MACS Monthly Newsletter - 2020 - MAR5

Did you catch that first factory "CAUTION" note? According to Chrysler's factory service manual the "original" CCN
and PCM contain key information such as VIN / options within
them. When a factory replacement TIPM is installed, it learns the
information it needs from the original CCN and PCM within a
few seconds after the ignition is switched back on. If an original
equipment CCN / PCM is not what your customer has, you're
looking at the possibility of a TIPM replacement requiring some
advanced programming either by a good mobile tech, the OEM
dealer or yourself. If you have a J2534 universal pass through
device and have programmed PCMs on Chryslers in the past,
this isn't going to help you a great deal with a TIPM. A TIPM is a
body systems related module. Chrysler has traditionally limited
access to calibration files for aftermarket J2534 pass through devices / programmers to emissions related powertrain modules.
In order to program a non-powertrain module, you must either
use the appropriate factory scan tool or a J2534 universal pass
through device AND the appropriate factory scan tool software
(i.e. wiTECH 2.0) licensed and installed on your laptop.

Typical TIPM Replacement Per Chrysler's Tech Connect:
CAUTION: The original Cabin Compartment Node (CCN)
and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) must be installed and
functioning properly prior to powering up the new Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM). The TIPM receives vehicle
configuration data from the CCN and Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN) information from the PCM. If configuration information becomes lost or corrupted, the data can be obtained
from Dealer CONNECT.
1. Position the TIPM into the engine compartment.
2. Connect the electrical wire harness connectors.
3. Position the TIPM positive cable onto the mounting stud
and install the retaining nut. Tighten the nut to 9 - 11 N·m (80
- 100 in. lbs.).
4. Position the TIPM onto the mounting bracket and push
down until the mounting clips are fully seated.
5. Open the TIPM cover and fully seat the Airbag fuse holder (two fuses in one yellow carrier) and the Ignition Off Draw
(IOD) fuse.
6. Connect the battery negative cable.
7. Close the hood.
8. Insert the ignition key and turn it to the "RUN" position
and wait twelve seconds. The TIPM will collect the necessary
vehicle configuration and VIN data from the CCN and PCM
at this time. After twelve seconds turn the ignition key to the
"OFF" position and then back to the "ON" position and verify
proper vehicle systems operation.

TIPM Problems and Aftermarket Info Resources

I'm sometimes amazed with how much information there is
on the internet / social media compared to what the OEMs release. Normally I'm still a staunch proponent of OEM factory
ESI (Electronic Service Information) and OEM scan tools. After
exhausting my research on Mitchell and ALLDATA, my second
stop is always the factory website. On the other hand, you can
never have TOO much information. Social media sites dedicated to the professional technician are my third stops for information. Google searches and YouTube are my final lines of defense
after researching the aftermarket and OEM ESI sources. Surf the
web for problems related to TIPMs and it's like "duh - everyone
knows about this problem and the simple fix."
Aftermarket bypass kits for dead TIPM fuel pump relay
for $20-$40. Aftermarket sources for reconditioned / remanufactured TIPMs for $200-$400 are not hard to find on the web. I
even found a YouTube video showing the Mopar factory bypass
kit that has you cut the wires going to and from the TIPM's fuel
pump relay circuits and then add an external relay. The aftermarket is literally buzzing on this topic. I called my shop owner
buddy Rusty Flake at Advanced Automotive Diagnostics and
Repair (just south of Indianapolis, Indiana) to get his take on
the TIPM topic. Sure enough, Rusty has seen quite a few TIPM
issues. He stated that he's installed the Mopar bypass kit but
prefers advising his customers to replace their faulty TIPMs. If
reman units are available, he gives his customer the less costly
option along with the option for the more expensive OE part.
When I asked why he prefers a replacement TIPM over a bypass kit, his thought on the matter is, "if one PC board mounted
relay failed, the others might just be in line to fail around the corner." Rusty has seen a few TIPM internal relay failures for other
outputs such as the starter relay. That makes his preference for a
complete TIPM replacement seem like a wise approach.
During my research I did notice a lot of internet presence on
this topic from a company called Vertical Visions. While I don't
know enough about their products (verticalvisions.com) to have

STANDARD PROCEDURE - PROGRAMMING
1. Install a battery charger.
2. Verify that the charging rate provides approximately 13.5
volts.
NOTE: Do not allow the charger to time out during the reconfiguration process. Set the battery charger timer (if so
equipped) to continuous charge.
3. Connect the CH9410 StarSCAN ethernet cable to the
StarSCAN and the dealer's network drop.
4. Connect the CH9404 StarSCAN vehicle cable to the
StarSCAN and the vehicle.
5. Place the Ignition in the "RUN" position, then Power "ON"
the StarSCAN.
6. Select "ECU View".
7. Select "TIPMCGW" or "FCMCGW".
8. Select "MISC".
9. Select "Restore Vehicle Configuration".
10. Follow prompts on StarSCAN to complete the reconfigure procedure.
11. Once complete, wait one minute and turn the ignition key
to the "OFF" position.
12. Remove the StarSCAN unit, cable and charger from the
vehicle.
13. Verify proper operation

March 2020

MACS Service Reports

http://www.verticalvisions.com

MACS Monthly Newsletter - 2020

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