mayres

I have an 06 2500 mega cab, where my instrument panel lights are out, never intermittant just all of a sudden. Odometer is eluminated as well as the radio, all else on the instrument panel is out to include climate control area. Otherwise everything else is functioning. Sounds like a bulb or fuse, any suggestions? Next is how to access?
Thanks

vzdude

Dumb question, but what is the position of the dimmer wheel on the headlight switch? Or are you talking about all of the other lights , not just the backlighting?

mayres

No, the wheel has been rolled every which way, but no change. The wheel will eluminate the overhead light as it should. I don't want to overlook anything either.

vzdude

Still under warranty? I'm gonna guess it is a problem with the switch, but it is a MUX signal for the FCM so any number of things in between could be an issue. Double check all the fuses, but past that you'll probably need a scanner.

mayres

OK thanks!

Tree DR

I've got something simular going on, the light in my climate contorol doesn't come on all the time. If I move the controls then they come on.

CatDiesel_762

I been reading up on a similar problem with the dome lamps for another forum. What I been finding out is if you dissconnet the both batterys for 5-15 seconds you can reset the Instrument Cluster Learn Pattern. This might solve the problem so long as the Instrument comes back. If not then, you might need a new Instrument Cluster. Otherwise, look for a loose ground connection under the dash near the Instrument Panel along the firewall or steering colum.

Shawn

mayres

Update: Not only is the instrument panel lights out, but so are my rear lights, but the brake lights and flashers work....Wouldn't you then assume it's a fuse? I'm checking fuses after work today.

Tree DR

I think that is a common fuse between the tail and the dash lights. Wonder what blew the fuse. I'll pull my climat controls out and look for a loose wire or bulb.

bighornram

I am curious about this thread as I have what seems like 1 bulb out behind the climate control *****. All the other lights inside work perfectly normal but the climate control is very dim - mostly in the center of the *****. Just wondering what is involved in removing the climate control ***** or if anyone knows how to replace the bulb. My old truck had 180,000 with no dash lights going out and now this new truck does and of course what is the mileage - about 36,400.

mayres

On going problem....I've traced the problem to my trailer tow package... 30 amp fuse, which was burnt out. I replaced it and still have no running lights, I plugged in my 5th wheel and have no running lights on it either. Yes, the question remains.....what blew the fuse? Any ideas? How does a short occur? Mike

vzdude

Trailer tow needs to have a signal from the truck lighting, so that is why it won't work either ( goes thru the TIPM ). Trailer could have blown that fuse another time or something. Biggest thing is to get the trucks normal lights working first, and then trouble shoot the trailer lights next. So......no fuses blown for the truck lights?

vzdude

Here's a wiring diagram that shows the interior lamps getting power from the park lamp circuit Fuse # 16 15A.

vzdude

Here's another showing that the TIPM is what gives the power to the fuses for park lights and trailer tow lights. The electronics may have burned up due to an excessive load from the trailer or such. There is a reflash for upping the amperage on the trailer lights too. Sounds like you are going to need more than a test light to be for sure as to what to replace.

vzdude

Here is the flash TSB. Hopefully it will explain better than I did!

