Let me know if you have any question during the process, happy to help, it took me a Saturday to install -doing it carefully and taking the time.
- Some additional tips to keep in mind. Make a test of the motor before any installation, you can do this by connecting the wiring just to power, ground and signal. If they fold, you are good to go and start the real fun. Optionally, you could leave the cable management inside the vehicle at the end, I suggest you focus on the external part first since you will know how much wire is left to hide and identify the right spot. For me it worked well this way, but it is your choice, you can start inside out.
- To pass the wire inside the vehicle from left to right, remove the center console side panels. It's quite easy to remove them, and the vehicle is designed to be modified! No drama at removing panels, just be careful on the first ones so you get the feeling on how much to put pressure.
- For the exterior, removing the plastic trim is essential for installing and fixing the mechanism; there's no alternative. The steps for removal the plastic trim is quite simple. Two screws on one side close to the from tires and just pull them out carefully. They come out easily.
- As you install the hinges, I suggest sealing as you go. You can get that black sealant on any auto parts store that is waterproof.
- You will install the hinges but do not tight the nuts since you will require to adjust the position once you do some testing.
- Cut the plastic trim, put it back (do not fix the screws you removed initially yet) make a test, if the hinges fold without touching the plastic trim you are ready for adjustment. For me 7 inches depth worked, and you can see in the photo, could be a bit less.
Two adjustments are needed.
- Against the plastic the plastic trim. This ensures the step aligns correctly with the plastic trims when closed, so you have equal gap between the step and the plastic trim – and the reason you do not want to tight the nuts yet. Once this is good you can tight the nuts.
- The step being centered. You do not tight the chromed screws at fixing the step util you verify this adjustment right to left, you will need to watch it is centered. Once this is done you are good to go and put back the screws to fix the trim.
After completing this, proceed to the wiring step by passing the wire through the drain hole beneath the carpet (if present). To remove the carpet, it's recommended to take off the plastic trim in the door frame. Underneath there is also a black plastic trim, that I suggest you also remove, as this will make it easier to route the wires afterward.
From this point is final wire connection, cable management, and put it back together. It is a fun project, just be patient. Have fun!
I’ll do my best to try and persuade some companies to produce a solution.
