INSTALLATION GUIDE

Application Details

This guide provides installation instructions for AMP Research PowerStep Xtreme running boards compatible with the following Chevrolet and GMC vehicles:

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

Installation Information

Installation Time

3-5 Hours. Professional installation recommended.

Skill Level

Level 4: Experienced. (Levels indicated: 1-Beginner, 2-Intermediate, 3-Advanced, 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

Warranty

5-Year Limited Warranty

Technical Support

AMP RESEARCH TECH SUPPORT: 1-888-983-2204 (Press 2) Monday - Friday, 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM PST

Invented, engineered and manufactured exclusively by AMP Research in the USA. May be covered by one OR MORE of the following patents: 6,641,158; 6,830,257; 6,834,875; 6,938,909; 7,055,839; 7,380,807; 7,413,204; 7,398,985; 7,584,975; 7,566,064; 7,487,986; 8,157,277; 8,408,571; 9,302,626; 9,561,751; 10,053,017; CA2463717 ©2023 AMP Research. All rights reserved. Printed in USA.

Website: www.amp-research.com

Attaching Motor to Linkage Assembly

The motors must be attached to the front Linkages before installation. The Driver's side motor mounts on the opposite side of the linkage as the Passenger side motor does.

Exploded View Components:

• Motor kit
• Socket cap screws
• Motor Linkage assembly

⚠️ CAUTION: HANDLE WITH CARE.

To ensure components arrive with full integrity, motors are packed separately from their Linkage assemblies. The installer must position and fasten the motor before proceeding. Handle the assembly carefully.

⚠️ CAUTION: Dropping the assembly or any excessive impact MAY cause damage to the motor.

Instructions:

1. Position the gear cover in place if not already installed.
2. Seat the motor onto the three mounting bosses. This may require adjusting the gear by moving the swing arms.
3. Fasten the motor with the three motor mount screws using a 4mm Hex Head. Tighten screws to 36 in-lbs (4N-m). Do not over torque.

Parts List and Hardware Identification

Note: Some Applications require modification.

Components:

1. 1 x2 Running Board assembly: Depicts the main step board, which is a textured metal extrusion.
2. 2 Motor linkage A: Shows a mechanical linkage assembly with a motor attached, designed to pivot.
3. 3 x2 Motor linkage B: Similar to Motor linkage A, showing another mechanical linkage assembly with a motor.
4. 4 Wire Harness: Illustrates a bundle of wires with connectors, including a main harness and smaller trigger wires.
5. 5 Controller XTA: Shows the electronic control module for the PowerStep system.
6. 6 OBD II Plug: Depicts a connector designed to interface with the vehicle's OBD II port.
7. 7 x2 Motor kit: Shows a motor unit with associated mounting screws.
8. 8 x4 LED Lamp: Illustrates the small LED lights that illuminate the running boards.
9. 9 x8 Socket Cap Screw: Shows a type of screw with a hexagonal socket head.
10. 10 x2 Posi-Lock™ Connector: Depicts a type of electrical connector.
11. 11 x8 Conical Washer Bolt: Shows a bolt with a conical washer integrated or designed to work with it.
12. 12 x20 Cable Tie 7": Standard plastic cable ties.
13. 13 x2 Cable Tie 11": Longer plastic cable ties.
14. 14 x8 Butt Connector: Electrical connectors used to join wires.
15. 15 x4 Grommet: Rubber or plastic rings used to protect wires passing through holes.
16. 16 x2 Nut: Standard nuts for fastening.
17. Hardware Identification includes: End caps (1 left & 1 right), T-Nut Insert (x2), S-style clips (x2) for the running boards.

Installation Steps

Installing Linkages (Driver Side)

Front Linkage (Motor Linkage B)

Install motor linkage B in the first mount position at the front of the truck on the Driver side, using the supplied bolts (12). Remove all plastic or rubber hole plugs adjacent to the linkage mounts. Torque fasteners to 16 ft-lbs. (22 N m).

Diagram Description: Shows the driver's side front linkage assembly being mounted to the vehicle's frame, indicating the front of the vehicle and driver's side.

Assemble the motor to the linkage as shown in the picture before installation on page 2. Position the motor so the linkage is in the mid-extension position. This allows the lower bolt to still be installed.

