Aftermarket accessories can greatly enhance your truck’s functionality and aesthetics. AMP running boards, also known as power steps, are a popular upgrade, providing a convenient step up into your vehicle. Typically, these running boards are installed using a controller that connects to your truck’s OBD2 port. However, for various reasons, you might want to bypass the OBD2 port and wire your AMP running boards directly. This article will guide you on how to install AMP running boards without relying on the OBD2 port connection, offering a more streamlined and potentially interference-free setup.
For truck owners utilizing OBD2 ports for other devices like performance monitors or diagnostic tools, using a splitter or constantly swapping connections can be inconvenient. Furthermore, some users have reported potential irregularities when running multiple devices through the OBD2 port simultaneously. Direct wiring offers a clean solution, ensuring your AMP running boards function perfectly without any OBD2 port dependency.
The key to wiring AMP running boards without the OBD2 port lies in utilizing the door trigger mechanism. Instead of relying on the vehicle’s computer signals via the OBD2 port, you can trigger the running boards to deploy and retract based on the opening and closing of your truck doors. This method involves tapping into the door jamb switches, which activate when a door is opened, completing a ground circuit.
To achieve this, you’ll need to locate the door input wires on your AMP running board controller. These wires are designed to receive a ground signal to activate the steps. By connecting these input wires to the door jamb switch circuit, you can directly control the running boards.
Here’s a simplified approach to wiring:
- Identify the Door Input Wires: Consult the wiring diagram provided with your AMP running boards to pinpoint the specific wires on the controller designated for door trigger inputs.
- Locate Door Jamb Switch Wires: Determine the wires connected to your truck’s door jamb switches. These switches typically provide a ground signal when the door is opened.
- Connect Input Wires to Door Switch Circuit: Splice the door input wires from your AMP controller into the door jamb switch circuit. This ensures that opening a door will send a ground signal to the controller, deploying the running boards.
Refer to the wiring schematic below for a visual guide. Always double-check the wiring colors for your specific AMP controller model to ensure correct connections.
For a professional and factory-like installation, consider using door jamb switches as shown below. These switches can provide a clean and reliable ground signal for your AMP running boards.
By choosing to wire your AMP running boards directly to the door switches, you eliminate the need for an OBD2 port connection. This method provides a reliable, independent system for controlling your power steps, freeing up your OBD2 port and potentially resolving any conflicts with other electronic devices. This approach ensures seamless operation and integrates your aftermarket running boards smoothly with your vehicle’s existing electrical system.
