The deployable side steps are full length steps that are stowed below the side sills and under the vehicle.
When the deployable side step is activated it automatically deploys if any of the doors are opened on the appropriate side. If doors on both sides are opened, both side steps deploy.
The deployable side steps can be set via the touchscreen's Vehicle menu. See SYSTEM SETTINGS.
The vehicle remembers the set status and a change to the status can be made at any time. When set to On, the side steps are activated in auto mode.
The deployable side steps do not deploy when the vehicle is traveling at more than 3 mph (5 km/h). If the side steps are already deployed, they stow automatically when the vehicle’s speed exceeds 3 mph (5 km/h).
The deployable side steps return to their previous position if an obstruction is encountered during operation. If this occurs, the touchscreen displays a warning.
Make sure the side steps are fully deployed and have completed their operation before stepping on the running boards. Failing to do so can cause the side steps to reverse direction.
After a side step has been deployed, automatic operation is activated after both doors on that side of the vehicle are closed. When the vehicle is unlocked from the outside, the side steps deploy if the deployable side steps menu status is set to On. Operation of the side steps on one or both sides of the vehicle is dependent on the following unlocking status:
When the smart key or keyless entry is used to open the vehicle, and subsequently no door is opened, the side steps automatically stow after 1 minute.
The side steps can be deployed indefinitely to access the roof, cleaning or accessing the jacking points. On the Side steps menu, select Roof access. The electric parking brake must be on and the vehicle unlocked to activate Roof access. The side steps deploy and remain in their deployed position until Roof access is deselected. The deployed position deactivates automatically, and returns to the automatic setting, if the vehicle speed exceeds 3 mph (5 km/h), or if the vehicle’s doors are locked.
Use Roof access mode to enable cleaning of the steps and the underside of the vehicle in a pull-through car wash, follow the steps above to activate Roof access mode. Once in Roof Access mode, release the electic parking brake. The vehicle can now move up to 3 mph (5 km/h) without the side steps stowing.
For more information about vehicle cleaning, see THE EXTERIOR.
To prevent potential damage to side steps, the side steps do not deploy when the vehicle is in following terrain response programs. See TERRAIN RESPONSE OPERATION:
Enabling Off-road operation mode allows the deployable side steps to continue operating in the above listed terrain response programs.
Use of Off-road operation mode can result in damage to the vehicle in unsuitable terrain. Make sure there are no obstructions in path of side steps before operating Off-road operation mode.