AMP Power Steps

[tgRanger]

I’d also recommend getting a can of this $7.98 for the linkage maintenance.

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[deleriumtremor]

Just an update. I got my Ranger back from the dealer after the windshield adhesive replacement recall and AMP Powerstep debug. The tech determined the front idler operators are warped and has contacted Amp for a replacement under warranty. The dealer said the steps come with a 5 year warranty, so they expected to get replacements shipped to them at no cost. When the parts come in, they will call me to bring it back for the update. Here is hoping.

 

[deleriumtremor]

Just a final update. It looks like AMP isn't going to replace the idler units (the forward operators). The good news is I got both sides to open and close completely and it appears as long as I can keep them lubed, they seem to be working (thanks to tgRanger for the tip on the WD40 silicon spray, very easy to apply). If they quit closing completely down the road, I will deinstall them and live without.

I have concluded that this particular application for the AMP Powerstep design is suboptimal. I suspect it is a tolerance thing with where the mounting holes line up and probably is a truck to truck thing. That is, some trucks the holes are aligned close enough for the steps to operate without binding, others, less so.

If I was talking to a friend who had a 5G Ranger that wanted retractable steps, I would recommend they focus on a design that has a motor on each corner, versus the AMP design with the motor on just one end.

 

[Racket]

What I got from this thread is I don't want the AMP steps specifically and even though I take pleasure in working on my vehicles I'd likely have a shop that specializes do it.

$$$ ?

 

[tgRanger]

Just a final update. It looks like AMP isn't going to replace the idler units (the forward operators). The good news is I got both sides to open and close completely and it appears as long as I can keep them lubed, they seem to be working (thanks to tgRanger for the tip on the WD40 silicon spray, very easy to apply). If they quit closing completely down the road, I will deinstall them and live without.

I have concluded that this particular application for the AMP Powerstep design is suboptimal. I suspect it is a tolerance thing with where the mounting holes line up and probably is a truck to truck thing. That is, some trucks the holes are aligned close enough for the steps to operate without binding, others, less so.

If I was talking to a friend who had a 5G Ranger that wanted retractable steps, I would recommend they focus on a design that has a motor on each corner, versus the AMP design with the motor on just one end.

I was wondering what happened. Glad you got them working. Mine haven’t given me a problem since I had an installer take over. Like I originally said, when I first tried to install them myself I too had binding. I also took a video of it before going to the installer thinking there may have been something wrong with them in case he couldn’t get them installed correctly. I believe what you said with the rangers below is the issue. It’s also what my installer said. He hasn’t had any issues with any other trucks he installed them on but mine. I installed a set on my F150 myself and had no problems. There also seems to be some kind of coating on the underside of these trucks that could be causing issues.
“ I suspect it is a tolerance thing with where the mounting holes line up and probably is a truck to truck thing. That is, some trucks the holes are aligned close enough for the steps to operate without binding, others, less so.”
I also believe the reason you didn’t get replacements was because you let Ford handle it. You should have contacted them directly and sent in all your information, and a video yourself. They would have taken care of you. I found their customer service was and is incredible. When I first received my package 1 of my boards had 2 tiny dents in it , I filed a claim, sent in pictures and they sent me 2 not just one brand new board. Now I have an extra board. Again I encourage you to contact them directly yourself next time. There is a lot of questions they ask on the warranty form that I’m sure Ford didn’t have. That’s why you were denied. But I don’t believe it’s the linkages. I believe it’s installer error. Seems everyone that installed them themselves are having issues. Hope they last for you and I still wouldn’t give up on Amp.

 

[deleriumtremor]