Rear Linkage (Motor Linkage A)

Assemble the motor to the linkage as shown in the picture before installation on page 2. Position the motor so the linkage is in the mid-extension position. This allows the lower bolt to still be installed.

Install motor linkage A with provided Conical washer bolts (11) in the second to last set of holes, approximately 16" from the rear of the cab. If these holes are not present on some models, use the next set of holes forward, approximately 33" from the rear of the cab. Keep the linkage held up to the angled and vertical surfaces. Chip off any structural adhesive remnants at the rocker seam. Torque fasteners to 16 ft-lbs. (22 N m).

Diagram Description: Shows the driver's side rear linkage assembly being mounted to the vehicle's frame, indicating the front of the vehicle and driver's side, with measurements of 16" and 33" from the rear of the cab.

Installing Linkages (Passenger Side)

Front Linkage (Motor Linkage A)

Install motor linkage A in the first mount position at the front of the truck on the Passenger side, using the supplied bolts (11). Remove all plastic or rubber hole plugs adjacent to the linkage mounts. Torque fasteners to 16 ft-lbs. (22 N m).

Diagram Description: Shows the passenger's side front linkage assembly being mounted to the vehicle's frame, indicating the front of the vehicle and passenger's side.

Rear Linkage (Motor Linkage B)

Assemble the motor to the linkage as shown in the picture before installation. Position the motor so the linkage is in the mid-extension position. This allows the lower bolt to still be installed.

Install motor linkage B with the Conical Washer Bolts (11) in the second to last set of holes on the Crew Cab. Keep the linkage held up to the angled and vertical surfaces. If seam sealer is present, clean the surface so any proud edges are removed and the mounting surface is flat. Torque fasteners to 16 ft-lbs. (22 N m).

Diagram Description: Shows the passenger's side rear linkage assembly being mounted to the vehicle's frame, indicating the front of the vehicle and passenger's side.

Installing Step Extrusion

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 (9) to attach the boards, finger tightening only. Align the rear T-nut and bolt it to the rear linkage. Then tighten all 4 fasteners to 10 ft-lbs.

Diagram Description: Shows the running board being positioned and attached to the linkage with fasteners. A measurement of 5-6 inches from the front door edge is indicated.

⚠️ Remove the fuse from the Powerstep wire harness before proceeding.

Installing Electrical Components

Attach the wire harness to the controller and ensure locking tabs engage. Remove the cover on the battery top box. Connect the Black wire to the negative battery accessory stud (install under factory nut). Connect the Red wire to the stud on the positive power battery cable terminal, attaching with Nut (17). Secure the controller with supplied 11” cable Ties (13).

Diagram Description: Shows the engine bay area with the controller mounted near the battery. Connections to the negative battery accessory stud and positive battery cable terminal are indicated.

Route the long wire harness leg across the truck under the edge of the cowl (zip tied through the push rivet slots on the bottom), and then down to the outside of the frame, away from the exhaust and steering. Secure with cable tie (12). The other leg should go down away from the exhaust and towards the frame area. Cable tie as needed.

Note: On dual battery vehicles and Diesel models, the Passenger side battery is still required.

Diagram Description: Illustrates the routing of the main wire harness from the controller, under the cowl edge, and down along the vehicle frame.

Wiring and Trim Removal

Remove the driver side door sill trim and kick panel carefully. Pull up the carpet and poke a small screwdriver through the rubber insulation material.

Diagram Description: Shows the interior of the driver's side door sill area with trim removed and carpet pulled back.

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 the harness with supplied cable ties.

NOTE: 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.

Diagram Description: Shows trigger wires being routed through a grommet in the vehicle body, with cable ties used for securing.

OBD II Connection

Use Supplied Posi-Lock™ connectors to attach the Plug and Play Module to the Harness. Attach matching colors on the harness to the wires on the module. Plug the module into the OBD II port on the vehicle. Secure the harness with supplied tie wraps.

Note: If the OBD II pass-thru harness (76405-01A) was purchased, refer to the install sheet supplied in packaging. The pass-through harness allows for an open port for other accessories.

Connection Options:

• Direct to Port Option: Connects the Powerstep Control Module directly to the vehicle's OBD II port.
• Pass-Through Harness Option: Uses a pass-through harness (sold separately) which connects to the vehicle's OBD II port and provides a new port for other accessories, while also connecting to the Powerstep system.

Diagram Description: Illustrates two methods of connecting the Powerstep system to the vehicle's OBD II port: Direct to Port and Pass-Through Harness.

