Power retractable steps on Tahoe

[iamdub]

I ran across what I believe is a good deal on some power running boards from an Escalade. I like my stationary boards just fine, but the motorized ones would be cool and I think the chrome along the bottom would spice up the LTZ a little.

After searching many different keywords and phrases, all I'm finding are threads on people asking how to fix them and whether-or-not someone should order them with their 2015+ SUV.

I know I can bolt them up to my Tahoe, but I'm concerned about the wiring. I read somewhere that they have three wires- power, ground and trigger. This would be super simple to hook up if this is as deep as it got. But then I was reading that the actuator is controlled by the BCM and that trigger wire can't just simply be tapped into a dome light circuit or whatever analog circuit that is powered (or grounded) when a door is opened. Also read that the BCM can't be reflashed to support this option because the turn signals wouldn't work.

Can anyone bring me up to speed on this? I'd like to pick up the boards this weekend if it won't be such a huge project.

 

[Tonyrodz]

Man! Remember the good old days when you could just wire anything in and call it a day, and it worked! Sub'd

 

[sumo]

From what I remember it was involved wiring process.

 

[iamdub]

Man! Remember the good old days when you could just wire anything in and call it a day, and it worked! Sub'd

I do remember those days... Then I sold my S10 and entered the world of CANBUS with an '08 Tahoe.

From what I remember it was involved wiring process.

That's what I'm finding but no details on what's actually involved. I did find something about using relays to control it. With that, I'm guessing that the trigger wire actually IS a regular 12V signal but the motor would be trying to extend the steps the entire time that wire was energized (door opened). The relays kill the circuit when it's fully extended then energize it in reverse when the signal wire is not energized (door closed).

 

[sumo]

I do remember those days... Then I sold my S10 and entered the world of CANBUS with an '08 Tahoe.



That's what I'm finding but no details on what's actually involved. I did find something about using relays to control it. With that, I'm guessing that the trigger wire actually IS a regular 12V signal but the motor would be trying to extend the steps the entire time that wire was energized (door opened). The relays kill the circuit when it's fully extended then energize it in reverse when the signal wire is not energized (door closed).

I just remembered the name of the after power side steps.. AMP. check it out. they even have a install instruction sheet

http://www.amp-research.com/products/truckaccessories/powerstep/

 

[iamdub]

I've known about those, but I'm definitely not into it enough to spend $1,000+! Finding these Escalade steps for $200 is the only reason I'm entertaining the idea. I should probably just forget about it and put that $200 towards the last of my drop parts.

 

[01Konvict]

Could use amp wiring instructions then make your own harness for the escalade steps.

 

[Tonyrodz]

I've known about those, but I'm definitely not into it enough to spend $1,000+! Finding these Escalade steps for $200 is the only reason I'm entertaining the idea. I should probably just forget about it and put that $200 towards the last of my drop parts.

They're cheap enough to get, to just let them sit til you figure it out. When will you see them this cheap again?

 

[Fosscore]

That's a good price to hold onto like Tony said ^^. Research the threads and AMP site and see if you can make something work.

 

[iamdub]

Could use amp wiring instructions then make your own harness for the escalade steps.

I thought the AMP steps had their own control module. Hmmm... If so, maybe I can get just that module from them for cheap enough. Lemme dig some more.

I thought about getting them for the price. But, I really don't have "play money". I'm one that usually just finds ways to get what I want when the deal is too good to pass. I'm fine with my stationary running boards and like that they sorta act as guards for the lower half of the body. I'd get flaps if I got the retractable steps (more $). I thought about just hanging onto them, but I have a feeling I'd end up offloading them later at a loss. I'm overloaded with more important projects.