AMP STEP ISSUE

[ScottLewis]

I've been bragging about my AMP steps for over 13 years (151K miles) but now must tell of my sad woe.

For quite awhile the Pass. side step has occasionally failed to deploy. I installed a warning light so my wife would see when there was a problem and not just step out. I had pretty well concluded that the controller was at fault and was about to order a new one. Cost $92 was not too bad.

Yesterday though, the driver's side deployed and wouldn't retract. I diagnosed a bad motor unit so started to order one of them. I was shocked to learn that the replacement motor was discontinued and to repair the step I would need to buy a kit that included a new arm, electric connector, and motor which would cost $360 plus tax and shipping and would take at least 10 business days to make up.

I guess I'll just lock it in the deployed position and use it that way.

 

[JohnM45]

That kind of sucks. I know the cost of new steps is north of $1k so i guess it's not terrible for repairing them....still a lot of money, though. Sounds like you've gotten a good many years of service from them.

Do you plan to keep the truck much longer? If the truck has several years of service left for you, maybe it's worth repairing the steps.

 

[Elsbury]

I have the AMP steps on my 06 and was having exactly the same issue. I replaced the controller and my steps work just like new. I was told by AMP they rarely see motor failures. How did you diagnose the motor?

 

[GrantP]

It's worth checking the rear door wiring harness too. I had a broken wire in the harness and that was messing up the step activation. I've only had the steps for a couple of years but that's the only issue I've had.

 

[ScottLewis]

I pulled the motor and learned that one of the brushes had a corroded wire. I fooled with repairing it using other brushes I had then finally gave it up as a lost cause. With John's encouragement and some soul searching, I bit the bullet and ordered the replacement parts. Once that is installed, I'll consider the new controller as well. I guess I shouldn't expect add-ons to last as long as a Cummins. The steps have made me happy over the years.

 

[Elsbury]

yep me too Dan! I dang near couldn't climb in the truck without em. I'm on 14 years with mine. I had the broken rear door harness issue also. Common on our trucks.