I was wondering what happened. Glad you got them working. Mine haven’t given me a problem since I had an installer take over. Like I originally said, when I first tried to install them myself I too had binding. I also took a video of it before going to the installer thinking there may have been something wrong with them in case he couldn’t get them installed correctly. I believe what you said with the rangers below is the issue. It’s also what my installer said. He hasn’t had any issues with any other trucks he installed them on but mine. I installed a set on my F150 myself and had no problems. There also seems to be some kind of coating on the underside of these trucks that could be causing issues.
“ I suspect it is a tolerance thing with where the mounting holes line up and probably is a truck to truck thing. That is, some trucks the holes are aligned close enough for the steps to operate without binding, others, less so.”
I also believe the reason you didn’t get replacements was because you let Ford handle it. You should have contacted them directly and sent in all your information, and a video yourself. They would have taken care of you. I found their customer service was and is incredible. When I first received my package 1 of my boards had 2 tiny dents in it , I filed a claim, sent in pictures and they sent me 2 not just one brand new board. Now I have an extra board. After the install 2 of my l.e.d lights came unstuck which I now believe may have been from my ceramic coating but I contacted them anyways and told them about it. Again they sent me 2 new L.E.D’s no questions asked and I got the original ones to stick. At that time I told them about the binding issue I had and if it could have been from a warped linkage (got the idea from what ford told you) and again I provided the video I took before before going to the installer and this was their reply.
View attachment 215569
I now have an extra linkage as well. I’m glad the silicone spray did the trick but if you run into issues again I encourage you to contact them directly yourself. There is a lot of questions they ask on the warranty form that I’m sure Ford didn’t have. That’s why you were denied. But I don’t believe it’s the linkages. I believe it’s installer error. Seems everyone here that installed them themselves are the only one’s having issues. Hope they last for you and I still wouldn’t give up on Amp.

Frankly, at this point I am suspecting the "warped idler linkage" story by the dealer was just that, a story. I suspect he couldn't get them aligned and just picked something to single out as a cause and AMP figured that out as well.

I have been under there quite a bit (shimming, changing tightening sequences, going back and forth front to back as I tightened, etc.) and can't see anything that would indicate the idler linkages were warped (at least nothing that is obvious to the naked eye). It would take some kind of measuring fixture to determine if they were not square, which I obviously don't have.

There has been a change on how they operate than when I first installed them and they worked for a short time. During that period, they made a REALLY loud noise on the final closure (a pretty big BANG). Looking back on it, it should have been a sign they were not aligned properly and not happy. When they first quit closing fully, I passed it off as mud and grime collecting in the linkage (we are off road almost every day and when it is muddy, it really cakes the mud up along the rocker panels and the steps and linkages). After finally cleaning and lubing thoroughly they still didn't close all the way, which told me for certain they were not aligned.

Since I finally got them working, the closure sounds are much more like other truck brands I have had these steps on (when they worked flawlessly). I am hoping I finally landed on the right alignment and they will continue to work. I am also going to pressure wash things regularly and hit all four corners with the WD40 spray lube. If that keeps them working, then I will stick with them. If they quit closing all the way one more time, they are toast.

 

[deleriumtremor]

What I got from this thread is I don't want the AMP steps specifically and even though I take pleasure in working on my vehicles I'd likely have a shop that specializes do it.

$$$ ?

I have had the exact same steps on other trucks and they worked perfectly after my home install. The 5GRanger is definitely not 100% the same from a proper install standpoint. Looking back on it, I should have gone to an authorized installer and paid up. If they still didn't work after that, you would have two motivated parties working together to get it working. They are great steps and the install I think is still the best of all the options design wise (using the ODB port for sensing on door operation, etc., versus other Hall effect sensor like applications on the doors.)

As I posted earlier, I do believe it is a mounting point alignment issue with Ford, versus anything specific on the AMP design (other than it can't accommodate the tolerance Ford obviously uses for those mounting points.)

I will say I absolutely love the steps getting in and out. They deploy to the exact height that is perfect for my 5'0" wife to land dead center in the seat, versus hoisting herself up with the grab handle and dragging her bum across the bolster.

 

[tgRanger]

I have had the exact same steps on other trucks and they worked perfectly after my home install. The 5GRanger is definitely not 100% the same from a proper install standpoint. Looking back on it, I should have gone to an authorized installer and paid up. If they still didn't work after that, you would have two motivated parties working together to get it working. They are great steps and the install I think is still the best of all the options design wise (using the ODB port for sensing on door operation, etc., versus other Hall effect sensor like applications on the doors.)

As I posted earlier, I do believe it is a mounting point alignment issue with Ford, versus anything specific on the AMP design (other than it can't accommodate the tolerance Ford obviously uses for those mounting points.)

I will say I absolutely love the steps getting in and out. They deploy to the exact height that is perfect for my 5'0" wife to land dead center in the seat, versus hoisting herself up with the grab handle and dragging her bum across the bolster.

Their Great steps! I installed them on my 04’ F150 Lariat over 15 years ago and they still work flawlessly..

