Memory function for powered running boards

A method of controlling the deployment of a running board movably mounted on an automotive vehicle for movement between a retracted position and an operative position comprising the steps of:

• receiving input signals from vehicles sensors indicative of pre-selected vehicle conditions in a control module;
• if all vehicle conditions permit deployment of said running board, retrieving from a memory module a stored deployment position defining a desired said operative position, said stored deployed position being defined by manually moving said running board into said desired operative position;
• sending a drive signal from said control module to a drive mechanism operably powering the movement of said running board;
• obtaining from said drive mechanism into said control module a feedback signal indicative of a present deployed position of said running board;
• and
• stopping said drive mechanism when said feedback signal indicates said present deployed position is the same as said stored deployment position.

In an automotive vehicle including a vehicle frame having mounted thereon a running board movable between a retracted position and an operative position, the improvement comprising:

• a control system controlling the movement of said running board to position said running board at a predetermined deployed position when a vehicle door corresponding to said running board is opened, said control system including:
• a control module in operative communication with a drive mechanism for powering the movement of said running board, said control module being operative to send a drive signal to said drive mechanism to effect operation of said drive mechanism to cause movement of said running board, said control module further being operative to receive a position signal from said drive mechanism indicative of the deployment position of said running board;
• and
• a memory module operatively connected to said control module to store a previously defined deployment position, said control module being operable to stop the operation of said drive mechanism when said position signal is indicative of said running board being moved to said previously defined deployment position, said previously defined deployment position being established manually before being stored in said memory module.