Deployable running boards on my 2013 Platinum SCREW 4x4 have been intermittently unable at times to retract to home position. They deploy fine.


They will begin to retract and then reverse direction and fully deploy again.


I have been hitting all the hinges with WD-40 and that generally seems to do the job...however, I need to do this every couple of days.


I'm wondering if the combination of a possibly worn motor and some light debris is causing this...sometimes the WD-40 wont help, yet they will start working again on their own. Doesn't appear to be any debris caught in hinges when I just checked. Is there another cause I may be missing.


Also, in the event that the motors are cooked (70k miles) has anyone been able to find replacement motors? I think Ford makes you buy the entire running board (which is ridiculous) and the only aftermarket replacements I have seen are from Doorman which includes the hinges and transmission and still cost about $500 a pop.


Has anyone tried having the motors rebuilt by an electric motor repair shop? Thanks!

 

Instead of wd40 use white lithium grease.

 

^^ This.

WD-40 is really meant as more of a solvent and water displacement chemical (that's actually what WD stands for).

The lithium grease will stay where it's put for a longer period of time.

Sounds like you may want to take them apart and clean anything you can out. Then, i would lube them with something heavier.

 

Id be wanting to look at door pids, could be a sticking switch making the boards deploy. Torque Pro is an android app that costs about $5 and a cheap wifi dongle that you plug into the obd2 port under the dash right below the steering column.

That will allow you to look at the door switch pids. If you find one sticking, saturate the door latch with spray brake clean then some clear lithium spray lube.

You can also get Forscan, it's a free program that you run on a windows laptop or tablet but you still need the obd2 dongle, here's a link for more information https://www.f150forum.com/f38/forsca...ations-349018/
.

 

Use silicone lubricant or white lithium grease. I just did mine yesterday.

 

I always use silicone. I find white lithium attracts too much dirt and grime same with wd-40.

Also hit it real good with a power washer to clean everything first.

 

WD40 Specialist has a silicone waterproof lubricant spray that makes it easy to apply. I got a can for $5 at Lowe's and it works well.