AMP RESEARCH 86135-01A PowerStep Installation Guide
- June 13, 2024
- AMP RESEARCH
Table of Contents
INSTALLATION GUIDE
APPLICATION
Jeep Gladiator JT
2020 – 2024
(For Gas and Diesel models)
AMP Part #
86135-01A
86135-01A PowerStep
INSTALLATION TIME
3-5 Hours
Professional installation recommended
SKILL LEVEL
4= Experienced
SMART SERIES APP: Download App to your phone and unlock the latest
features including override, light controls, and diagnostics.
https://www.amp-research.com/powerstep-smart-series-running-boar
TOOLS REQUIRED
- Safety goggles
- Measuring tape
- 10 mm socket
- 13 mm socket
- 1/2” socket
- Ratchet wrench and extension
- Wire crimpers
- Wire stripper / cutter
- 3/16” hex key wrench (allen wrench)
- 4mm hex key wrench ( allen wrench )
- Electrical tape
- Weather proof caulking (silicone sealer)
- Silicone spray
WARRANTY
5-Year Limited Warranty
AMP RESEARCH TECH SUPPORT
1-888-983-2204 (Press 2) Monday –
Friday, 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM PST
Invented, engineered and manufactured exclusively by AMP Research in the USA.
May be covered by one OR MORE of the following patents: 6,641,158; 6,830,257;
6,834,875; 6,938,909; 7,055,839; 7,380,807; 7,413,204; 7,398,985; 7,584,975;
7,566,064; 7,487,986; 8,157,277; 8,408,571; 9,302,626; 9,561,751; 10,053,017;
CA2463717 ©2012 AMP Research. All rights reserved. Printed in USA.
AMP RESEARCH POWERSTEP SMART SERIES™ – Jeep Gladiator JT
EXPLODED VIEW
- Motor
- Hex Head Bolt
CAUTION: HANDLE WITH CARE.
To ensure our customers receive all components with full integrity, we pack
the motors separate from their linkage assemblies. This requires that the
installer position and fasten the motor before continuing with the install.
Please follow the instructions below and handle the assembly carefully.
CAUTION: Dropping the assembly or any excessive impact MAY cause damage
to the motor.
Instructions:
- Position the gear cover in place as shown if not already in place.
- Seat motor into position on the three mounting bosses. This may require an adjustment of the gear by moving the swing arms.
- After seating into place, fasten the motor with the three motor mount screws with 4mm Hex Head. Tighten screws to 36 in-lbs (4N-m). Do not over torque.
PARTS LIST AND HARDWARE IDENTIFICATION
AMP
RESEARCH POWERSTEP SMART SERIESTM – Jeep Gladiator JT
Mounting positions circled for front and rear linkage mounting points.
Driver side shown.
Note: Motors face forward on each side.Rear Drive Linkage: Location shown
in step 1. Using supplied M8 Button Head Bolt (10) and Washer(13) assemble
linkage to pinch weld. Before tightening, slide LED Light Bracket(9) in
forward mounting hole. Next use supplied M8 Hex Bolt w/Conical Washer (12)
through bottom threaded insert in body. Torque fasteners to 16 ft-lbs (22N-m).
Repeat linkage installation for passenger side.
Note: When installing the light
bracket, the nut plate insert with the raised portion faces the bolt.
Front Drive Linkage: Location shown in step 1. Note drive linkage with motor mount facing towards front of vehicle. Using supplied Button Head Bolt(10) and Washer(13) assemble linkage to pinch weld. Before tightening, slide Light mounting bracket (9) in Rearward mounting hole. Next use supplied hex bolt with conical washer(12) and shim (14) through bottom threaded insert in body. Torque fasteners to 16 ft-lbs (22N-m). Repeat linkage installation on passenger side.
Note: When installing the light bracket, the nut
plate insert with the raised portion faces the bolt.
Mount Step Assembly (1) to linkage assemblies. Line up T-nuts in step assembly with slots in lower mounts of linkage assemblies. Fasten loosely to allow for adjustments.
