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Added OEM power running boards on my '18 Premium Luxury - update

8.4K views 22 replies 8 participants last post by  Caddyescalade15  
#1 · (Edited)
SEE BELOW! Mission accomplished, I now have working power running boards!

Hello all! I’m prepping to install a set of OEM power lighted running boards on to my 2018 Escalade Premium Luxury and have a question: When all the running board controls are on the CUE screen, does anyone know if those options will automatically appear once the boards are properly wired-up or will there be programming needed? The 2015-2016’s are controlled by a touch button on the left side of the CUE Screen… the 2017 and newer models will be controlled on the screen itself. I have found someone that does the custom wiring kit to the older version with the separate switch, but he isn’t sure how the system will respond when it’s all on the CUE screen. He’s thinking it will automatically recognize them once it’s detected.
Pic for attention!
Image
 
#2 ·
There may be a module that needs to be added or an existing module may need to be programmed for the CUE screen.

You’ll need some resources to dive into. Look for any TSB that may that may be related to their operation or repair.

Try a $6.99 manual with on PDF so you can search with key words …



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 
#3 ·
There may be a module that needs to be added or an existing module may need to be programmed for the CUE screen.

You’ll need some resources to dive into. Look for any TSB that may that may be related to their operation or repair.

Try a $6.99 manual with on PDF so you can search with key words …



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
So far I have reached out to a few HMI BCM programming companies, just awaiting a reply. The harness guy sent me the attached running board description… which is what he found regarding them. What it tells me is thee s a possibility it needs to recognize the running board controller to operate.
i hope to know more from the HMI/BCM programmers… but I’m tempted to order the custom harness, which is a total gamble on if it will work.
 

Attachments

#4 · (Edited)
Just thought I would add an update: I wired and installed the set of OEM Escalade power running boards yesterday. I found someone who built me a custom harness that connected to the running board controller and to both motors… then to the existing electrical interfaces in the truck. THEY WORK PERFECTLY! I will create a new post showing their operation. NO PROGRAMMING NECESSARY! Even the running board functions popped up in the comfort and convenience options in the CUE system.
 

Attachments

#5 ·
See attached video links below… showing them operating and also the CUE functions screen working!

power running boards in operation:


CUE screen operation without programming:

 
#12 ·
You need a complete and operational pair of the correct GM/OEM running boards with the power running board module that attaches to the drivers side running board mounting assembly. Then, you need to contact Matt via email @ cmattbuild1@gmail.com . He will ask you a few questions regarding your Escalade. You will need to physically check your truck for certain things to help him build the correct harness for you. Depending on what year your Escalade is, you may need to order a dash switch to change out if it's not controlled thru the CUE menu like mine came from GM in at least the 2018 and newer models. The 2015-2017 I believe requires a dash switch... the newer ones are controlled thru CUE. Not sure if 2017 was controlled in the CUE menu or not, don't hold me to that.

My suggestions:

1): If you are not patient and following specific directions isn't your thing, this may not be for you.

2): If you are not a mechanic, familiar with electronics or not comfortable carefully taking things apart, then find someone that is to do the work. Mistakes can be expensive and the vehicle being un-driveable. If you damage something, it may mean the difference between a successful install and having to tow it to a dealership or a trusted mechanic to repair once he figures it out.

3): If you did not get the mounting bolts with the running boards, using the wrong lengths can cause serious damage to hard lines on the passenger side. They are mounted to the body just above where the bolts go thru the rocker panels. I'm not sure if they are brake lines, A/C lines or what... just use the proper lengths so you don't wind up damaging them when securing them in place.

I had ZERO issues, everything went perfectly. I have no degree in electrical engineering and I am not a mechanic... but I have worked in the automotive industry for most of my life and have wrenched on vehicles since I was able to hold tools for my dad. I do my own maintenance and repairs and will continue to do so for as long as I physically can.

Hopefully this helps!
 
#15 ·
How much did it cost you for everything & where did you get the electronic steps from? I was never a fan of the electronic steps because I used to live in New York. I was told by TLC drivers they failed because of the winter due to rust and was advised against them. The dealer told me that people would order the platinum without the electronic steps. I live in Texas now and I love the way they look recessed. My neighbor has the premium and I have the 2018 Luxury. When I see him come home at night I love the way the steps light up the ground as well as the door handles. I wanted to order the ones from AMP but the light is not a strip, it's four or five single lights facing down. I wasn't going to do it until I saw that you made it work with the factory navigation. I like the factory look. I looked on eBay but I can't find ones in good condition. They are all scratched or dented. The other option would be to order the steps brand new from GM and order the scratched-up steps and replace the steps themselves. I am trying to keep it under $2000. If you have any other place to look please let me know. Where are you located and are you willing to help if I buy them? Thank You for sharing!!
 
#16 ·
Good morning!

Yes, the northern states that have corrosion and rust issues do have more problems than others when it comes to the powered boards. The biggest issue is people don't clean and lubricate the moving joints or they don't shut them off when packed with snow/ice/dirt...causing major problems. I'm from New York, don't miss it one bit. We rarely have humidity and we don't deal with corrosion and rust problems... just a ton of dirt/dust.
I love the look of the hidden steps as well. The OEM lighting is much cleaner than the AMP boards. I believe the wiring is cleaner and a less intrusive install than the AMP setup too. We have found the fixed boards are very close to the rockers and higher than the power steps when they are deployed which give a terribly uncomfortable entry and exit. Because of that awkwardness it was creating too much pressure in my knees. I have actually lost my footing and slipped on more than one occasion which is a recipe for disaster. The amount of wear you can also put on the lower leather seat cushions is terrible when people slide in and out of the seats.
I found my set of steps on FB Marketplace purely by luck. They were removed from a 2020 Escalade Premium Luxury with under 10K miles on it for $950, which was an absolute steal!. I did do some searching on www.car-part.com and there are sets for sale that range from $900-$1400 and I'm sure you would have to add shipping to them. They are not tiny or light by any means. I would assume you could find a decent set in a state like Texas for a similar price and you can avoid the shipping by picking them up. If you have a wrecking yard near you, give them a call or stop by and see if they can put out a locator for you on those boards. I believe Yukon's and the high line Tahoe's may have the same boards which will help expand your search of them. I would contact Matt (cmatt) who has commented in this thread for a price to build the harness. He will need you to check a few things so he knows exactly how to build it for your specific Escalade. The harness price depends on the supplies needed.

My total outlay from harness, running boards and a set of front mud guards to protect the rocker panels/running boards from HuskyLiners was right around $1250, which is still cheaper than the Amp power boards cost without install. I was seeing prices for the AMP boards at around $1900.00. Interestingly enough do I remember reading that the OEM boards can hold more weight than the AMP steps by like 100lbs. That just tells me they are a stouter design. Even if you bought and shipped a clean set of boards off www.car-part.com and ordered the harness, I think you could still keep it under $2K.

I am in Glendale Arizona, so I'm at least a thousand miles away. Texas is big, but I'm a few states west of you. If I were closer, I could help... but that would be one heck of a trip for either of us. LOL!
 
#19 ·
I had articulated running boards on my '13 Tahoe LTZ and they worked as designed as long as they were kept clean and lubricated. I live in CNY and owned that truck from '14-'22.
 
#20 ·
The #1 reason the powered running boards fail... lack of cleaning and lubrication. I cleaned and lubricated these prior to installing and will stay on top of it as I would an oil change or tire rotation. While I know things happen, cleaning and lubrication will not be what causes this pair to fail. lol