This bulletin is supplied as technical information only and is not an authorization for repair. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system,
or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, or otherwise, without written permission of DaimlerChrysler Corporation.
THE StarSCAN® FLASH FILES FOR THIS BULLETIN MUST BE RETRIEVED FROM
THE INTERNET.
StarSCAN® UPDATE CD 6.05 WAS THE LAST CD TO CONTAIN FLASH FILES.
THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 08-021-06, DATED
MAY 10, 2006, WHICH SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM YOUR FILES. THIS IS A
COMPLETE REVISION AND NO ASTERISKS HAVE BEEN USED TO HIGHLIGHT
REVISIONS.
SUBJECT:
TIPM Flash - DTC's Indicating Short Circuits In The Wiring On The Trailer Or No Engine
Crank With DTC P1277 - Starter Control Circuit 2 Low
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves a discussion and reprogramming of the Totally Integrated Power
Module (TIPM).
MODELS:
2006 (DR/DH/D1) Ram Truck
NOTE: This bulletin applies to vehicles built prior to April 03, 2006 (MDH 0403XX).
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
Customer may experience any of the following TIPM Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's):
B166B - Left Trailer Tow Lamp Control Circuit Low. Trailer harness left lamp circuit
is shorted to ground.
B166C - Left Trailer Tow Lamp Control Circuit High. Trailer harness left lamp circuit
is shorted to battery voltage.
B178C - Left Trailer Tow Lamp Control Circuit Over Current. Trailer harness left
lamp circuit is intermittently grounding.
B166F - Right Trailer Tow Lamp Control Circuit Low. Trailer harness right lamp
circuit is shorted to ground.
B1670 - Right Trailer Tow Lamp Control Circuit High. Trailer harness right lamp
circuit is shorted to battery voltage.
B166E - Right Trailer Tow Lamp Control Circuit Over Current. Trailer harness right
lamp circuit is intermittently grounding.
B1667 - Back Up Lamp Feed Low. Trailer harness back up circuit is shorted to
NUMBER: 08-021-06 REV. A
GROUP: Electrical
DATE: October 13, 2006
ground.
B2215 - Front Control Module Internal (TIPM). An internal fault code counter has
exceeded its limit of 250 counts and one or more electrical outputs controlled by the
TIPM have been disabled.
P1277 - Starter Control Circuit 2 Low (TIPM). The output feed current to the starter
solenoid has exceeded the upper current limit of 75 amps. This may result in a
no-crank condition.
DISCUSSION:
DTC's B1667, B166B, B166E, B166F, B178C and B2215:
1. These DTC's indicate that a (hard or intermittent) short circuit to GROUND exists in
the wiring of one or more of the TRAILER electrical harness circuits.
2. The TIPM retries the output on each ignition cycle or request (brake or turn signal
activation) in an attempt to enable the output in case the fault is intermittent.
3. DTC's B1667, B166B, B166E, B166F, and B178C may occur individually or in
combination with each other.
4. For the two over current DTC's, B166E and B178C, the fault is set when the TIPM has
detected electrical loads on the circuit greater than 15 amps.
5. If DTC B2215 is also present with one of more of the above DTC's, then this fault code
indicates that the TIPM has detected the faulted condition (short) on one or more of
the trailer circuits more than 250 times. When detected more than 250 times, the TIPM
disables the electrical output (turns off) to the respective faulty trailer circuit to protect
that circuit and the system.
6. Short circuits can be intermittent and will require diagnosis and repair of the trailer wire
harness.
7. Once the faulty circuit has been repaired, the dealer must use a scan tool to enable
the respective trailer circuit that was previously been turned off (disabled) due to DTC
B2215.
8. The new TIPM software raises the TIPM circuit trigger point from 15 amps. to 20
amps.
DTC's B166C and B1670:
1. These DTC's indicate that a short circuit to BATTERY voltage (12 volts) exists in the
wiring of one of the TRAILER electrical harness circuits.
DTC B2215 - Front Control Module (TIPM):
1. This fault code occurs when the TIPM detects a short (to ground or to battery) on one
of the trailer circuits more than 250 times.
2. When B2215 is present with one of the above trailer circuit faults the TIPM will turn off
(disable) the respective faulty trailer circuit or circuits.
3. This internal fault DOES NOT mean that the TIPM module is defective.
4. The TIPM memory can be cleared, this action will turn on a previously disabled trailer
circuit. If possible, the fault in the circuit should be repaired first before clearing the
TIPM memory.
5. DO NOT replace the TIPM without first attempting to clear the TIPM memory.
6. The dealer will need a scan tool to clear the TIPM memory.
7. If one or more of the TIPM outputs are disabled due to one of these conditions, normal