Drilling and Lamp Installation

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 there is a clear path to the back of the pinch weld for the wire to enter.

Diagram Description: Shows the underside of the vehicle near the door, indicating the pinch weld where drilling will occur.

Center punch and drill a 1/8" pilot hole, then drill a 19/64" hole through the pinch weld at the marked locations. Deburr all holes. After drilling, apply paint to the holes to prevent rusting.

Note: Recommend using a step drill to enlarge holes.

Diagram Description: Close-up view of drilling a hole in the pinch weld, with a suggestion to use a step drill. A can of corrosion protection paint is also shown.

Insert grommet (15) into the drilled holes. Insert lamp (8) wires through the grommets. Silicone lube can help wires slip through grommets.

Affix the lamp to the rocker panel surface. Ensure the lamp is affixed to a flat, clean surface.

Using supplied butt connectors (14), connect the lamp wires: Red to Red, Black to Black. Once crimped, use a heat gun to shrink the tube.

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

Diagram Description: Shows grommets being inserted, lamp wires fed through, lamps attached to the rocker panel, wires connected with butt connectors, and final wire management.

Final System Check

Reinstall the fuse. Check that all doors activate the Power Step and the LED lights work when doors open and close. Reinstall any remaining trim panels.

Normal Operation: When the doors open, PowerStep automatically deploys from under the vehicle. When the doors are closed, PowerStep automatically returns to the stowed/retracted position. There is a 2-second delay before the PowerStep returns to the stowed/retracted position.

Correct Operation of Lights: All four lamps will illuminate upon opening any door of the vehicle. Lamps will stay on until restowing of both Power Steps or until 5 minutes has expired with the doors open. When the lights timeout after 5 minutes, they can be reilluminated by closing and opening any door of the vehicle.

Diagram Description: Shows the PowerStep deployed with doors open, and a graphic indicating the fuse reinstallation.

Product Registration

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REGISTER YOUR PRODUCT TODAY FOR FASTER SERVICE & PRODUCT UPDATES

Please visit: www.amp-research.com/productregistration

Product Registration Benefits:

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Product Operation and Maintenance

Congratulations on your purchase of the genuine AMP Research PowerStep!

POWER-DEPLOYABLE RUNNING BOARDS OPERATION: AMP Research PowerStep running boards automatically move when the doors are opened to assist entering and exiting the vehicle.

• Automatic power deploy: The running boards extend down and out when doors open.
• Automatic power stow: The running boards return to the stowed position when doors close, with a 2-second delay.
• Automatic stop: If an object obstructs the moving running board, it will automatically stop. To reset, clear the obstruction, then open and close the door.
• Manually set in deployed (OUT) position for roof access: Firmly hold the step down with your foot while closing the door. Open and close the door to resume normal operation.

Maintenance: In adverse conditions, debris like mud, dirt, and salt can accumulate in the running board mechanism, potentially causing noise. If this occurs, manually set the running boards to the deployed position and flush the front and rear hinge arms with a high-pressure car wash wand. Avoid spraying the motors directly. After washing, apply silicone spray lubricant to the hinge pivot pins. Do not apply silicone, wax, or protectants like Armor All® to the running board stepping surface.

⚠️ Caution! Keep hands away when the running board is in motion.

5-Year Limited Warranty

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 its defective component parts, at the manufacturer's discretion.

This warranty specifically excludes labor. For warranty claims, call the factory at 1-888-983-2204 for instructions. Proof of purchase is required. Damage caused by accidents, fire, vandalism, negligence, misinstallation, misuse, Acts of God, or defective parts not manufactured by AMP Research is not covered.

Implied warranties of MERCHANTABILITY and FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE are limited to the duration of this express warranty. AMP Research is not liable for incidental or consequential damages. Some states may not allow limitations on implied warranty duration or exclusions of incidental/consequential damages.

FOR WARRANTY ISSUES WITH THIS PRODUCT, PLEASE CALL AMP RESEARCH TECH SUPPORT 1-888-983-2204.

Important Warnings

❗ WARNING: Be sure to read and precisely follow the provided instructions when installing this product. Failure to do so could place vehicle occupants in a potentially dangerous situation. After installing or reinstalling, re-check to ensure the product is properly installed.

The material your product is made from can be recycled. Please also consider recycling the packaging.