Switch to disable just one side of the automatic running boards?

Does anyone have an idea of how I could create a switch that would disable my running boards on the driver's side, while allowing the passenger's side to continue to operate?

My wife, who has short legs, loves the extra step the running boards provide. But, I find they just get in the way entering and exiting the vehicle.

I'm imagining using the two blank switch bays in the center console next to the rear window switch to turn off one side while leaving the other operational.

Does anyone here have adequate knowledge of the wiring involved to know if such a thing could even be possible?

Many thanks for your thoughts!

 

You may be able to unplug the connector to the driver side step motor assembly. But this may affect other operational features and trigger fault indicators. You’d have to experiment.
This is from looking at a 2018 wiring diagram, it may be different for your model year.

More info:
http://www.to4runner.net/automatic_running_boards-27.html

Let us know your results.

 

Thank you ElectroBoy! You've given me just the lead I needed. I'll run a simple switch to interrupt the positive lead right before the running board motor. Super simple!

Now, I just need to figure out how to get a wire from the center console to each motor. I'm sure there's a way.

ALSO, does anyone have a lead on a source for switches that will fit the 4runner knockouts?

 

Get OEM Toyota switches. I'm sure one of them can be used for your application. If you're fancy, you can even wire it up so as the pilot light comes on when it's in the on position. Did the same thing for my FJ, which uses the same switch dimensions

 

Wouldn't unplugging one show warning on dash? Just like when they are not retracted? I won't mess with it.

 

Thank you Peter. That a good tip. I'll check in with Toyota parts.

Kmeeg, you point is well taken. I don't plan on disconnecting the plug, just inserting a switch to interrupt the power.

 

@Majus
This post might provide some info for accessing the driver side motor power wires from the Side Auto Step Controller ECU Assembly. You could get onto the Toyota TIS system and pay for a for a 2 day subscription and download the diagrams you need for your model year.
https://techinfo.toyota.com/techInfoPortal/appmanager/t3/ti?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=ti_home_page&contextType=external&username=string&challenge_url=https://techinfo.toyota.com/techInfoPortal/login/techinfo&password=secure_string&request_id=-1027628975593373288&authn_try_count=0&locale=en_US&resource_url=https://techinfo.toyota.com/

Here’s the diagram for the <2019 models. Yours may be different.
But think about interrupting the driver side (left) diodes that input the driver front and rear door switches to the Side Auto Step Controller ECU Assembly. See O26. Maybe tap into a wire at switch F90. See page 2.
Good luck. Let us know your results.

 

ElectroBoy - very sound advice! Majus, for what it's worth, Amazon has an array of custom (labeled) switches that fit perfectly in the 4runner..