GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Information on Initializing/Activating Articulating Running Boards

Subject:Information on Initializing/Activating Articulating Running Boards

Models:2007-2009 Cadillac Escalade Models
2007-2009 Chevrolet Avalanche, Suburban, Tahoe
2007-2009 GMC Yukon Models
with Articulating Running Boards (RPO BRS)



This bulletin is being revised to add the 2009 model year. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 06-08-61-005A (Section 08 - Body and Accessories).


A new RPO option (BRS) is now available for articulating running boards. Trucks built with the articulating running board option will have the running boards locked in the shipping mode position. The shipping mode position locks the running boards in the retractable position to prevent damage to running boards during delivery. When your dealership takes delivery of these trucks, the running boards need to be unlocked and activated.

Initializing Articulating Running Boards

To activate and unlock the articulating running boards for normal operation, perform the following procedures:

  1. Open all front and rear doors.
  2. Set the parking brake.
  3. Find the running board disable switch located on the center console below the HVAC climate control system.
  4. Turn the ignition switch to the RUN position, with the engine off, and toggle the disable switch three times within 20 seconds to activate the power running boards.
  5. Close all doors.
  6. Open the left front or left rear door and the running board on the left side should articulate out.
  7. Close the left front or left rear door and the running board should articulate in.
  8. Open right front or right rear door and the running board on the right should articulate out.
  9. Close the right front or right rear door and the running board should articulate in.

The articulating running boards will now operate when opening either the front or rear doors on that side of the vehicle. A power retract operation of the running boards will occur with the closing of both doors on that side of the vehicle.