Line up step extrusion with rear fender well. Tighten and torque 4 socket cap screws(11) with 3/16” allen wrench. Torque to 10 ft-lbs. (13.5N-m)
Slide
motor assembly (18) onto drive shaft and mounting bosses of driving linkage
assembly.
Use supplied M8 bolts (21).
Torque to 8 ft-lbs (11N-m)
Note: When installing the second motor onto linkage,
the armature on the motor can be turned with a flat screwdriver to allow the
motor to align correctly. 
Gas Models follow steps 6 and 7 then go to step
10.
Diesel models go to step 8.
GAS MODELS ONLY : Remove fuses from Power Step Wire Harness. Prepare
large Cable ties (16) for mounting Power Step Controller XTA (5). Loosely loop
tie-wraps around large bundle of wires behind battery in engine compartment.
Insert controller into
tie-wrap loops and cinch down securely. The tie-wraps should cinch down into
channels on controller surface. Connect power leads from Controller, Red to
positive battery terminal and Black to the vehicle body ground as shown. 
GAS MODELS ONLY: Route the two Wire Harness legs down over the wheel wells
toward Motor Linkages, long leg across to the driver side. Secure harness with
Cable Tie 7” (15). 
Diesel models follow steps 8 and 9.
Gas models go to step 10.
DIESEL MODELS ONLY: Remove fuses from Power Step Wire Harness. Prepare large
Cable Tie (16) for mounting Power Step Controller (5). Loosely loop tie-wraps
around large bundle of wires behind battery in engine compartment. Insert
controller into tie-wrap loops and cinch down securely. The tiewraps should
cinch down into channels on controller surface. Connect power leads from
Controller, Red to positive battery terminal and Black to the vehicle body
ground as shown.
DIESEL MODELS ONLY: Route longer harness Leg across to
driver side . Secure harness to cowl with Cable Tie (15) to keep harness away
from hot engine components. Next route harness under Coolant recovery tank
then down and to the outside of the frame rails. Route shorter harness leg
down the passenger side ensuring the harness is run to the outside of the
frame rails and away from any hot exhaust components. Secure harness with
Cable Tie (15). 
Press and release glove box safety tab to fully open
and remove glove box, next, release glox box dampener located on the left
side.
Carefully leave glove box hanging to expose plugs behind
it.
Locate white block (on right side) and plug the 2 pin
connector from the OBD module extension (7) into that port.
Pull
back carpet on passenger side on the top side of middle console and then use
provided Tube (8) to route OBD II Extension (7) behind middle console. Tape
open end of extension to the tube and push the tube through middle
console.
From driver side, pull tube (8) that was pushed through from
passenger side.
Remove OBD II Extension (7) from tube (8) and plug wire to OBD
module (6) wire.
Route trigger wires through firewall. Locate round
plastic plug on firewall to the left of the brake assembly. Drill small hole
using a 3/16 drill bit. Route trigger wires through firewall. Use supplied
posi-lock® (22) to connect wires to OBD Module (6).
Apply silicone to seal off firewall.
Use cable ties to secure all
wires in place. Plug in OBD Module.
OBD II install: Use Supplied
Posi-Lock™ (22) connectors to attach the Plug and Play Module to the Harness.
Attach matching colors on the harness to the wires on the module. Plug in
module to OBD II port on the vehicle. Secure harness with supplied tie wraps.
Note: If the OBD II pass thru harness (76404-01A) was purchased see install
sheet supplied in packaging. The pass through harness allows for an open port
for other accessories. See below for a brief description.
Wire
OBD II connector with Posi-Lock™ (22). OBD II Connector located below steering
column. 
On driver side, run Wire Harness leg down and along
underside of the vehicle floor and frame to front Drive Linkage. Connect
harness to motor and secure harness with tie wraps. Route remainder of wire
harness towards rear linkage assembly for LED lights. Repeat step on passenger
side.
Affix LED lamp (23) to LED Bracket that was installed in step
2 & 3, as shown below.
Using supplied butt connectors, connect the lamp
wires. Red to Red, Black to Black. Once Crimped use heat gun to shrink tube.
