Override Switch (79106-01A) | AMP Research
The AMP Research Override Switch gives you manual control over your PowerStep™ automatic running boards when conditions demand it. This dash-mounted switch lets you lock your steps in the retracted or deployed position independent of your door triggers—essential for off-road driving, car washes, or any situation where automatic operation isn't ideal.
We designed this three-position rocker switch for quick installation into most OEM-style blanks or switch housings. Once wired into your PowerStep™ system, you gain full override authority: disable automatic deployment to maximize ground clearance on technical trails, or keep the steps extended for continuous boarding access during tailgating and camping stops. The switch integrates seamlessly with all PowerStep™ models while maintaining your factory warranty and OEM-quality fit.
Technical specifications
Installation & Compatibility
The Override Switch mounts into any standard OEM-style switch blank in your dash or center console, giving you factory-clean integration without cutting or drilling. We include a complete wiring harness that taps into your existing PowerStep™ control module using weatherproof connectors—most installations take 30-45 minutes with basic hand tools.
This switch is universally compatible with every PowerStep™ model we manufacture, from the original PowerStep to PowerStep XL and PowerStep Xtreme variants. The three-position rocker gives you instant mode selection: leave it in Auto for normal door-triggered operation, toggle to Retract to lock the boards up for trail clearance, or switch to Deploy to keep them extended during camp setups and tailgate parties.
When You Need Manual Control
Automatic running boards transform daily driving convenience, but certain conditions call for manual override authority. Off-road enthusiasts face the most common scenario: technical trails with rocks, ruts, and obstacles demand maximum ground clearance that automatic deployment would compromise. One flip of the override switch locks your PowerStep™ boards in the retracted position regardless of door activity, eliminating the risk of trail damage during rock crawling or mudding.
Car washes and automated drive-throughs represent another key use case. Even touchless washes can trigger unintended deployment if your door seals allow water intrusion to reach the door pin switches. The override switch prevents mid-wash deployment that could catch on guide rails or brushes. Similarly, loading bulky cargo with doors open for extended periods benefits from locked-retract mode—no accidental deployments while you’re working around the truck bed.
Control Options & Visibility Upgrades
The Override Switch complements our broader PowerStep™ accessory lineup designed to enhance functionality beyond the base automatic system. While the switch handles operational control, many customers add our LED light kit simultaneously during installation to improve step visibility during nighttime entry and exit—the two upgrades share no overlapping components but install through the same service access points, making combined installation efficient.
Wiring Harness Design
Our engineering team built the included harness with the same weatherproof Deutsch connectors we use in the PowerStep™ main system. The switch module itself features a sealed back housing that prevents moisture intrusion into the dash cavity. All wire-to-wire connections use heat-shrink solder sleeves rather than crimp connectors, ensuring corrosion-free current flow even in humid climates and northern salt-belt conditions.
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Common Questions About the Override Switch
No, the Override Switch is an official AMP Research accessory designed to integrate with PowerStep™ systems. When professionally installed according to our instructions, it maintains your full factory warranty on both the switch and your existing PowerStep™ boards. We recommend keeping your installation receipt for warranty service reference.
While experienced DIYers can handle the installation using our detailed instructions and included wiring harness, we recommend professional installation to ensure proper wire routing, connector sealing, and warranty coverage. Most professional installations take 30-45 minutes. Incorrect wiring can interfere with PowerStep™ safety interlocks, so proper technique is important for long-term reliability.
The Override Switch is universally compatible with all PowerStep™ models including the original PowerStep, PowerStep XL, PowerStep Xtreme, and PowerStep Plug-N-Play systems. The three-position switch integrates with the control module common to every PowerStep™ variant we manufacture, regardless of vehicle application or board width.
The Auto position restores normal door-triggered operation where the steps deploy when doors open and retract when closed. The Retract position manually locks the boards in the up position regardless of door status—ideal for off-road driving or car washes. The Deploy position keeps the boards extended continuously—useful for tailgating or loading cargo with doors open for extended periods.
No periodic maintenance is required. The sealed rocker mechanism is self-cleaning and rated for over 100,000 cycles. We recommend an annual visual inspection of wiring connections to check for any looseness or corrosion. If the switch develops any functional issues after years of service, replacement units are available individually without requiring new harness installation.
The Retract position effectively disables automatic deployment by locking the boards in the up position, but the system remains powered and ready. This is the recommended mode for situations requiring maximum ground clearance. The boards will stay retracted until you move the switch back to Auto or Deploy—there's no need to disconnect power or remove fuses.
The switch is designed to mount in any standard OEM-style switch blank or housing in your dash or center console. Most trucks and SUVs have unused switch positions that accept the override switch for a factory-clean appearance. If your vehicle doesn't have an open blank, aftermarket switch panels are available, or a qualified installer can integrate the switch into your existing control cluster.