2008 Mtneer retractable running boards

[cowboywy]

The ones on my vehicle have stopped working completely, and I have them in the open position. I can hear the electric motor "hum" briefly when I select the auto option like it's trying to close them but it doesn't happen. I've talked to the Ford garage and have been told to fix this is very expensive. Have any of you done this? Do you just leave them out? Removed them? It causes the car wash folks some concern when I go there.

Thanks,

wycowboy

 

[BigRondo]

Welcome aboard!!

I have moved your thread to the 4th Gen Sub Forum to get better exposure.

Good luck getting it sorted.

Please keep us posted as feedback helps others reading this post looking for a fix to the same or similar issue!

 

[Flag Gibby]

I had mine repaired/replaced twice back in the day under the original Ford 3 year warrantee. It sounds like the drive gear on the motor ended up getting stripped and they (Ford) like to just replace the whole assembly instead of just the drive gear (I have had a motor and a drive gear fail). It is a very expensive fix if you are paying for it yourself. I am sure that there is a way to weld more material onto the drive gear and machine new teeth on it, but I have not had to mess with mine since I built a garage and my vehicles are parked inside at night.
Until you know what needs to be repaired, four bolts and unplug the wiring harness and the whole assembly comes right off.

 

[thebrakeman]

If mine ever go bad, I will be considering changing to the fixed running boards. I'm sure it's much cheaper (even with painting) than getting these repaired.

 

[Town]

This link: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=291978 may help you with a repair.

Good luck.

 

[thebrakeman]

I must make it a priority to do that lubricating job (ref link above). My driver's side moves fine, but the passenger side has been SLOW and GROANING, especially thru this cold winter.

 

[Beargap]

A year or 2 ago our '08 Mountaineer boards got stuck in the down position on the driver's side. I spent some time squirting oil in the bearings and gently pushing up and down while opening and closing the door and they finally started working. Next service I made sure the shop lubricated all the hinges on both sides and they've been working fine since. I think winter salt and grit gets caught up in there and can jam the boards, too. Good idea to try and flush them out when washing the car...I always select manual operation and leave them in the down position while washing.