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Power sidestep retracting delay.

shrubs2000

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Mine does it too occasionally, but not often enough for me to worry about it...yet.

Same here. The other day I was 3 blocks from the house when mine retracted. It's not very often though...
 

My1stHemi

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Hi all,

I certainly understand why this would be concerning. If you do move forward with addressing this with your dealer, please be sure to let us know via PM. We would like to have this documented, as well as connect you with a case manager who can work alongside your dealer to ensure that all potential solutions are explored.

@My1stHemi - Please be sure to keep us updated on your dealer's findings. If we can be of any additional assistance as you are working with your dealer, we would be more than happy to escalate a case on your behalf.

Mark
RamCares
As a follow up, i took my rig into the dealer on the 26th and they could not diagnose any electrical issues as no codes were displayed and those little gremlins are intermittent.

My rear bed access step makes contact with the resonator and fender seam(will be replaced), drivers door panel was replaced because of a lose tweeter cover. New panel has a blemish in the leather, it will also now be replaced.

Im hopeful for new software updates to resolve my electrical problems or I hope that the static shows up when at the dealer. They could not trigger the issue.
 

RamCares

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As a follow up, i took my rig into the dealer on the 26th and they could not diagnose any electrical issues as no codes were displayed and those little gremlins are intermittent.

My rear bed access step makes contact with the resonator and fender seam(will be replaced), drivers door panel was replaced because of a lose tweeter cover. New panel has a blemish in the leather, it will also now be replaced.

Im hopeful for new software updates to resolve my electrical problems or I hope that the static shows up when at the dealer. They could not trigger the issue.

Hi My1stHemi,

I'm sorry to hear that the gremlins did not want to reveal themselves while at the dealer. As you are working with them on repairs, please know that I would be more than happy to escalate a case on your behalf for an additional layer of support through that process. Your case specialist will also be able to work alongside your dealer to ensure that all potential solutions are explored regarding your sidesteps. Our team is just a PM away.

Mark
RamCares
 

Michael Frank

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If you start the truck just as the step is starting to retract it'll stay deployed. The opposite happens if a passenger opens a door when you hit the start button. The step will not deploy. I can do this at will. I now know to either start immediately or wait to hear the step retract.
Bingo! I figured out the same thing after the non-retracted step took out some trim on the side of my garage door opening. (Ouch!) I was initially puzzled by this, as it had never happened before, but I started listening carefully for the step to retract before backing out of the garage. When it occurred again, I began to realize that it only happened during that split second during the startup when the Start button was first pressed. Apparently, the electrical start signal blocks the retract signal being sent to the step. I would think this could be remedied with a software update, especially if the update included a warning alert that the step is still deployed when the truck is put in gear. This is an unusual situation and the software has been designed to prevent movement of the truck with the step deployed. For example, it you use the touchscreen software controls to deploy the steps while the truck is in Park, they will immediately retract if the truck is put in gear. If you try to deploy the steps while the truck is in gear, an error message appears that deployment is not available. It's pretty clear from this that the software was designed to prevent driving with the step deployed, but failure to retract because of the Start sequence seems to be one situation that has been overlooked.
 

Northern1

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Bingo! I figured out the same thing after the non-retracted step took out some trim on the side of my garage door opening. (Ouch!) I was initially puzzled by this, as it had never happened before, but I started listening carefully for the step to retract before backing out of the garage. When it occurred again, I began to realize that it only happened during that split second during the startup when the Start button was first pressed. Apparently, the electrical start signal blocks the retract signal being sent to the step. I would think this could be remedied with a software update, especially if the update included a warning alert that the step is still deployed when the truck is put in gear. This is an unusual situation and the software has been designed to prevent movement of the truck with the step deployed. For example, it you use the touchscreen software controls to deploy the steps while the truck is in Park, they will immediately retract if the truck is put in gear. If you try to deploy the steps while the truck is in gear, an error message appears that deployment is not available. It's pretty clear from this that the software was designed to prevent driving with the step deployed, but failure to retract because of the Start sequence seems to be one situation that has been overlooked.

