Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Power Side Step Module
| 1 - PSSM |
DESCRIPTION
The Power Side-Step Module (PSSM) (1) controls the motors used for deployment and retraction of the Power Side-Steps. The Left Hand (LH) and Right Hand (RH) power side-steps are controlled independently. The functional "mode" of the power side-steps is set via Controller Area Network-Interior High Speed (CAN-IHS) interface with the radio touch screen. The PSSM is located within the right hand side of the dash panel assembly.
| 1 - BCM |
| 2 - PSSM |
| 3 - Power Side Step Motors |
| 4 - Power Side Step Assembly |
The components of the Power Side Step system include:
- Body Control Module (BCM)
- PSSM
- Power Side Step Motors
- Power Side Step Assembly
OPERATION
The PSSM monitors the status of door ajar signal, gear position, and vehicle speed via CAN. In addition, the module powers the drive motors of the power side-steps, and interprets their hall-signal and current-draw to invoke reversal or stop (detects obstacle obstruction or component malfunction). Finally, the PSSM communicates the status of the power side-steps to the BCM via CAN to invoke audio and visual messages to the owner as well as setting and storing Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC). The BCM forwards the audio and video messages to the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC). The PSSM receives battery voltage through the Power Distribution Center (PDC).
After replacement of the PSSM, the vehicle needs to be driven. During the drive, ensure the vehicle odometer is above 3 kilometers (2 miles) and the speed is above 16 km/h (10 mph) at least once after the replacement.
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.