Electrical Problem in my tow plug.....

[Barry]

Is the TIPM one in the same as the fuse box?

 

[seafish]

TIPM is the silver metal box attached to the side of the main plastic fuse box. At least that's what it is on my 2005.

 

[Barry]

I give up.



Interviewed 4 DC dealers yesterday. Not satisfied with any of them. Called a local automotive electricaltricity shop. Liked what he said and where he would start. He said he has never seen a TIPM fail.



Going in the shop today.



Besides, after 5,000 miles in 9 days, it needs a rest.

 

[d6c]

Never seen a TIPM fail??? Maybe you are on to something here, all info. I've seen is they have a limited number of dealer fixes then they are toast and have to be replaced. As far as I know this started in model year 2006, I don't know about previous years. The acid test is are there fuses for ALL trailer circuits in a previous to 2006 rig???

 

[Barry]

Well, he has seen one now. TIPM fried... ... ... ... . $695 for the part. $123 for labor plus tax... ... ... .....

 

[seafish]

Well, he has seen one now. TIPM fried... ... ... ... . $695 for the part. $123 for labor plus tax... ... ... .....

OUCH... Thats a darn good reason to do what Jelag suggested in Post#6... it would protect the TIPM from any fuyure damage caused by bad trailer wiring and probably not cost much more then $200. I wonder if you could get a quote from your electrician on doing something like that??
Also wondering if the TIPM need to be flashed after it was installed, or if it was plug n' play??

 

[Barry]

I dunno... ... ... ... ... .



Dropped the truck off and got the call late yesterday afternoon. Today is auction day for me and I need the truck this afternoon. I guess it is just a cost of doing business.



175,000 miles and I have spent less than $3,000 on repairs. Thats not too bad... .



I will post tonight when I get the truck back with all the details... ... .....

 

[Barry]

$945. 52... ... ... ... . They called and said they had my truck ready. When I drove away the following things were wrong with my truck:



1) Spare tire swinging underneath banging between the rear bumper and the banjo housing.



2) My air bag red warning light is on and will not go out.



3) My exhaust brake no longer works.



I went back. He made an appointment to re-look at my truck next wed. at 9:00 am.



Nicest guy you will ever meet but his ape monkeys don't need to be working on my truck anymore.

 

[GAmes]

We than powered off this good voltage source at the back of the truck with a simple box and a set of relays... . so the wiring harness on the truck triggers the relays and now we have good power to the trailer lights... we were surprised that the trailer lights looked 10-15% brighter with the higher voltage... . and we know we can't overload the TIPM...



Of course each circuit is protected before the relay with a fuse...

For those of us who are semi-electrically challenged, could you post a schematic of the box? I have a friend who just bought an '09 (has a '97) and tows frequently. After driving it I'm thinking of making the plunge to a 3rd gen also.



Thanks