 

[micl9]

Just to add to how finicky the alignment can be, and difficult as bolt access is terrible - especially the front. A 4 motor system (which I think they do for certain applications) would solve this.
I bought mine used from a beach goer, so gummed up with sand. As I only paid $300 it was worth the risk. Agree on the WD40Silicon - soak the hell out of it!! On mine one side was so stuck that off the truck they would not move freely. IIRC a couple of the joints can be disassembled? Maybe not anyway those would be cleanable via disassembly. However most of the joints are press fit assembled and not advisable to press out. What I did that may help others is buy an ultrasonic cleaner. Worked for mine and after 3 yrs still operating perfectly. Which reminds me, I have not re lubed them since! Time to give them a squirt!

And anyone on the fence - best upgrade I added to my Truck. No Wait I have an Fx4, best was BILSTEINS! Power steps are a close 2nd, based on my wife's stature!

 

[deleriumtremor]

Their Great steps! I installed them on my 04’ F150 Lariat over 15 years ago and they still work flawlessly..

Totally agree, I had them on a GMC Sierra 1/2 Ton AT4, worked flawlessly from day one.

 

[PltFX4]

This has been a problem on mine along. Worked great when new then drooped. Professionally installed by authorized AMP vendor. Took them back, they adjusted; worked OK for short time, now drooping again. Going to try RealTruck (not the original installer) and see if they can adjust/fix the issue. Also recently acquired a de-installed AMP steps (minus the boards) to try a different set of motors/mounts if need be.

 

[TJC]

My personal opinion (that and a dollar will buy you a cup of coffee)

Retractable steps are not optimal for off roading or mudding. They have precision fit surfaces. Off roading gums up the works.

My first addition to my 2020 Ranger was the AMP steps. I don't go off roading or mudding. Steps have been completely reliable.

Getting them properly aligned was tedious. I installed the motors only after I had the boards installed and tested for any binds in movement by manually raising and lowering them. I have not lubed them once since the install. I probably should though.

I love the steps, but I would not install them on a serious off road use truck. I don't think that they are designed for that purpose. Fixed steps or sliders are better choices.

They will probably hold up in offroading/mudding conditions if they are washed down and oiled after each event. But if things are allowed to dry and get crusty all bets are off.

Again, just my opinion.

 

[Muscleford]

I would agree with Tony (TJC), not for a truck used for off-roading.

 

[deleriumtremor]

My personal opinion (that and a dollar will buy you a cup of coffee)

Retractable steps are not optimal for off roading or mudding. They have precision fit surfaces. Off roading gums up the works.

My first addition to my 2020 Ranger was the AMP steps. I don't go off roading or mudding. Steps have been completely reliable.

Getting them properly aligned was tedious. I installed the motors only after I had the boards installed and tested for any binds in movement by manually raising and lowering them. I have not lubed them once since the install. I probably should though.

I love the steps, but I would not install them on a serious off road use truck. I don't think that they are designed for that purpose. Fixed steps or sliders are better choices.

They will probably hold up in offroading/mudding conditions if they are washed down and oiled after each event. But if things are allowed to dry and get crusty all bets are off.

Again, just my opinion.

I tend to agree with that observation, at least as it pertains to the massive amount of crud I collect each run on a muddy/slushy trail (most days in the winter).

Your post jogged my memory of an idea I made a strong mental note to try and then forgot as I went down the "alignment rabbit hole" getting them to function properly while clean and lubed.

I just ordered some mudflaps that got good reviews on a couple of guys on YouTube. They don't look too bad (at least on video) and the guy tested them out after installing in some serious paddock mud with good results. I am going to give that a try and maybe with the power washer I can keep them clean enough to work fine long term.

It is ironic as I think they actually are better in many ways to fixed steps for serious off road. Steps that are actually functional to assist someone the size of my wife with ingress and egress hang down low enough, you really don't need to be doing a double diamond rock crawl to turn them in to scrap in a few seconds. The AMP steps tuck up so high, only actual sliders would save the rockers from serious damage if you got high enough to reach them. I did actually gouge the side of my AMP steps on my GMC AT4 and can testify that they are definitely not sliders.

Here is hoping the mudflaps will do enough to limit how frequently I have to roll the power washer out during the winter.

 

[deleriumtremor]

So I went ahead and got some mudflaps so maybe I can cut down on the mud and slush I accumulate on the forward linkage (which can't be good, no mater how much I wash it off and re-lube).

I got these off Amazon, seemingly knock off factory style. They fit perfectly, so here is hoping.

Sorry for the bad lighting on th picture. It is hot as hades out there right now, so decided I would keep it in the cooled garage for this round of pictures. I will take some better ones when it cools down. I think they look OK.

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