AMP Power Steps, Two Thumbs Up, but Two Thumbs Down

[JERRYKAM]

Last week I installed a set of AMP Power Steps.



Two thumbs up:



The quality and design of these steps is absolutely first class. Even the shipping container is first rate including the packing material itself. The mechanical installation is absolutely straight forward.



Two thumbs down:



First a quibble. The installation instructions are not written to the level of the mechanical components. The "Wordless Workshop" approach to the instructions in my mind is a bit overdone. Probably a sign of the times considering many of the HS grads today have a 5th grade command of the English language. But that is another story...



Now the real issue. The location specified to tie in the step wiring to the door control cables is in an almost impossible area to access. High up under the dash. Even with the front panel under the steering wheel removed access to the cable bundle is a one hand operation. Spicing into the cables is extremely difficult.



My *****. And I can only speak to the O6 2500 CTD. After an hour or so of playing contortionist, and wishing I had a few extra joints in my right arm I took a break. At this point I had managed to tap in two of the AMP cables. I decided to see just where the cable bundle I was working with went. I traced the bundle through the firewall where it was routed up into the space behind the right hand battery on its way to the ECM. Prior to entering the ECM cable way, just behind the battery a full 6" length of the entire bundle is fully accessibly. Why this location wasn't chosen for tapping into the cables is beyond me. Perhaps all the necessary cables are not routed in this section of the cable bundle. In any case, if they are, then a big two thumbs down for not using it. If they don't, then the existing location is two thumbs way down. Instead of calling for soldered connections suitable crimp on connectors would simplify the task immensely. Considering the design and first rate quality of the step mechanical components AMP is certainly capable if manufacturing a high quality crimp on connector.



*****ing complete. LOVE THOSE POWER STEPS

 

[Bob4x4]

The most probable reason for not tapping the wires under the hood is to lessen the risk of corrosive effects on the harness from the elements. These computer controlled trucks are very touchy about any voltage drops. I would never recomend using crimp conectors on anything important. I always pull the cluster to attatch the wiring and solder the conections... ... ... . keep a quality product up to spec by installing it properly even if it takes a little more time



Bob

 

[BHaden]

I agree with everything you said. Top notch steps, ugly instruction sheet. Fairly easy mechanical install, but ugly electrics. It took me a couple hours to evn figure out if i had the right group of wires. I even went to the True Value Hardware store to get a different pair of wire cutters and needle nose to make it easier to get at the wires (small cutters, longer needle nose). I took the install a step further. I don't need the steps; I'm 6'1". I got them for my wife and my parents. The parents are 84 yrs old and pretty much can't get in anything that requires much effort. However, they don't ride with us much, so I don't need the steps on the drivers side to work unless they are with us or the right side when I'm alone. I ran the step control wires through a pair of DPST switches mounted on the Horizontal part of the lower panel, just left of the steering column. I can now turn each side on or off independently and save wear and tear on the step mechanism.

 

[Hercules130]

I had the dodge service tech that does my side work install mine. He didn't have any trouble, the instrument cluster came right out and the wire bundle was right there. the problem i had is amp forgot to include the wiring harness. i called amp and the sent me the wrong wiring harness. they then elected to send me just the connecters and wanted me to crimp them on. keep in mind they wouldn't even send this stuff over night, so my steps were hanging down for two weeks. i got everything soldered into place and now my right step only works when it wants to. it is almost impossible to get thos connectors off the motor without breaking, the retaing tab. they work good now though with a little wd-40

 

[PAllyn]

Can you post a picture of where you tied in. I don't really want to take my dash apart to install the steps.

 

[fozzy]

I have had them on my 03 and 06. The 03 to 05 dash comes apart very easy and is easy to get to. The 06 is a bit harder. I took the panel off under the steering collum and when you find the big loom of wires just above the steering collum you can unsnap two plastic brackets that keep the loom tucked up and tight to the collum. It only gives you a few more inches to work with, but once you find the wires you can pull a little slack out to make it easier. I was told on my 03 that the instrument cluster controlled the steps with the door open thing in the dash. The steps will not work if the instrument cluster is unplugged or not working.

 

[mwhals]

Geno's Garage states it is a no drill product and uses existing holes. From what I have read, that is only half true. It does use existing holes, but it needs some drilled holes as well. Could anyone state which is true? I suspect it is the latter.



Mark H

 

[Bob4x4]

Geno's Garage states it is a no drill product and uses existing holes. From what I have read, that is only half true. It does use existing holes, but it needs some drilled holes as well. Could anyone state which is true? I suspect it is the latter.



Mark H

You must drill an install some rivits to mount the brackets.





Bob