Question regarding TIPM and Modulite Protector

[campertruck]

I have a 2006 Ram 3500 SRW that suddenly lost brake lights. The third light is working, the fuse is good and peeking in I can see the bulb filaments are intact. The last time I drove the truck I was backing it into its parking spot in 4wd due to snow. When I put my foot on the brake I thought I heard a pop sound like a relay or a circuit breaker going off. I don't know if this is related or just a coincidence. The grid heater was cycling so throw that in the equation.
Also the truck just had the transmission out for building and this was the first ride.

After looking online I see a lot of trouble in this year with the TIPM and I am beginning to think it might have been that kicking out?
I need to resolve the brake light issue and then as protection to prevent the TIPM from failure when I tow with a camper on I wonder if the modulate protector would help.

I have a Modulate Protector sold by Tow Ready ( part # 119186).
I bought this for a Sprinter van I had but never installed it. The purpose of this is to isolate trailer lights from the vehicles electrical system.
Anyone have any experience with one of these units?
Do you think this might solve the problem of trailer voltage draw that the TIPM has?

I would appreciate input on this.

 

[CKelley1]

you will have to fix your current problem first, the modulate can not help here. the 06 uses different circuits for the trailer than the truck lights, you can use the modulate as presented but a better way is reconfigure the modulate into the trailer plug wiring. you can make a better one for about $50 and I think I have a link to a built one. I like to add a in-bed plug at the same time using a kit from etrailer.com https://www.turbodieselregister.com...up-tipm-saver-tow-plugs-125-00-delivered.html
About the cheapest place to get the relays is J.C. Whitney part # ZW149432 @ $5.99 ea. The fuse block is # ZW133966@ $15.99 I use 2.5 amp 1,000 volt diodes from radio shack, they are about 50 cents each. Napa has the thermal breaker. The box from anyone. One pix is of a WWII surplus piece of a radar. The second is a pie pan with a do not park sign for a cover one pix shows where to mount the breaker and one the best place to mount the box. I add a plug in the bed at the same time.
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[B.G. Smith]

I would pull the bulbs and check them with an ohm meter. I recently had one out and it looked like new, filiment looked good but it was bad. You have top open the tailgate to access the two screws that hold the lense in place, about a #25 torx drive I think. bg

 

[campertruck]

Thank You
I will dig into this after I dig the truck out of the latest storm .
I hope it is simple

 

[MLee]

Search the site for this problem. Many solutions have been posted. Making a box to by pass this mess is also there as suggested with diagrams. To have it reset by the dealer(up to 4 times) cost $$$. So do some checking. Expensive to replace the Tipm from the dealer.

 

[campertruck]

Well as luck finally finds me... I got to dig into it today and believe it or not it just needed two bulbs. The terminal was totally burnt on one and the other was just gone. Ironically both bulbs had the filaments intact.
As for the modulite, I thank you for the input and I do believe it will work. I called tow ready and they have a 5 wire unit that will supply direct power to brake, turn, and backup lights without putting the load onto the TIPM unit. I think I will go with this as it is virtually plug and play for $50.00
I don't know if anyone has used one of these but it sounds like what will do the job.
On another note I have been driving it withe the new build on the trans. Wow, I wish I did this the first day of owning the truck. Nice crisp shifts with no drama at lockup, you wonder why they didn't do this from the factory.
Thanks men for the responses.

 

[mfurrh55]

Well as luck finally finds me... I got to dig into it today and believe it or not it just needed two bulbs. The terminal was totally burnt on one and the other was just gone. Ironically both bulbs had the filaments intact.
As for the modulite, I thank you for the input and I do believe it will work. I called tow ready and they have a 5 wire unit that will supply direct power to brake, turn, and backup lights without putting the load onto the TIPM unit. I think I will go with this as it is virtually plug and play for $50.00
I don't know if anyone has used one of these but it sounds like what will do the job.
On another note I have been driving it withe the new build on the trans. Wow, I wish I did this the first day of owning the truck. Nice crisp shifts with no drama at lockup, you wonder why they didn't do this from the factory.
Thanks men for the responses.

What was the unit # that you ordered?, Thanks,Monte

 

[campertruck]

What was the unit # that you ordered?, Thanks,Monte

The part is a Tow Ready part # 119177
This will give turn, brake, running lights, and backup lights.
You can splice it in before the factory 7 pin connector but I am going to put together a male / female cord that I can plug into the 7 pin . I don't want to cut into the factory wiring . They told me the trailer brake does not run through the TIPM.
I really like the unit that the drawings were sent to me from a TDR member. I think it is great but I am opting for the simpler way as I don't want to make a mistake with wiring.