MACS Monthly Newsletter - 2020 - MAR1

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Total Vehicle Climate and Thermal ManagementTM

March 2020

By Dave Hobbs, MACS Technical Correspondent

Opening the Proverbial Can of Worms: Chrysler's TIPM
o	 Supplemental restraint warning light w/no DTCs
o	 Wiper motor problems
*	 Communications Systems
o	 Various no communications problems / U-Code DTCs
*	 Chassis Systems
o	 Various ABS issues

You've most likely performed a few TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) fuel pump relay bypasses on various mid
to late 2000s FCA models by now in your shop. My sister who
lives several hours away from me, texted me over the holidays
describing her own 2012 Caravan TIPM induced no-start story.
Her local repair shop gave her a choice between a new TIPM to
correct her van's fuel pump power loss at $1,300 or a TIPM fuel
pump relay bypass kit for $300 including labor and diagnostic
time. If this doesn't sound familiar, you've not been working on
late model Chryslers, Dodges, Rams or Jeeps! In this MACS Service Report, we'll look deep into the "can of worms" that this
F.R.E.D. (Frustrating Ridiculous Electronic Device) has become.

What Exactly is a TIPM?

With the adoption of the faster CAN data bus on FCA models
starting around the 2005 model year (with full implementation
in 2008), this OEM's electrical architecture changed radically.
Now the FCM (Front Control Module) and attached IPM (Integrated Power Module) are married together in a single assembly referred to as the TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module).

Common Vehicle Symptoms Related to Faulty TIPMs

Dave Hobbs

*	 HVAC Related
o	 Lack of A/C cooling (no compressor clutch operation)
o	 Blower motor operation intermittent
o	 Overheated engine (electric cooling fans inop)
*	 Powertrain (Dead Battery / No Start / Fuel System)
o	 Dead battery (fuel pump won't stop running after ignition is turned off)
o	Unusual whining sound coming from under hood
while parked (buzzing relay)
o	 Engine stalling while driving (fuel pump turns off)
o	 Engine cranks but won't start (fuel pump not getting
turned on)
o	 Engine won't crank over (starter motor relay circuit not
getting triggered)
*	Accessories
o	 Inop back-up lights
o	 Radio turns off by itself
o	 Horn inop / honks randomly by itself
o	 Power door locks actuate by themselves
o	 Trailer lighting issues
o	 Power windows inop

Figure 1: This Dodge Caravan's TIPM (totally integrated
power module) is located next to the main source of power
(the battery).

ALSO INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
A/C CUTS OUT.................................................................................................................................................................... 8

MACS Service Reports is the official technical publication of the Mobile Air Conditioning Society Worldwide, Inc., P.O. Box 88, Lansdale, PA 19446. The material published in MACS Service Reports expresses the views of the contributors
and not necessarily that of MACS. Every attempt has been made to ensure

March 2020	

the accuracy of the content of MACS Service Reports. MACS, however, will
not be responsible for the accuracy of the information published nor will MACS
Worldwide be liable in any way for injury, labor, parts or other expenses resulting
from the use of information appearing in MACS Service Reports.

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