Close and wrap conduit with electrical tape. Secure all loose wires with cable
ties. Pull lamp wires upward to avoid any wire snagging. 
Reinstall Fuses from Powerstep Wire Harness. Check that all
doors activate the Power Step and the LED Lights work when doors open and
close. Reinstall any remaining trim panels. FINAL SYSTEM CHECK
Check that all doors activate the PowerStep and the LED lights work when doors open and close.
NORMAL OPERATION: When the doors open, PowerStep automatically deploys from under the vehicle. When the doors are closed, PowerStep will automatically return to the stowed/retracted position. Note that there is a 2-second delay before the PowerStep returns to the stowed/retracted position.
CORRECT OPERATION OF LIGHTS: All four lamps will illuminate upon opening any door of vehicle. Lamps will stay on until restowing of both Power Steps or until 5 minutes has expired with the doors open. When the lights timeout after 5 minutes, they can be reillumintated by closing and opening any door of vehicle.
AMERICAN DESIGNED, ENGINEERED AND MANUFACTURED. **
**
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Congratulations on your purchase of the genuine AMP Research PowerStep! Here’s
what you should know…
POWER-DEPLOYABLE RUNNING BOARDS OPERATION: AMP Research PowerStep
running boards automatically move when the doors are opened to assist entering
and exiting the vehicle.
Automatic power deploy:
The running boards will extend down and out when the doors are opened.
Automatic power stow:
The running boards will return to the stowed position when the doors are
closed. There will be a 2-second delay before the running boards move to the
stowed position.
Automatic stop:
If an object is in the way of the moving running board, the running board will
automatically stop.
To reset, clear any obstruction, then simply open and close the door to resume
normal operation.
Manually set in the deployed (OUT) position for access to the roof:
The running boards can be manually set in the deployed position by firmly
holding the step down with your foot while at the same time closing the door.
To resume normal operation, open and close the door.
Maintenance: In adverse conditions, debris such as mud, dirt, and salt
may become trapped in the running board mechanism, possibly leading to
unwanted noise. if this occurs, manually set the running boards to ’ the
deployed position and flush the front and rear hinge arms with a high-pressure
car wash wand.
Avoid spraying the motors directly. After washing, apply silicone spray
lubricant to the hinge pivot pins.
Do not apply silicone, wax or protectants like Armor All® to the running board
stepping surface.
Caution! Keep hands away when the running board is in motion.
5-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
AMP RESEARCH warrants this product to be free from defects in material and
workmanship for FIVE (5) YEARS FROM DATE OF PURCHASE, provided there has been
normal use and proper maintenance. This warranty applies to the original
purchaser only. All remedies under this warranty are limited to the repair
replacement of the product itself, or the repair or replacement of any
component part thereof, found by the factory to be defective within the time
period specified. The decision to repair or replace is wholly within the
discretion of the manufacturer.
This warranty specifically excludes labor. If you have a warranty claim, first
you must call our factory at the number below for instructions. You must
retain proof of purchase and submit a copy with any items returned for
warranty work. Upon completion of warranty work, if any, we will return the
repaired or replaced item or items to you freight prepaid. Damage to our
products caused by accidents, fire, vandalism, negligence, misinstallation,
misuse, Acts of God, or by defective parts not manufactured by us, is not
covered under this warranty.
ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND/OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE CREATED HEREBY ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE SAME DURATION AND SCOPE
AS THE EXPRESS WRITTEN WARRANTY. OUR COMPANY SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGE.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, or
the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the
above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you
specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary from state
to state.
FOR WARRANTY ISSUES WITH THIS PRODUCT PLEASE CALL AMP RESEARCH TECH SUPPORT
1-888-983-2204
WARNING
Be sure to read and precisely follow the provided instructions when installing
this product. Failure to do so could place the vehicle occupants in a
potentially dangerous situation. After installing or reinstalling, re-check to
insure that the product is properly installed.
The material that your product is made from can be recycled. Please also
consider recycling the packaging that your product came in.
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Read User Manual Online (PDF format) >>