Heads up - Newer Dodge trucks / turn signal

[LwnmwnMan2]

For those that have newer Dodge trucks, maybe Chrysler vehicles in general.....

If you get a short in a trailer wire, or even in a vehicle wire, there's a good chance you're going to have to take it to the shop.

There are no longer fuses to replace, the TIPM is tripped and needs to be reflashed. In other words, unless you know someone that has access to hook the computer to your vehicle, you're going to be paying $50 to have a turn signal work, instead of just replacing the fuse.

Ford / GM owners.... do you guys still have fuses in the new trucks? Or no?

This new setup is a joke, especially if you're someone that's constantly hooking trailers to the rear, or snowplows to the front, even with newer equipment, there's always a chance there's a fray, or a short, as in the truck with 14k miles on it.

[Jeremy airjer W]

There are still fuses but there are also relays, components, and circuit boards built into (they are not serviceable and require the replacement of the entire TIPM if they go bad) the TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module). They can be "flashed" or they can be reprogrammed to handle different function options.

I am not aware of any non fused circuit protection device built into the TIPM? I still see plenty of fuses in the wiring diagrams so maybe there is something more specific that you are talking about?

[LwnmwnMan2]

My '07 (had it happen on an '06 as well) 3500, the rear passenger turn signal, something cut the wire (contractor's dump body). I fixed the short, but still didn't have any turn signal to the light.

The front turn signal still flashed, as well as the turn signal on the trailer, albeit fast.

I unplugged the light and hooked it to the other side, so I knew if the light itself had gone bad, it hadn't.

The computer needs to be reflashed when you have a short. After the 5th time, you need a whole new TIPM for $400.

I had this happen on an '06 with a snowplow, it shorted out the front right turn signal.

I used to deal with Forest Lake Dodge, but since they're no longer around (Hecker dealership) I had to go to North Branch. They didn't believe me when I said I needed the computer reflashed, but that's what ended up happening.

[hondavxr]

Its not just Dodge's. Most newer vehicles all the electronic accessories are ran through a integrated body control module or in human speak, a computer brain that controls all the electronic accessories. This module will control how all the power is distributed in a vehicle. It can range from keyless remotes, taillights, power seats, etc. You can't just hook up a universal tow wire kit on most vehicles these days, because it has to run through the body control module. Gone are the days of easy electronics now.

[Jeremy airjer W]

Interesting!

[LwnmwnMan2]

Its not just Dodge's. Most newer vehicles all the electronic accessories are ran through a integrated body control module or in human speak, a computer brain that controls all the electronic accessories. This module will control how all the power is distributed in a vehicle. It can range from keyless remotes, taillights, power seats, etc. You can't just hook up a universal tow wire kit on most vehicles these days, because it has to run through the body control module. Gone are the days of easy electronics now.

Correct. There are postings on the "internets" that will show how to work around it, but I figured it might need to be posted here, seeing as we all have shorts in our trailer wiriing periodically.

It's another example of someone over thinknig something.

[LwnmwnMan2]

Interesting!

Airjer -

That's the same thing the new service department said after they reflashed the computer.

I had to insist that they do it.

My old service department knew what they were doing.

[Jeremy airjer W]

If a customer can give me some insight that seems reasonable I'm always willing to pursue it!

Now if a guy comes in with a big ol' dodge with an FM sticker on the back window and says he needs his computer flashed because his turn signal doesn't work the first thing I'm thinking is what kind of smoke is that airjer guy........... well you know!

[wplatehunter]

Ok I just sold my 2001 Ford F-150 and was having problems blowing fuses the last time I towed my boat trailer with the running lights on. I know have a 2007, so there is no fuses to blow? If something happens I have to take it to a shop to get reset? Thanks.

[LwnmwnMan2]

Look in your owners manual. It'll say if you have fuses.

If you don't, and it's the same setup as my Dodge, you don't want to do it too many times, make sure that trailer wiring is good to go.

[Jeremy airjer W]

Ok I just sold my 2001 Ford F-150 and was having problems blowing fuses the last time I towed my boat trailer with the running lights on. I know have a 2007, so there is no fuses to blow? If something happens I have to take it to a shop to get reset? Thanks.

You still have half a dozen fuses and relays in the central junction box for all your trailer wiring.

[wplatehunter]

I looked at the manual and there is a fuse box, so that is good.

[deadeye]

What a fiasco! I think if I ever decide I need a new truck I might have to upgrade to a older model. A 1973 perhaps. Bench seat, wing windows, no computers, dimmer switch on the floor, what more could you ask for?

[croixflats]

A spare tire.

I miss those dimmers on the floor.

[deadeye]

Oh yeah, a can of sea-foam rolling around behind the seat for the carb, and a matchbook cover in the glove box for setting the gap on the points when you got to file them when they get dirty.

[croixflats]

Looks like an easy way to cut corners on there product why would they do that only makes me not want to by a Chrysler more.

A side from that this could become a litigation nightmare stemming from the fact a person can not fix a ounce easy fix on the side of a road. What is guy suppose to do when a trailer light short circuits the truck, leave it there at the launch and tow it in just for trailer short circuit or drive home chancing a possible rear collision or get a fix it ticket.

[deadeye]

Major PITA.

[jeffreyd]

The fuses in the ford do not look like the old style plastic ones. They are square with a clear top and are located under the hood. There are still the mini fuses which on that truck are located behind the passenger kick panel near the door opening. if you reach back there along the inside panel, you will find a notch to pull the cover off to access the fuse panel. on the chevy trucks the contoller is located under the bed at the rear of the truck it has 2 weather pak plugs and is mounted to the frame or cross member. the trailer plug comes out of it.

[merkman]

If this is indeed the case, I would be installing a slighlty smaller inline fuse to "cut them off at the pass" and blow the inline fuse before the electronics could react.

They might get me once, but not twice.

[LwnmwnMan2]

If this is indeed the case, I would be installing a slighlty smaller inline fuse to "cut them off at the pass" and blow the inline fuse before the electronics could react.

They might get me once, but not twice.

Correct. There are ways that guys have worked off the front turn signals to bypass the TIPM and put their own fuses in.