Left side running board doesn't go all the way up

Tiny
CHHINKLE
  • MEMBER
  • 2012 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR
  • 5.4L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 251,000 MILES
Installed new kit from ebay. Motor both brackets and rod that runs between front and rear bracket. Deploys down and flat with door open. Only goes up a few inches with door closed. Nothing in brackets to block movement. Doesn't go back down like something is blocking it. Just stops. Also when driving truck when stopped and start to move again the board will go down and up again.
Friday, August 15th, 2025 AT 1:15 PM

13 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
So, this is an aftermarket kit not OEM correct? That can be the problem, here is how the OEM unit is installed. The system is run by the power running board module and switches inside the motors so the problem must be with either of them, I would say the problem is in the lift motors. Check out the images (below). Please upload pictures or videos in your response
Image (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, August 16th, 2025 AT 9:15 AM
Tiny
CHHINKLE
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
It did this with original motor. Lady I purchased truck from said dealer wanted 2000.00 to replace running board so she didn't do it. Motor replaced twice acted same way. Put up with it 6 years. Had to fix right side when I hit a curd and ripped running board off. New kit has right side working as it should. Ordered new kit for lift side hoping. It acts same as original and both replacement motors. As a professional flooring installer lol thinking might be something other than moter.
Video (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, August 16th, 2025 AT 9:32 AM
Tiny
CHHINKLE
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Someone suggested I take left unit off set on ground and plug into right side plug. When I did this it worked as it should. Hope this helps
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, August 16th, 2025 AT 3:26 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
So when you switch the plugs from right to left the left side works? This means the controller is probably bad. Did the right side act like this then you got the new right side motor and it started working or no? You might be able to do a CAN scan which will go through the system for us.

https://youtu.be/u-4syLc-ifQ

Please go over this guide and get back to us.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, August 16th, 2025 AT 7:33 PM
Tiny
CHHINKLE
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
This is what my code reader said after testing modules. I am reading the 60 on
Second code indicates short in module. Would like your opinion. Thanks again for your time.
Image (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, August 17th, 2025 AT 4:17 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
The hall effect sensor is inside the motor. But you said you try a different motor so the controller must be not working correctly. I would swap it out, here is the location on the left side. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
Image (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, August 18th, 2025 AT 10:37 AM
Tiny
CHHINKLE
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Replaced controller. Opening doors no movement. Put tester and check for codes running boards moved same as they had been. Same codes showing. Had a friend who retired as a mechanic check plugs and wires. He sees nothing damaged or broken.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, August 21st, 2025 AT 11:24 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
That is strange, so you replaced both motors, the controller and the wring is okay correct.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, August 21st, 2025 AT 7:03 PM
Tiny
CHHINKLE
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Yes. Tried re-indexing. Don't think it is a door switch as it act the same with front and back door. Checked wiring when I had trims off changing controller. Didn't see any damage.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, August 22nd, 2025 AT 6:49 AM
Tiny
CHHINKLE
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Yesterday I got out of truck. Closed front door. Opened back door pulled something out and closed back door. Put thing down turned back to truck and running board was all the way up. Opened front door came part way down. Each time door was opened it would go down little more but not go up fully. After 4 or 5 cycles it was fully out and only going up part way. Don't know if that helps or hurts.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, August 22nd, 2025 AT 7:17 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
It does not look like any programming is necessary so it must be the wiring since you replace the other components. Here is a guide to help check it and the system wiring diagrams below.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Check out the images (below). Let us know how it goes
Image (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, August 22nd, 2025 AT 8:43 AM
Tiny
CHHINKLE
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
So after much nashing of teeth and grumbling under our breath we found this under carpet at spot your foot rests when you are driving. Got to love engineers. It is the hall effect signal wire. Splice wire and all works as it should. Thanks so much for your help
Image (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, August 23rd, 2025 AT 6:17 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Yep, that will do it, great find! That why I love cars, they can always be fixed, please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Sunday, August 24th, 2025 AT 10:46 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Running Board Motor Content