How can I verify FCM/TIPM compatibility?

[Savage109]

Wife calls me last week and let's me know that she turned off her 2012 Ram 1500 5.7l off and while the gauge cluster went dead the engine continued to run. So I plug in a code reader and I've got a handful of can bus issues. TIPM, ABS, and FCM codes. Everything but the FCM clears. It is my understanding that the TIPM and FCM are housed together so I pulled it out cleaned the connectors and reseated everything. Started the truck back up and I still have the FCM comm code.

So I see some used part options are available, but I have read that FCM firmware has to match PCM firmware for communication. Is this true? If so how can I verify firmware matches?

Oh and just to make matters more complex I bought this truck used and the guy before me really messed this truck up so I have no confidence that the PCM or FCM are original. VIN may not be a viable option.

Any help is really appreciated!

 

[Savage109]

An update for anyone else that is having TIPM FCM issues: while I do still have the comms code, the truck has been asymptomatic since unplugging the TIPM harnesses cleaning them and putting them back together.

For all I know this truck could have had U0141 for longer than I've had it.

 

[808ram1500]

TIPM/PCM I bought mine brand new OEM when I had issues. I think you can buy refurbished but it needs to be programmed by a shop or dealer. If dealer they probably will do it with parts purchased from them only. Luckily my mechanic has the software to do this so it was a little cheaper than the stealership.

 

[DripJust]

I've had issues with my tipm connections and fuses not seating right.
I'm the 2nd owner of my 2009 and I know that the pcm isn't original from the yellow paint writing on it.
First owner had some issues there for sure.
I'm curious if this is why the power folding mirrors I got from a yard won't work after programming with alfa obd and also trying to program the led tail lights also not correcting with alfa ?
Any thoughts anyone ?

 

[RamDiver]

I'm curious if this is why the power folding mirrors I got from a yard won't work after programming with alfa obd and also trying to program the led tail lights also not correcting with alfa ?
Any thoughts anyone ?

You likely need to add the correct door modules.

DIY: 2013-18 (19 classic) Power Fold Mirror upgrade/Notes

I'm gathering my notes and info from around the forum for those looking to upgrade their exterior side mirrors (Regular and Tow). Please feel free to post any info you know/can confirm and I will update the first few posts of the thread... Recommend you contact forum vendor @AllMoparParts.com...

www.ramforum.com

.

 

[04fxdwgi]

I've had issues with my tipm connections and fuses not seating right.
I'm the 2nd owner of my 2009 and I know that the pcm isn't original from the yellow paint writing on it.
First owner had some issues there for sure.
I'm curious if this is why the power folding mirrors I got from a yard won't work after programming with alfa obd and also trying to program the led tail lights also not correcting with alfa ?
Any thoughts anyone ?

Have you used the AlfaOBD for changing anything else that worked? Which OBD dongle are you using?

 

[GTyankee]

I have found that this site gives more through Trouble Code answers than the rest of them

U0141 Lost Communication With BCM A

You might be able to call one or two of those companies that recondition Modules, to find out if the modules are the correct ones.

Do NOT send in any units to them, IF your 2009 or newer Dodge Ram is a STICK SHIFT.

Those outfits only send Modules out, that work with Automatic Transmissions

 

[DripJust]

Have you used the AlfaOBD for changing anything else that worked? Which OBD dongle are you using?

Ya , I've used it for a a couple other things within the body controls window.
Like relearning the tipm and also correcting the KM's and Vins.
Just when I try to set the power mirrors and led tail lights it goes to 'set' and while I turn my key to off for a few min and return to on the app changes back to 'not set'. Some other things I try it will say not supported also.
Here's the dongle I use, I've never had a connection issue with this one.

 

[04fxdwgi]

Pretty sure that one is not bi-directional, meaning it can read codes and reset them, but that's about it. To change things, you need the bi directional ones.

 

[RamDiver]

Ya , I've used it for a a couple other things within the body controls window.
Like relearning the tipm and also correcting the KM's and Vins.
Just when I try to set the power mirrors and led tail lights it goes to 'set' and while I turn my key to off for a few min and return to on the app changes back to 'not set'. Some other things I try it will say not supported also.
Here's the dongle I use, I've never had a connection issue with this one.

This BT interface does not appear on the AlfaOBD compatibility list.
It may allow limited functions, but AFAIK, it must be capable of the ELM-327 protocol.

AlfaOBD interface details;




VeePeak specs;



.

 

[DripJust]

This BT interface does not appear on the AlfaOBD compatibility list.
It may allow limited functions, but AFAIK, it must be capable of the ELM-327 protocol.

AlfaOBD interface details;

View attachment 566161


VeePeak specs;

View attachment 566162

.

Will this work then ? It's ELM 327

 

[RamDiver]

As far as I know it will, I've read reviews of people using it with AlfaOBD on Ram trucks.

If you scan the Amazon reviews with a PC, try control F to wordsearch Ram.

Sometimes these less than ideal devices create more grief than is worth the time, at least for some of us.

It may function well for basic operations but cause grief for some others, but was OK from what I read.

I'm allergic to android devices and even less fond of Bluetooth use with android.

I use windoze with a USB interface. Much cheaper than the MX+ and more reliable, AFAIC.

.

 

[04fxdwgi]

Will this work then ? It's ELM 327

Even the super cheap ones are ELM 327 ( I know, I have a few). The ELM327 is the chip needed to read the OBD2 standard engine codes and such. The more sophisticated ones read and access the other modules like brakes, steering and body control and can read and write to the modules (hence the bi-directional), not just read..

 

[DripJust]

As far as I know it will, I've read reviews of people using it with AlfaOBD on Ram trucks.

If you scan the Amazon reviews with a PC, try control F to wordsearch Ram.

Sometimes these less than ideal devices create more grief than is worth the time, at least for some of us.

It may function well for basic operations but cause grief for some others, but was OK from what I read.

I'm allergic to android devices and even less fond of Bluetooth use with android.

AFAIC ?

I use windoze with a USB interface. Much cheaper than the MX+ and more reliable, AFAIC.

.

 

[RamDiver]

AFAIC ?

AFAIC = as far as I'm concerned.
AFAIK = as far as I know.

Urban Dictionary: AFAIC

AFAIC: As far as I'm concerned.

www.urbandictionary.com

I worked in Telecom and have a strong bias about communications devices and their use.

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