Troubleshooting Bestop PowerBoard NX Running Boards That Stopped Working

Updated 03/13/2025 | Published 10/15/2018

Question:

I had these installed a few years ago and worked fine. Recently drivers and passenger sides do not work. I have changed out the batteries, checked wiring and sensors. Any idea of what my issue could be?

asked by: Art E

Expert Reply:

The main components of a Bestop PowerBoard NX installation are the motors, the sensors and the controller. The other parts that could be causing the trouble are the magnetic strips that work with the sensors. If these have lost their magnetism or if they are positioned too far from the sensors they may no longer deliver enough "signal" to the sensors.

When you change the sensor batteries it is necessary to re-sync the sensors so they communicate properly with the controller. This requires pulling the main fuse and then reinstalling all batteries within 5 minutes. There are Bestop YouTube videos online that show this process. If you do a Google search on 'Powerboard NX sensor reset' you'll find it.

You can also test the motors themselves by directly applying 12V power right at the motor terminals.

Other possible causes are a bad ground connection to the vehicle and corrosion/oxidation in the various connectors. Check that the main ground for the system is a clean solid connection that is free from corrosion, rust, grease, dirt, etc. Also inspect all connectors in the whole system looking for discoloration; this can be removed with a quality electrical contact cleaner like Caig De-Oxit.

expert reply by: Adam R

Chris B.

3/11/2025

hi, i have a set of bestop powerboards nx. do you know what size fuse it uses? and also do you guys carry any parts for these boards? thanks chris

Kate F.

3/12/2025

@ChrisB Hello Chris, the correct fuse for the Bestop PowerBoards is a 15 amp. I am very sorry to inform you that we no longer have replacement parts for the Bestop NX as Bestop quit making running boards. Your best bet is to try to reach out to Bestop directly to see if they have any old stock, of try to find a company out there that has old stock. Are you the original owner of the running boards, or did you acquire a set that you are trying to get up and running?

Chris

3/12/2025

@KateF Hi, Kate, thanks for the info. Yes, the original owner, they haven’t worked for a few years now. Just trying to troubleshoot.

Kate F.

3/13/2025

@Chris Got it Chris. If you want to try reaching out to them directly their number is 1-800-845-3567. They might have some old stock, worth the call.