I do not have the issues that you say and it puzzles me? I hear the step coming up as the truck is starting. As the load of the starter is high at that point the step is audibly heard slowing as it retracts do to current draw. Still can't work it. But will now add the split second start as stated and see if that is the case. Still as stated intermittent for me too.
 

DPhillips78

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Does anyone know if a software update fixed this Power Slide Step retract delay issue? My 2020 Ram 1500 occasionally doesn't retract the drivers step until I'm driving for a few hundred feet. I believe this is related to the timing of the engine start. If the passenger door is opened while the engine is being started...the step will not deploy. The passenger must shut the down and reopen for the step the deploy. It make since to me that there is some disable circuit in the logic that blocks the step command during engine start sequence. Tried searching for a TSB to no avail.
 

RCT

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See Below
NUMBER: 23-019-21 GROUP: 23 - Body DATE: May 14, 2021

SUBJECT: Power Side Steps Do Not Stow Or Deploy Properly

OVERVIEW: This bulletin involves inspecting and if necessary replacing the driver or passenger power side step motor

MODELS: 2020 - 2021 (DT) RAM 1500 Pickup

NOTE: This bulletin applies to vehicles within the following markets/countries: North America, APAC, EMEA and LATAM. NOTE: This bulletin applies to vehicles built on or after October 01, 2019 (MDH 1001XX) and on or before January 12, 2021 (MDH 0112XX) equipped with Power Running Boards

SYMPTOM/CONDITION: Customers may notice one or more of the following: • Power side steps do not stow or deploy properly. • Information Panel Cluster (IPC) shows “Obstacle Detection” fault. DIAGNOSIS: Using a Scan Tool (wiTECH) with the appropriate Diagnostic Procedures available in DealerCONNECT/Service Library, verify all related systems are functioning as designed. If DTCs or symptom conditions, other than the ones listed above are present, record the issues on the repair order and repair as necessary before proceeding further with this bulletin. If the customer describes the symptom/condition listed above, perform the Inspection Procedure. 1. Perform the power side step diagnosis and testing procedure. Refer to the detailed service procedures available in DealerCONNECT/Service Library under: Service Info>08 - Electrical / 8N - Power Systems / Power Side Step / Diagnosis and Testing. 2. After following the diagnosis and testing procedure found in Service Library, did either power side step fail to deploy or stow properly? • YES>>> Proceed to Step 1 of the Repair Procedure. • NO>>> This bulletin does not apply. Further diagnosis should be performed.

PARTS REQUIRED: Qty. Part No. Description 1 (AR) 68461580AA Motor - Power Running Board RT 1 (AR) 68461581AA Motor - Power Running Board LT

REPAIR PROCEDURE: NOTE: • Only replace the power side step motor that is not operating properly. DO NOT replace both power side step motors if one is inoperable. • DO NOT replace the entire running board assembly. 1. Remove and replace the power side step motor. Refer to the detailed service procedures available in DealerCONNECT/Service Library under: Service Info>23 - Body / Exterior / Step, Side / Removal and Installation. POLICY: Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty. TIME ALLOWANCE: Labor Operation No: Description Skill Category Amount 23-09-01-94 Power Running board - Replace One Side (1 - Semi-Skilled) 6 - Electrical and Body Systems 0.4 Hrs. 23-09-01-95 Power Running board - Replace Both Sides (1 - Semi-Skilled) 6 - Electrical and Body Systems 0.5 Hrs. FAILURE CODE: ZZ Service Action 2
 

PeteL

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As Jus and Northern1 stated. The drivers step does not retract if you happen to press the Start button right when the step was going to retract. My 2020 Longhorn was doing this and at the time I thought was random. I too narrowed it down to this. It just so happens for me anyways, after getting in, shutting the door, then pressing start.. my timing was always perfect in sync with the retraction. I now make it a point to wait to hear the step retract before I press start. I always worry Im going to taked out my garage wall backing out in the morning with the sidestep.
 

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