fasteners (11) to attach boards, finger tighten only. Align the rear T-nut and bolt it to the rear linkage. Tighten all 4 fasteners to 10 ft-lbs.
4. Wire Harness Connection: Remove the fuse from the Powerstep wire harness. Plug in the main connectors (5) to the controller (6). Attach the controller to the passenger side wire harness bundle on the outside of the battery. Secure with 11" cable ties (15). Route the long wire harness leg across the truck under the edge of the cowl, zip tied through push rivet slots on the bottom, and down to the outside of the frame away from exhaust and steering, securing with cable ties (14). The other leg goes down away from exhaust to the frame area. Cable tie as needed.
5. Battery Connection: Remove the negative terminal on the battery to prevent a CEL. Remove the cover on the battery top box. Connect the black wire to the battery terminal accessory stud (install under factory nut). Connect the red wire to the stud on the positive power battery cable terminal using the included nut (18).
6. Interior Wiring: Remove the driver side door sill trim and kick panel. Pull up the carpet and poke a small screwdriver through the rubber insulation material. Route the two trigger wires towards the rear of the vehicle above the body mounts and up through the hole made in the rubber grommet. Secure harness with supplied cable ties. Seal holes with silicone glue and cover with tape so carpet does not stick to glue. On the driver side, do not ziptie the wire harness to the brake lines.
7. OBD Module Connection: In the driver side kick panel area, locate the light grey connector and the light green connector.
   • On the dark grey connector, locate the Light Green/Grey stripe wire in pin location 29. Use supplied Posi-tap™ (9) and connect the blue wire from the OBD module.
   • On the light green connector, locate the Green/Yellow stripe wire in pin location 19. Use supplied Posi-tap™ (9) and connect the white wire from the OBD module.
   • Use Posi-lock™ (12) as per install instructions.
8. OBD II Install: Use supplied Posi Twist connectors to attach the Plug and Play Module to the Harness. Attach matching colors on the harness to the wires on the module. Plug module (7) into the vehicle's OBD II port. Secure harness with supplied tie wraps. If the OBD II pass-thru harness (76405-01A) was purchased, refer to its specific installation sheet.
9. Drilling for Light Wires: On each side of the vehicle, mark the center of each door on the pinch weld and mark for drilling for the light wires. Ensure a clear path to the back of the pinch weld for the wire. Measure down 1/2" from the top of the pinch weld. Center punch and drill a 1/8" pilot hole, then drill a 19/64" hole through the pinch weld at marked locations. Deburr all holes. Apply paint to holes to prevent rusting. A step drill is recommended to enlarge holes.
10. Grommet and Lamp Installation: Insert grommet (17) into drilled holes. Insert lamp (10) wires through the grommets. Silicon lube can help wires slip through. Affix the lamp to the rocker panel surface, ensuring it is attached to a flat, clean surface.
11. Lamp Wire Connection: Using supplied butt connectors (16), connect the lamp wires: Red to Red, Black to Black. Use a heat gun to shrink the tube once crimped.
12. Final Wiring Management: Close and wrap with conduit and electrical tape. Secure all loose wires with cable ties, pulling lamp wires upward to avoid wire snagging.
13. Final System Check: Reinstall fuse to wire harness. Check that all doors activate the Power Step and the LED lights work when doors open and close. Reinstall any remaining trim panels.

Final System Check

Verify that all doors activate the PowerStep and the LED lights function correctly when doors are opened and closed. Reinstall any trim panels.

Normal Operation: PowerStep automatically deploys when doors open and retracts when doors close, with a 2-second delay.

Automatic Stop: If an object obstructs the running board, it will stop. Clear the obstruction, then open and close the door to resume normal operation.

Operation of Lights: All four lamps illuminate upon opening any door. Lamps stay on until both Power Steps are stowed or for 5 minutes. Lights can be re-illuminated by closing and opening a 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 part. Labor is excluded. Contact AMP Research Tech Support at 1-888-983-2204 for warranty claims. Proof of purchase is required. Warranty does not cover damage caused by accidents, fire, vandalism, negligence, misinstallation, misuse, Acts of God, or defective parts not manufactured by AMP Research.

Implied warranties are limited to the duration of the express warranty. AMP Research is not liable for incidental or consequential damages.

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Important Notes & Warnings

• Caution: Handle motors with care. Dropping or excessive impact may cause damage.
• Caution: Keep hands away when the running board is in motion.
• Warning: Read and follow instructions precisely to avoid potentially dangerous situations. Re-check installation after completion.
• The material and packaging of this product are recyclable.