How to Fix AMP Research Power Step Problems

When it comes to aftermarket power steps for your truck AMP Research is one of the leaders in this field. This range of power steps has developed a reputation for quality and convenience and can be found as additions to thousands of trucks nationwide.

However, as with all things mechanical these days, their products can develop issues. In this post we will look at some of the more common issues and give you some ideas of how to fix the problems.

Who Is AMP Research?

AMP Research is an innovative company that specializes in creating products for modern pickup trucks. Their clients come to them with problems and the company works with them to create a solution.

This includes devices such as power steps that can be fitted at the sides and rear of the truck. They do however offer many other services as well.

Possible Problems with AMP Research Power Steps

Although the company takes pride in its products no one is infallible so from time to time things will go wrong with their power steps. We are going to take a look at some of the most common issues that customers experience and discuss what steps we can take to deal with them.

Power Steps Making Noise While Operating

The power steps are designed to operate smoothly with little to no noise although they are not going to be completely silent. Sometimes though the steps may be audibly loud and make some startling noises. This is often due to trapped salt, mud and other debris getting caught in the mechanism.

The corrosive nature of road salt can cause rust in the hinges and joints which in turn can make for a very loud operation. It is wise to clean out the power steps regularly to get rid of any buildup in the hinges or joints.

It is also advised that these hinge points be kept oiled and rust free. This is good practice to keep irritating noises at bay as well as extending the life of the product itself. Our trucks might be going through tough terrain and the dirt can quickly build up under the truck.

The noise might also be caused by power supply issues. If the power supply to the power steps is too high this can actually cause overheating. As a result it can affect the operation and create unexpected noise whilst deploying or retracting.

If there is an issue with the power supply you may need to have AMP Research look at the issue to find a solution. Ideally they should have checked that everything was fine but things sometimes fall through the cracks.

AMP Research Power Steps Retracting Slowly or Not all the Way

This is not an uncommon issue as from time to time the steps may be slow to or on occasion may not completely retract. This can be frustrating but the reason for it is often simple and not hard to fix.

Again this is likely due to a build up of dirt but also snow can be involved or even ice. In cold weather ice can form that literally blocks the step from retracting all the way under the truck. You may have to physically get under the truck to dislodge any debris, snow and ice to allow the step to retract as it would do normally.

Intermittent Contact

The steps sometimes may work but others struggle to do what they are intended to do. This can be a sign of a loose connection somewhere in the system. This is often at the point where the controller connects to the wire harness.

If any terminals are not fully connected you may only get occasional function from the power steps. If this is the case you will want to check that all the connections are secure and clean. Any loose connections should be tightened and this may resolve the issue.

It is not uncommon for wire connections to come loose especially when a truck is driven over rough terrain.

Intermittent Operation

A commonly reported issue is that a step will not always deploy when you open the truck door. It might also be that there is a delay in operation which means the step deploys late. Both of these can be a sign that the module is failing or the contact point has become sticky.

A sticky contact point can be resolved with cleaning but a failing module will likely need to be replaced. As this is an aftermarket add on you will have to hope you have a warranty from AMP Research or the repair will be out of pocket for you.

The Running Board Retracts Too Far

This is another commonly reported issue whereby the running board will actually go too far underneath the truck and may even get stuck in place. It is usually caused by a swing arm issue and a weak stopper. If the motor pulls the arm too hard and the stopper fails then the steps overshoot their mark.

If this occurs you may need to have the system repaired with a stronger stopper and a more controlled motor.

Are AMP Research Power Steps Good?

I know this article is about potential problems with the company's products but in truth most are caused by bad truck maintenance and general wear and tear. If the underside of your truck is caked in mud, snow and ice it is little wonder that these mechanical elements may start to struggle.

There are plenty of AMP Research customers who 5+ years into having their power steps are still more than happy. When well maintained and cleaned you should have very few issues with their products. Of course nothing is perfect and things do break down.

Conclusion

There are a number of issues that might affect the operation of your AMP Research power steps but some can be fixed with a simple clean up of the mechanism. There can always be loose wiring and failing components in the system but this certainly is not common.

Remember when you drive at pace over rough terrain anything on the underside of your truck is at risk to damage. It’s a risk we take and when things break and eventually they will we just deal with them accordingly.

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