RAM TIPM FUEL PUMP RELAY

My truck had that problem. Installed bypass by Vertical Visions. Google “2012 ram tipm fuel pump relay bypass”. Fixed mine.

Pretty sure there's a recall for them, I know there's one for my 13' Durango, same engine/tipm.

bypass your relay

use the cig lighter fuse or relay.

That relay is a well known issue on many Chrysler products from around that fine. Often it fails such that the fuel pump won't turn on. That started happening to my 2011 town and country so I installed a bypass. Only the Durango was ever recalled for it though.

Just happened to me on a 2011 Ram 1500. Certainly didn't seen like a faulty relay though. It would start every time unless the truck had sat for more than about 5 hours, then I would have to turn the key to on, and off, and on, and off, and on, and off, to try to build up some fuel pressure, then it would start. This got worse and worse to the point that it would take me 30 minutes and a battery charger to get it started in the mornings. The stealership put in the bypass and it seems to have fixed it. I don't understand why chrysler would recall this for two models and not for all the models with the same TIPM assymbly. I hope somone is trying to extend that recall to the rest of the models.

James_in_Utah said:

Just happened to me on a 2011 Ram 1500. Certainly didn't seen like a faulty relay though. It would start every time unless the truck had sat for more than about 5 hours, then I would have to turn the key to on, and off, and on, and off, and on, and off, to try to build up some fuel pressure, then it would start. This got worse and worse to the point that it would take me 30 minutes and a battery charger to get it started in the mornings. The stealership put in the bypass and it seems to have fixed it. I don't understand why chrysler would recall this for two models and not for all the models with the same TIPM assymbly. I hope somone is trying to extend that recall to the rest of the models.

Click to expand...

Well I just found out the hard way and had to be towed. Is the bypass ok as a permanent fix? Thre was an external relay kit from Chrysler but they discontinued it.
I'm sure a generic relay kit can be used but the wires aren't
color coded. If anyone has done it let us know.

Are the TIPMs still the same today on late model classics and 5th gens?

Just curious if we've had any fuel pump relay failures on something newer than a 2016 or so.

2011 Ram 1500 began failing to start a little over a month back. Had some really cold weather in Saskatchewan, parked outside, not plugged in as not used a lot. Figured dead battery so tested, it's okay so charged it up fully... starts fine. Long story short, over a month happened a couple of more times so finally caved in and replaced the 11 year old battery (yes, the original lol).
Changed battery in morning, dropped kids at school, home for coffee, go to leave, and... nada! Start looking into, tested starter, no issue.

It seems to be getting more complex than I think I can handle, so I go to see what our local mechanic says. Normal front desk guy isn't there, just a mechanic/shop owner, so I describe the situation, and he says it's likely the fuel pump needs replacing. Tells me to go test home & test by banging the fuel tank some (jostles the fuel pump) and if starts, drive over right away as might not start again (as it is intermittent and when it does, I'd be looking at a tow).

Now I am not a mechanic but I am great at researching so, armed with new knowledge, I start digging into more. Low and behold, I stumble across this video: TIPM Fuel Relay Test & Bypass <-- made by the guy who owns --> Vertical Visions

Picked up the two mini fuse add-a-circuits/fuse taps, put together cable, tested, and sure enough, it's the relay (ps... the TIPM video above is EXCELLENTLY put together for even the most un-mechanically inclined to be able to follow)!

The cable bypass test can be used as a working bypass BUT it 1) isn't recommended as a permanent fix, 2) is recommended to use fuse taps that have 14 gauge wire (to prevent overheating of the cable).

Note: For Canadians, Princess Auto currently only sells 18 gauge 'mini' add-a-circuits. Other places have 16 gauge but the most reasonably priced place I found was Tiger Automotive & Greggs Distributors. Couldn't find any 14 gauge in any local stores (and only place other than Vertical Visions I found was Amazon).

I am now awaiting my order for a TIPM Plug-In Fuel Pump Power Bypass/Test System (list of TIPM fuel relay replacement options). This will save me a good chunk of change!

Here is a list of models that Vertical Visions has confirmed they have solved the relay issue for (note that if dealer or mechanic has already cut & wired into an existing TIPM, their solution will not work):

2008-2016 Chrysler Town and Country
2011-2013 Dodge Durango
2008-2020 Dodge Grand Caravan
2009-2010 Dodge Journey
2007-2011 Dodge Nitro
2011-2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee
2007-2012 Jeep Liberty
2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler
2011-2012 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500
2012-2014 Ram C/V
2009-2014 VW Routan
2011 VW Touareg

I should add that 2 months after I posted, a neighbour's wife was complaining her husbands truck was acting up and he'd been troubleshooting for awhile.

I unplugged my relay bypass and we put it in his 2011 and sure enough, it diagnosed a fuel pump relay failure!

Thanks, great thread.