What Is a TIPM and What Does It Do?

Stressed and frustrated over a faulty TIPM? You’re probably not the only one. Unfortunately, TIPM failure seems to be a pretty common issue, given how the 2011 Dodge Durangos and 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokees were recalled due to defective TIPMs.

To stay on top of the issue, it’s a great idea to learn more about your vehicle’s TIPM and how it works. But before all that, what exactly does TIPM stand for?

What Is a TIPM?

A Totally Integrated Power Module, or TIPM for short (and not “TIPM module” as most people think), is a fuse box, relay box, and electronic module all rolled into one. It’s a black box typically made of hard plastic with a power board and fuses inside.

If your vehicle has a TIPM, you’ve probably noticed that there are fewer wires under your hood. This is because TIPMs reduce the need for more wiring without compromising on functionality.

How Does a TIPM Work?

Do you know how complicated setting up an anti-theft horn circuit is? On regular vehicles, manufacturers have to install a wire from the anti-theft module to a relay and horn on the steering column, which are both separate from the regular horn’s circuit.

With a TIPM, the anti-theft horn circuit becomes a lot simpler. Now, there’s only one module controlling both the anti-theft horn and the regular horn, making the system much more efficient. 

What Are Common Signs of TIPM Failure?

While TIPMs were created to simplify a vehicle’s electrical system, they’re still pretty far from perfect. They can suddenly break and cause your air conditioning (A/C) compressor clutch to stop engaging and several other features to malfunction, such as the following:

Faulty Windshield Wipers

Have your windshield wipers been acting up recently? It might be because of a bad TIPM. A faulty TIPM can prevent your windshield wipers from turning on or even cause them to suddenly turn on by themselves.

Whenever you turn on your wipers, your vehicle’s Steering Control Module sends a signal to the TIPM, which then sends the command to the wiper relay. If the TIPM isn’t working, then your wiper relay won’t know when to turn on your windshield wipers.

Car Won’t Start

A faulty TIPM can also make it hard to start your vehicle or prevent it from starting completely. This typically happens because the TIPM is also in charge of controlling the fuel pump. If the TIPM is malfunctioning, then the fuel pump likely won’t work either, leaving you with a car that won’t start.

Automatic Doors and Windows Malfunctioning

Aside from the fuel pump, the TIPM on most Jeep, Dodge, and Chrysler vehicles is also in charge of powering the door locks and power windows.

Unfortunately, this also means your door locks and power windows are prone to malfunctioning if your TIPM is acting up. Your doors might lock or unlock themselves, and your power windows might stop working altogether.

Car Horn Randomly Going Off

Sometimes, a bad TIPM can also cause your car horn to go off at random times, which can lead to some pretty awkward situations, especially if you live in a quiet neighborhood. In some cases, your car horn might not even work at all.

Malfunctioning Headlights and Tail lights

Two of the most common TIPM failures in Dodge Ram models are malfunctioning headlights and tail lights. This usually happens because moisture and road salt enter and cause the TIPM’s circuit board to corrode.

Unfortunately, because of the TIPM’s poor case design, there’s not much you can do to prevent this. As the corrosion gets worse, other electrical features are likely to fail as well.

What To Do With a Faulty TIPM

If you’re dealing with a faulty TIPM, you’re not alone. It’s actually a pretty common problem among certain Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles. A faulty TIPM has to be programmed into the vehicle as well. Thankfully, this also means there are plenty of auto repair shops that already know exactly how to fix your broken TIPM.

A brand new TIPM can cost you anywhere between $300 to $1200, but you can opt to purchase a rebuilt TIPM instead. Some shops will offer this as a cheaper alternative, and they might even offer to buy your old TIPM, which they’ll rebuild to sell to other customers who can’t afford the price of a new TIPM.