Yukon Denali - Driver's side running board light not working

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schrimsher242

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Good morning all.

New to the forum, but have learned a lot so far!

Bought a 2023 Yukon Denali a couple months ago, and now that the days are getting shorter, I've noticed that the driver's side running board light doesn't work. (It's just the LED strip on the bottom that doesn't work, the running boards themselves deploy and stow properly). I did find the other threads about the settings controlling when it comes on (locator light toggle and exit illumination duration) and was able to confirm that the passenger side running board and the backup lights come on when the feature says they should.

I did a quick check underneath and the wiring harness looks to be connected and undamaged. (I'm referring to the black/red wire bundle that goes into the front of the running board itself and runs to the larger connector near the motor.) The bumper to bumper warranty is already expired, so I'm a little afraid of what the dealer is going to tell me is wrong with it. Is there anything else quick/simple I could check?

I looked at the fuse descriptions but just saw some non-descript "exterior lighting module 1, 2, 3, 7, etc." so I'm not sure if any of those only control the light or if the light is part of the larger running board system. No fuses look to be blown, though.

Thanks,
Chris
 
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schrimsher242

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Update: As I kept looking into this, I ran across the forum post below, sounds like it might be related and a common issue due to a bad seal. My wife is driving the Yukon right now but I'll take a look for corrosion / water when she gets back.

 

justchecking

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Good morning all.

New to the forum, but have learned a lot so far!

Bought a 2023 Yukon Denali a couple months ago, and now that the days are getting shorter, I've noticed that the driver's side running board light doesn't work. (It's just the LED strip on the bottom that doesn't work, the running boards themselves deploy and stow properly). I did find the other threads about the settings controlling when it comes on (locator light toggle and exit illumination duration) and was able to confirm that the passenger side running board and the backup lights come on when the feature says they should.

I did a quick check underneath and the wiring harness looks to be connected and undamaged. (I'm referring to the black/red wire bundle that goes into the front of the running board itself and runs to the larger connector near the motor.) The bumper to bumper warranty is already expired, so I'm a little afraid of what the dealer is going to tell me is wrong with it. Is there anything else quick/simple I could check?

I looked at the fuse descriptions but just saw some non-descript "exterior lighting module 1, 2, 3, 7, etc." so I'm not sure if any of those only control the light or if the light is part of the larger running board system. No fuses look to be blown, though.

Thanks,
Chris
Welcome to the forum from SW Ohio. I shopped Jake Sweeney before I bought my 2019 from Columbia Chevrolet.
 
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schrimsher242

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If it s a 23 and you are less than 36k miles, take it to the dealer and let your warranty take care of it.
Unfortunately it's 44k miles and beyond the factory bumper to bumper warranty. I bought the GM Protection Plan but it specifically excludes lighting. I'm probably going to have to take it to the dealer though. I got my volt meter out over the weekend, and it shows 0.6v on both sides (working and non-working), so I suspect either it's a bad LED strip or I'm getting a bad reading because there's more than simple voltage turning the LEDs on.
 

WalleyeMikeIII

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One could argue it’s not lighting, it’s “running board operation”. If you have the GMEPP, I’d let the dealer try to get that approved for you.
 
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schrimsher242

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One could argue it’s not lighting, it’s “running board operation”. If you have the GMEPP, I’d let the dealer try to get that approved for you.
That's a stroke of genius right there! I'll try it and see what they say!
 

Jtfannin

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I was wondering how you fared at the dealer. I have a 2024 Yukon AT4 and the driver’s side step lights started flickering about a month ago and eventually went completely out. Lots of corrosion visible in the strip. Took it to the dealer and they said they are seeing low voltage to that side and they’d need it for a full day to check that issue before they would order the LED strip. I’m still under warranty of course, but no idea what would cause the differential in voltage. I do run a Banks Pedal Monster (ties into OBD port), but it comes out anytime it goes to the dealer.
 

WalleyeMikeIII

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I was wondering how you fared at the dealer. I have a 2024 Yukon AT4 and the driver’s side step lights started flickering about a month ago and eventually went completely out. Lots of corrosion visible in the strip. Took it to the dealer and they said they are seeing low voltage to that side and they’d need it for a full day to check that issue before they would order the LED strip. I’m still under warranty of course, but no idea what would cause the differential in voltage. I do run a Banks Pedal Monster (ties into OBD port), but it comes out anytime it goes to the dealer.
Bad ground, chafed wire, corroded connector...many things. It is warranty, let them at it...too expensive to fix on your own.
 

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