Amp Research XL power steps

[Crazyhorse1962]

If I install Amp Research XL power steps on my 2024 Rubicon will I need to install a kill switch for door removal or will the steps retract when I disconnect the door power connect cable getting mixed answers

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[chimoab]

I believe when your doors are off, the computer thinks they're closed, so the steps should stay up. Some other steps use different triggers so they require a kill switch (Rock Slide Engineering for one).

 

[GATORB8]

Looking at the wiring diagrams and the Amp instructions, the door ajar switch power is interrupted when the door harness is disconnected, as such it shouldn't trigger step deployment.

 

[dlong1119]

I have the Powerstep XL on my Jeep and love them. As normally installed, they won't activate when the doors are off and should retract when you unplug the door harness. They offer a 3 way switch you can install as an option (which I installed in the windshield header trim above my mirror) which gives you manual control as well. Using the switch you can force them to retract or extend, but they have a time limit and after 30 minutes will default back to normal operation the next time the key is cycled. I took it one step further and used an Aux switch for the main power feed to the steps, so I can force them up or down, then kill power using the Aux switch and they'll stay there until I turn the power back on.

I didn't like the mounting and wire routing instructions so I reworked the harness a bit and installed the main box under the passenger seat and used the drain plugs under the both seats for routing wires out to the steps, plus kept all the crossover wiring in the cab under the console. Wasn't hard to do, just took a little extra time and planning.

 

[GATORB8]

I have the Powerstep XL on my Jeep and love them. As normally installed, they won't activate when the doors are off and should retract when you unplug the door harness. They offer a 3 way switch you can install as an option (which I installed in the windshield header trim above my mirror) which gives you manual control as well. Using the switch you can force them to retract or extend, but they have a time limit and after 30 minutes will default back to normal operation the next time the key is cycled. I took it one step further and used an Aux switch for the main power feed to the steps, so I can force them up or down, then kill power using the Aux switch and they'll stay there until I turn the power back on.

I didn't like the mounting and wire routing instructions so I reworked the harness a bit and installed the main box under the passenger seat and used the drain plugs under the both seats for routing wires out to the steps, plus kept all the crossover wiring in the cab under the console. Wasn't hard to do, just took a little extra time and planning.

Just a note, when you are washing or need to get up on the side of the vehicle, you can keep a foot on the step and close the door and it will lock itself down until next time you open it. At least that's how it works on my truck.

 

[dlong1119]

Just a note, when you are washing or need to get up on the side of the vehicle, you can keep a foot on the step and close the door and it will lock itself down until next time you open it. At least that's how it works on my truck.

Yup, they'll do that as well. Doesn't work if the doors are off though and you want to use the steps , or if you're working under or around the Jeep and don't want the steps to extend when you open the door for something. I'm all for automatic controls of things, but I want manual override controls as well whenever possible.

 

[Crazyhorse1962]

I believe when your doors are off, the computer thinks they're closed, so the steps should stay up. Some other steps use different triggers so they require a kill switch (Rock Slide Engineering for one).

Awesome that's what I needed to know Thank you for the quick response

I have the Powerstep XL on my Jeep and love them. As normally installed, they won't activate when the doors are off and should retract when you unplug the door harness. They offer a 3 way switch you can install as an option (which I installed in the windshield header trim above my mirror) which gives you manual control as well. Using the switch you can force them to retract or extend, but they have a time limit and after 30 minutes will default back to normal operation the next time the key is cycled. I took it one step further and used an Aux switch for the main power feed to the steps, so I can force them up or down, then kill power using the Aux switch and they'll stay there until I turn the power back on.

I didn't like the mounting and wire routing instructions so I reworked the harness a bit and installed the main box under the passenger seat and used the drain plugs under the both seats for routing wires out to the steps, plus kept all the crossover wiring in the cab under the console. Wasn't hard to do, just took a little extra time and planning.

Thank you so much for the detailed response I've got a friend that does Mods and he hadn't installed the Amp Research before I will pass this along getting them installed tomorrow and will have him follow your recommendations

 

[dlong1119]

No problem!

The override switch is 79106-01A if you don't already have it. It's about $60 and is overpriced, as there's nothing really special about it, but it comes with a pre-made harness and has the Amp logo and up/down arrows on it. I could make a functional version for about $10 but I hate having cheap looking generic switches added so I paid the fancy tax. If you don't have the SOT you could probably put it on the driver's side above the mirror, but just know that it's a tight fit back there for the connectors so be careful when choosing your location.

Taking the front seats out will make life much easier (probably required) for the install if you decide to route everything internally.

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