If there is a component that will ground your jeep Wrangler in the event that it fails, it is definitely the TIPM. All the “electricals” in your Jeep Wrangler are somewhat super-efficient and that is one of the main reasons why the Wrangler is a top seller. The efficiency can be attributed to the Jeep’s TIPM.
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What Is the TIPM?
For starters, TIPM is an acronym and it stands for Totally Integrated Power Module. Sounds complicated right?
Well, wait we explain how it works. The TIPM is a system of drivers, integrated circuits, connectors, fuses, and relays that deals with the distribution of electrical power throughout the Jeep Wrangler.
The Jeep Wrangler is one of the most electrically equipped vehicles on the Jeep market.
This means that to ensure that the electrical components work well and efficiently there has to be a system that controls and distributes the power from the source of the separate electrical components that need the power.
This explanation sums up to one primary fact, the TIPM is very important and TIPM failure is a big deal.
Does TIMP Failure Occur often in Jeep Wranglers?
Well, if you have a Jeep Wrangler chances that you are going to experience TIPM failure are quite minimal but that does not mean it does not happen.
Like any vehicle, the Jeep Wrangler can have problems with the TIPM. It is quite a big deal that can easily ground your vehicle.
We would not wish it on anyone at all. The chances of experiencing TIPM failure if you have a Jeep Wrangler are minimal but that is if you take good care of your Jeep.
Recklessness can increase the chances of getting a TIMP failure quite significantly though.
The 2007 Jeep Wrangler model was plagued with TIMP failure problems but the company recalled it and there has not been much of a whisper of persistent TIMP problems in other Jeep Wrangler models.
What Are the Signs of TIMP Failure?
If a TIMP failure does come knocking on your Jeep Wrangler door, here are some signs that you Should signal It.
Airbag Deployment Malfunction
According to most laws and also car manufacturing norms, all cars should come fitted with an airbag. This is because they significantly decrease the magnitude of damage and injuries during car crashes.
Something this important should never malfunction but a failing TIMP system can result in airbags deployment going sideways.
Failure to deploy by airbags and random airbag deployment is in most instances a result of a failing TPIM.
Stalling Engine
Performance is the hallmark of the Jeep Wrangler. If your engine does start to stall though, your performance ratings can go down drastically.
A stalling engine is one of the main signs of a failing TIMP system.
Faulty Locking System
Most Jeep Wranglers use a central locking system where you can lock all your doors from one central point.
The system requires power to be able to function. If your TIMP system cannot provide that power the system won’t work.
Imagine locked doors popping open on their own, or your doors refusing to unlock. If your Jeep Wrangler has a faulty TIMP system, you will not have to imagine this problem, you will experience them.
Failure To Start
The biggest elephant that you are going to need to deal with if your Jeep Wrangler is experiencing TIMP failure is starting it.
Starting your Jeep Wrangler is an electrical task and it will require your TIMP system to be in great shape. If you are struggling to get your Jeep Wrangler to the starter, the TIMP system might need a bit of attention.
These are not the only signs that your Jeep Wrangler is having TIMP problems.
Some other problems that signal TIMP failure include fuel pump failure, headlight failure and also failing windshield WIPERS.
A combination of these signs is often a signal that your TIMP system is having problems.
We recommend that you employ the service of a professional mechanic to ensure that your diagnosis is correct.
What causes TIPM Failure
TIMP failure is quite a complex problem if the structure and the functionality of the TIPM are anything to go by. Some of the causes of TIPM failure include,
Moisture Intrusion
We have highlighted that the TIPM is an electrical component and if you have a bit of technical knowledge, you know that moisture and electricity rarely go hand in hand.
Moisture intrusion into the TIPM can cause the system to short circuit and stop working entirely.
Car manufacturers have done a lot though to guard against this. The use of waterproof casings for the system and also positioning of the TIPM do a lot in helping to avoid that.
One thing you won’t have to worry about is regular rain, your Jeep Wrangler is designed to guard your TIMP against that.
Water freezing under the hood can cause water intrusion and ultimately TIPM failure.
Prevention
The best way to avoid moisture intrusion and in turn TIPM failure is to park your Wrangler in a modestly warm shelter during freezing temperatures. This will help prevent ice build-up under your hood.
Wear and Tear Of Components
We have highlighted that the TIPM system is made up of several components.
These components are not immortal, they will eventually give in to wear and tear and this may result in TIMP failure.
The components that are most susceptible to wear and tear include solenoids and wiring.
Corrosion can have the best of your contacts and this will certainly result in TIPM failure.
The main power source of the TIPM system is your car battery. If the battery is weak the susceptibility of the entire system to failure increases significantly. You do not want unstable voltage feeding into your TIMP system.
Prevention
The best way to ensure that your vehicle does not go through TIPM failure as a result of worn-out components is regular checking and also maintenance of the TIPM system.
If a component is worn out the best way to prevent failure is to get it replaced as soon as possible. This is especially important for the battery.
Replacing the battery once the recommended period of use lapses can go a long way in avoiding TIPM failure.. It will save you a lot of money in repairs.
Aftermarket Wiring
If you have a Jeep Wrangler, there is always that temptation to add electrical components. Be it sound systems or extra lighting, they are all going to be connected to your vehicles’ electrical circuit, which is essentially the TIPM system.
If the wiring is not done right then it is likely going to result in TIPM failure. This is mainly because the extra components tend to add more stress to the circuit and eventually overload the TIPM resulting in it failing.
Prevention
The best way to prevent TIPM failure as a result of circuit overload is to try and avoid aftermarket components.
We know several accessories do not come [pre installed] on your Jeep Wrangler. Most of these components will put a lot of strain on your TIPM system and will result in its Filing.
If you do decide to go with the addition of aftermarket accessories, make sure you hire a professional mechanic to install it for you.
Can you fix TIMP Failure?
The TIPM can be fixed if the reason for the failure in the first place was not water intrusion.
Several methods have been touted to solve the TIPM failure problem but in terms of success we have to say is not astronomical.
If it is the relays that are dead, most mechanics provide replacement service. If the contacts are corded, replacing the contacts will fix your TIPM problem. The problem though is that some of these components can be a bit difficult to come by.
The best way to deal with TIPM failure is to replace the system entirely. You can get a whole new TIPM system for your Jeep Wrangler.
This is a permanent solution that will certainly last you a very long time. The problem though is that TIPM replacement can be quite pricey.
The good news is that several aftermarket spare manufacturers sell premium TIPM replacement kits for a lower price than Jeep.
In most instances, these aftermarket TIPM systems will work just as well as the original TIPM replacement kit from Jeep.
How Much Does it Cost to Fix a TIMP failure?
Depending on how you choose to go about fixing your TIPM system the cost of the repair can range from $300 to $1200.
If you decide to replace the entire TIPM system on your Jeep Wrangler $1 200 will do including labor.
Getting rid of TIPM failure is quite costly, preventing it can save you a lot of money though.
TIPM failure is a huge problem but the good news is that it can be fixed. If you are facing TIPM failure, get your Jeep Wrangler to a mechanic and get it fixed.
Conclusion.
So far You have learned what TIPM is, How it fails, symptoms of TIPM failures and how to fix and prevent TIPM failures. If you think this guide may be helpful for someone else, you can share this with them. You just have to hit one of the share buttons below!!
Peace!!