operation can be restored a maximum of five (5) times.
8. The TIPM will be rendered inoperative on the sixth attempt to clear the TIPM memory.
At this point the TIPM must be replaced. The DTC(s) that indicates the problem and
DTC 2215 will both remain ACTIVE. Neither fault code will can be cleared at this point.
08-021-06 REV. A -2-
DTC P1277 - Starter Control Circuit 2 Low (TIPM):
1. The TIPM monitors the output current to the starter solenoid for over-current
conditions.
2. The DTC is set when the output current to starter solenoid exceeds 75 amps.
3. On trucks equipped with a diesel engine, there may be times in cold climates when it is
normal for the starter solenoid current to exceed 75 amps.
4. If DTC B2215 is present in addition to DTC P1277, then a starter solenoid circuit
over-current condition has been detected by the TIPM module more than 250 times. At
this point, the circuit to the starter solenoid is turned off until the TIPM memory is
cleared.
5. The new TIPM software raises the TIPM current trigger point for DTC P1277 from 75
amps. to 100 amps.
DIAGNOSIS:
If any of the DTC's listed above are present, perform the Repair Procedure.
NOTE: The Repair Procedure (TIPM flash) currently can not be performed using the
StarMOBILE™ in its STANDALONE mode. Use the StarSCAN™ to perform
the Repair Procedure, or use the StarMOBILE™ in its CONNECTED mode to
perform the Repair Procedure.
SPECIAL TOOLS / EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:
NPN Battery Charger
CH9401 StarSCAN® Tool
CH9404 StarSCAN® Vehicle Cable
CH9409 StarSCAN® Documentation Kit
CH9410 StarSCAN® Ethernet Cable, 12 ft.
CH9412 StarSCAN® Software Update Device Kit
TechCONNECT PC or equivalent
REPAIR PROCEDURE - USING THE INTERNET TO RETRIEVE THE FLASH FILE:
NOTE: Before performing this Repair Procedure, the operating software in the
StarSCAN®; must be programmed with software release level 7.02 SP1 or
higher. The software release level is visible in the blue header at the top of
the StarSCAN® screen.
NOTE: The StarSCAN® diagnostic scan tool fully supports Internet connectivity.
However, to take advantage of this feature you must first configure the
StarSCAN® for your dealership's network. Make sure the StarSCAN® is
configured to the dealership's network before proceeding. For instruction on
setting up your StarSCAN® for the dealer's network refer to either:
“DealerCONNECT > Service > StarSCAN and StarMOBILE tools > Online
Documentation”, or refer to the StarSCAN® Quick Start Networking Guide.
The StarSCAN® Quick Start Networking Guide is also available on the
www.dcctools.com website under the "Download Center".
-3- 08-021-06 REV. A
NOTE: The Repair Procedure (TIPM flash) currently can not be performed using the
StarMOBILE™ in its STANDALONE mode. Use the StarSCAN™ to perform
the Repair Procedure, or use the StarMOBILE™ in its CONNECTED mode to
perform the Repair Procedure.
NOTE: If this flash process is interrupted/aborted, the flash should be restarted.
1. Open the hood and install a battery charger. Using a voltmeter, verify that the charging
rate provides 13.2 - 13.5 volts. Set the battery charger to continuous charge. Do not
allow the charger to time out during the flash process. Remove the charger from the
battery when the flash process is complete.
NOTE: Do not allow the charging voltage to climb above 13.5 volts during the flash
process.
2. Connect the CH9410 StarSCAN® ethernet cable to the StarSCAN® and the dealer's
network drop.
3. Connect the CH9404 StarSCAN® vehicle cable to the StarSCAN® and the vehicle.
4. Power ON the StarSCAN®.
5. Select “ECU View”
6. Touch the screen to highlight the TIPMCGW in the list of modules.
7. Select “More Options”
8. Select “ECU Flash”
9. Record the part number at the top of the “Flash TIPMCGW” screen for later reference.
10. Select “Browse for New File”. Follow the on screen instructions.
11. Highlight the appropriate calibration then select “Download to Scantool”.
12. Select “Close” after the download is complete, then select “Back”.
13. Highlight the listed calibration.
14. Select “Update Controller”. Follow on screen instructions.
15. When the update is complete, select “OK”.
16. Verify the part number at the top of the “Flash TIPMCGW” screen has updated to the
new part number.
NOTE: Due to the TIPMCGW programming procedure, a DTC may be set in other
modules (PCM, TCM, BCM, MIC, SKREEM, etc.) within the vehicle, if so
equipped. Some DTC's may cause the MIL to illuminate. From the “Home”
screen select “System View”. Then select “All DTCs”. Press “Clear All Stored
DTCs” if there are any DTCs shown on the list.
POLICY:
Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.
08-021-06 REV. A -4-
TIME ALLOWANCE:
Labor Operation No: Description Amount
18-89-01-11 Erase And Reprogram Totally
Integrated Power Module (TIPM)
(B)
0.3 Hrs.
FAILURE CODE:
ZZ Service Action
-5- 08-021-06 REV. A