DIRTYBARS INSTALLATION GUIDE.
Estimated Installation Time: 3–4 Hours
This manual provides a general installation guide for DirtyBars Electric Side Steps. Mounting locations, bracket configurations, wiring routes and door-signal connections may vary between vehicle makes, models and years.
Read the complete instructions before beginning installation. If you are unsure about any part of the mechanical or electrical installation, installation by a qualified automotive technician or auto electrician is recommended.
DirtyBars are electrically operated retractable side steps designed to automatically deploy when a vehicle door is opened and retract when the door is closed.
The system consists of:
* Left and right side step assemblies
* Mounting brackets
* Electric motors and swing-arm assemblies
* Smart ECU/control module
* Wiring harness
* Positive and negative power connections
* Left and right motor wiring
* Door sensor/signal wiring
* Manual override/reset switch where supplied
* Mounting hardware
The system also incorporates obstruction/anti-pinch protection. If the step encounters an obstruction during operation, the system is designed to stop or reverse movement.
Step 1 – Prepare the vehicle
Before beginning:
* Apply the park brake and ensure the ignition is switched off.
* Confirm all components and mounting hardware are supplied.
* Identify the factory side-step mounting points underneath the vehicle.
* Lay out the wiring harness before installation to understand the location of each connection.
* Keep wiring clear of exhaust components, driveshafts, suspension, steering components and other moving or high-temperature areas.
* Do not permanently tighten brackets until the steps have been correctly aligned.
**Important:** DirtyBars mounting arrangements vary between vehicles. Only use the brackets and mounting locations intended for your specific DirtyBars kit.
Step 2 – Remove factory side steps
If factory or aftermarket side steps are fitted, carefully remove them.
Retain factory hardware only where required for the DirtyBars installation.
Inspect the exposed factory mounting points and clean away dirt, mud or debris before continuing.
Step 3 – Install the mounting brackets
Lay out the supplied brackets and identify their correct position on the vehicle.
Depending on the vehicle, the kit may use front, centre and rear mounting positions or another vehicle-specific bracket arrangement.
The example manual uses front, middle and rear brackets positioned along the underside of the vehicle.
**Do not assume brackets are interchangeable.** Confirm their orientation before tightening.
Position each mounting bracket against the corresponding factory mounting location.
Loosely install the supplied bolts, washers and nuts.
At this stage:
* Do not fully tighten the hardware.
* Ensure each bracket sits correctly against the vehicle.
* Check that no brake lines, fuel lines, electrical wiring or other components are trapped behind the brackets.
Repeat for the opposite side.
Step 4 – Install Swing Arms / Motors
Attach the electric swing-arm assemblies to the mounting brackets using the supplied hardware.
Ensure:
* Motors are correctly positioned.
* Left and right assemblies are installed on the correct side.
* Swing arms can move freely.
* Wiring connectors face a suitable direction for safe cable routing.
* No part of the assembly contacts the vehicle body or underbody components throughout its movement.
Leave the hardware slightly loose to allow final adjustment.
Step 5 – Install Step Boards
Position the step board onto the swing-arm assemblies.
Install the supplied step-board mounting hardware without fully tightening it.
Adjust the board until:
* It runs parallel with the vehicle body.
* The front and rear positioning is even.
* There is sufficient clearance when deploying and retracting.
* Both swing arms operate without binding.
* The step sits evenly when fully extended.
Once satisfied with the alignment, progressively tighten the mechanical mounting hardware.
Step 6 – Mount ECU
Locate a secure, protected position inside the vehicle for the Smart ECU.
The exact location will vary between vehicles. A suitable location is generally behind the lower dashboard, kick panel or another protected interior area.
The ECU should:
* Remain inside the vehicle.
* Be protected from water and excessive moisture.
* Be secured so it cannot move or rattle.
* Remain clear of pedals, steering components, airbags and factory electronics.
* Allow the wiring harness to reach the required connections without excessive tension.
The ECU controls the automatic operation of the electric side steps and is a critical component of the system.
Step 7 – Connect the Motor Wiring
Route the left and right motor wires from the ECU through suitable factory openings or rubber grommets to the underside of the vehicle.
Connect each wire to its corresponding DirtyBars motor.
Secure all wiring away from exhaust components, heat sources, suspension and other moving parts.
Step 8 – Connect the Door Sensors
Route the door signal wires to the corresponding factory door sensor circuits.
These signals allow the DirtyBars to automatically operate when the doors are opened and closed.
**Door sensor wiring varies between vehicles. Always confirm the correct connection for your vehicle before installation.**
Step 9 – Connect Power
Connect the wiring harness to the appropriate vehicle power and ground connections.
Ensure all connections are secure and the supplied fuse protection remains installed.
Step 10 – Test & Finalise
Before reinstalling interior trims, test the complete system.
**Door Open → DirtyBars Deploy**
**Door Closed → DirtyBars Retract**
Check that both steps operate smoothly without interference. Once confirmed, complete the final tightening, secure all wiring and reinstall the vehicle trim.
## Important
DirtyBars are electric retractable side steps and **are not designed to be used as rock sliders, recovery points or jacking points.**
Incorrect installation or wiring may cause damage and may affect warranty coverage. If you are unsure about installation, we recommend using a qualified automotive technician or auto electrician.
Installation Complete
Your DirtyBars Electric Retractable Side Steps are now installed and ready for use.
The system will automatically deploy when a door is opened and retract once all doors are closed, providing improved accessibility while maintaining maximum ground clearance when not in use.