AMP Research PowerStep Smart Series Installation Guide

Application

This guide is for the following vehicle applications:

• Chevrolet Silverado 1500/GMC Sierra 1500 - Crew Cab
• Chevrolet Silverado 1500/GMC Sierra 1500 - Double Cab
• Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500HD/GMC Sierra 2500/3500HD - Crew Cab
• Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500HD/GMC Sierra 2500/3500HD - Double Cab

Note: Modification required to running board assembly for Double Cab models (Trim 10"). See Item 1 on page 3.

AMP Research Smart Series App

Download the Smart Series App to your phone to unlock the latest features, including override, light controls, and diagnostics.

Look for the "SCAN ME" icon to download.

Installation Overview

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

Skill Level: 1 (Beginner) - 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
• Weatherproof caulking (silicone sealer)
• Drill Motor
• Heat Gun

Warranty: 5-Year Limited Warranty

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 patents. ©2012 AMP Research. All rights reserved. Printed in USA.

Visit: www.amp-research.com

Step 1: Attaching Motor to Linkage Assembly

The 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 does.

Exploded View:

• Motor
• Socket cap screws
• Washers
• Motor Linkage assembly

CAUTION: HANDLE WITH CARE. Motors are packed separately from linkage assemblies. Position and fasten the motor before continuing with the install. Dropping the assembly or excessive impact may cause damage to the motor.

Instructions:

1. Position the gear cover in place as shown if not already in place.
2. Seat the motor into position on the three mounting bosses. This may require adjusting the gear by moving the swing arms. Position the motor so the linkage is in the mid-extension position to allow the lower bolt to be installed.
3. After seating, fasten the motor with the three motor mount screws (4mm Hex Head). Tighten screws to 36 in-lbs (4 N·m). Do not over torque.

Parts List and Hardware Identification

Note: Some applications require modification. Cut Length: Crew Cab - 79" (No Modification Required), Double Cab - 69" (Trim 10").

Main Components:

• 1 Running board assembly (x2)
• 2 Driver Side Motor Linkage
• 3 Passenger Side Motor Linkage
• 4 Front Idler Linkage Assembly (x2)
• 5 Wire Harness
• 6 Controller SSA
• 7 OBD II Plug FD15 (smart series)

Running Board Hardware:

• (A) End cap left (x1)
• (B) End cap right (x1)
• (C) T-nut insert (x2)
• (D) (S) Style clips (x2)

Additional Hardware:

• 8 Motor (x2)
• 9 Motor Cover (x2)
• 10 LED Lamp (x4)
• 11 Socket Cap Screw (x8)
• 12 Posi-Lock™
• 13 Conical Washer Bolt (x8)
• 14 Cable Tie 7" (x20)
• 15 Cable Tie 11" (x2)
• 16 Butt Connector (x8)
• 17 Grommet (x4)
• 18 Nut
• 19 (S) Style Clip (Only used when trimming board length) (x2)

Step 2: Installing Linkages (Driver Side)

Front Linkage (Idler Linkage):

Install the Idler linkage in the first mount position at the front of the truck for both Passenger and Driver sides. Use conical washer bolts (13). Remove all plastic or rubber hole plugs adjacent to the linkage mounts. An extra vertical seam-sealer bead may need removal from the front linkage mounting surface. 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 using 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 and vertical surfaces. Chip off any structural adhesive remnants at the rocker seam. Torque fasteners to 16 ft-lbs. (22 N·m).

Step 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 on the Driver side. Torque fasteners to 16 ft-lbs. (22 N·m).

Step 4: Installing Step Extrusion

Slide the front mounting T-nut into position. Place the board (1) about 5 to 8 inches from the front edge of the front door (depending on preference). Use fasteners (11) to attach the boards, finger tighten only. Align the rear T-nut and bolt it to the rear linkage. Then tighten all 4 fasteners to 10 ft-lbs (13.6 N·m).

Note: The diagram shows the driver side, front of vehicle, and driver front door.

Step 5: Installing Electrical Components

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 then down to the outside of the frame, away from the exhaust and steering. Secure with cable ties (14). Route the other leg down immediately away from the exhaust and to the frame area. Secure with cable ties as needed.

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

Battery Connection: Remove the cover on the battery top box. Connect the Black wire to the battery terminal accessory stud. Connect the Red wire to the stud on the positive power battery cable terminal using the included Nut (18).

Trigger Wire Routing: 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. Route the trigger wire 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.

Driver Side Note: Do not zip tie the wire harness to the brake lines.

Note: Seal holes with silicone glue and cover with tape so carpet does not stick to glue.

Step 6: OBD II Install

Use supplied Posi-Lock™ (12) to attach the Plug and Play Module to the harness trigger wire. Plug the module into the vehicle's OBD II port. Secure the harness with supplied tie wraps.

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

Installation Options:

• Direct to Port Option: Connects the Powerstep Connection Module directly to the Vehicle Port.
• Pass-Through Harness Option: Uses a pass-through harness that connects to the Vehicle Port, allowing the original port to be used for other accessories.

Step 7: Wiring for Lights

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 to enter.

Drilling: 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 the marked locations. Deburr all holes. Apply paint to holes to prevent rusting.

Note: Recommend using a step drill to enlarge holes.

Insert grommet (17) into drilled holes.

Insert lamp (10) wires through the grommets. (Silicon lube can help wires slip through grommets.)

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

Using supplied butt connectors (16), 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.

Step 8: Final System Check

Check that all doors activate the PowerStep and the LED Lights work when doors open and close. Reinstall any remaining trim panels. Reinstall the fuse.

Normal Operation:

• When doors open, PowerStep automatically deploys.
• When doors close, PowerStep automatically returns to the stowed/retracted position (with a 2-second delay).

Correct Operation of Lights:

• All four lamps illuminate upon opening any door.
• Lamps stay on until Power Steps stow or until 5 minutes after doors are closed.
• Lights can be re-illuminated by closing and opening any door.

Product Registration and Warranty Information

Thank you for your recent AMP Research Purchase. Register your product today for faster service & product updates.

Please visit: www.amp-research.com/productregistration or scan the QR Code.

Product Registration Benefits:

• Ensures AMP Research has your purchase receipt and product info for warranty.
• Provides faster and easier access to customer service and tech support.
• Keeps you up to date on product information and offers.

To view other AMP Research products, please visit: www.amp-research.com

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

Maintenance:

In adverse conditions, debris may become trapped in the mechanism, possibly leading to unwanted 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 component part found defective. The decision to repair or replace is at the manufacturer's discretion.

This warranty specifically excludes labor. For warranty claims, call the factory 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/or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE are limited to the duration of this express warranty. AMP Research shall not be liable for incidental or consequential damages.

Some states do not allow limitations on implied warranty duration or exclusion of incidental/consequential damages, so these limitations may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary from state to state.

FOR WARRANTY ISSUES WITH THIS PRODUCT, PLEASE CALL AMP RESEARCH CUSTOMER SERVICE: 1-888-983-2204

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.