Hello all,
I bought a 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT 4x4 Single Cab 5.7L about a year ago to use as a winter plow truck. It has worked great for what I've asked of it. However, about a week ago I noticed my headlights weren't working. I tried replacing the bulbs - didn't work. I looked at the wiring going to the lights. It seemed fine. Finally, I tried unplugging the dimmer switch - I reached up under the dash and unplugged it, then plugged it back in. After I did that, not only did my headlights not work, my parking lights were stuck on, the dimmer switch stopped working, the turn signals stopped working, the fuel gage stopped working, none of the warning lights on the dash worked when I turn the key to the run position (with the exception of the red overheat light by the coolant gage). It also put itself into 4 wheel drive, and the switch had no effect whatsoever (I have the electronic shift transfer case in my truck). I had to take out the front driveshaft so I could drive it on pavement. The speedometer also stopped working.

The codes I pulled were:
- B2302 Wiper Mode Switch Circuit High
- B160E Turn / Hazard Switch Input Circuit High
- B160B Panel Dimmer Input Circuit High
- B1608 Headlamp Switch Input Circuit High
- P0463 Fuel Level Sensor 'A' Circuit High
- B1630 Right Low Beam Control Circuit High
- B162C Left Low Beam Control Circuit High

I did some digging on the internet and it seems like this is all controlled by the Total Integrated Power Module (TIPM, under hood fuse box) which seems like a common issue on these trucks. I bought a remanufactured "pre-programmed" Dorman brand TIPM to replace the old one. I matched up the part numbers on the side, and made sure to get the electronic shift transfer case variant. The instructions that came with the new unit said that I have to disconnect the negative battery terminal, swap out the TIPM, and reconnect the battery. Then, to program it, I need to turn the key to the run position for 12 seconds, then back off for 12 seconds. Then everything should work. I did that and nothing changed. Same codes, same stuff doesn't work.
So, is there anything else that can cause these issues? Assuming it would need to be programmed, would a non-programmed TIPM cause these exact issues? What else could be my problem?
Thanks in advance for your help, and especially for quick replies - winter is already here and I need my truck back in action as soon as possible.

 

Update - threw a new gage cluster in the truck. Now everything works except for the headlights and high beams. I think there is something going on in the wiring for the plow, so that's where I'm gonna focus my attention next.

 

Another update - I spent a few days looking for wiring problems with the plow. Didn't find any, but did find some sketchy wiring for other things. Went to move it afterwards and it wouldn't come out of P. I put in a new brake switch and it didn't help. Gave up on the truck - it is an electrical nightmare with all sorts of electrical retrofits from the previous owner. Sold it to a Ram guy who knows these things like the back of his hand. I just don't have the time or patience to deal with it anymore.

 

Been there, done that.... I have picked up a few "project" vehicles that turned into real nightmares...... Most of the time, I could at least get my investment back, but, not every time......