04 Dodge Ram lighting fault. IPM/FCM diagnosis and repair

This week we take a look at a lighting fault in my 2004 Dodge Ram. We discuss how to diagnose a faulty IPM and ultimately repair the fault.
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[@DaveHallier-s3d]

Well done video! Great audio of course. I learned a lot from you. After 50+ years as a mechanic I’ve often shied away from electrical issues like this. But very timely now cuz I just happen to have a 2003 Dodge gen3 2500 cab in shop with exact IPM/FCM on my bench to clean up and inspect. I just call these TIPM, but you are right as the FCM is NOT totally integrated haha! It’s an appendage!

[@tomreyn3610]

I was certified in circuit board repair in the military. You did a good job. And your electric trouble shooting is right on. Voltage readings don’t mean squat with a 100M ohm impedance voltmeter without a load on the end.

[@jessmcdaniels4196]

Revised: You’re smart and explain points very well. My truck wasn’t allowing me to pull away like you did with ease. Turns out I didn’t pull hard enough. It took getting really upset and angry to get enough physical pull power. Thx for your time. Btw - I like your dog - bullmastiff? “You skipped a whole step. How to remove”

[@stevo6274]

That's what I need how you take it out

[@warrenbigtimebrown]

Just fixed my 04 Ram 1500. I should have taken pics. pulled mine apart, cleaned the board, brushed the pins and IT WORKS! (Btw, left side headlight was out). I also fixed the P044 & P0456 codes. This video was amazing. Told me where to look. Thanks again.

[@edwardblack5236]

Had exactly the same problem with my truck, only watched the video because it was on auto play, thank goodness, very educational and inspiring!! My truck is now fully functional again, thank you for your time and efforts!!

[@georgebaumgardner3889]

This video may be 4 years old, but it sure helped me repair the same light problem I was having on my 2004 Dodge Ram 1500. You were right on the money with the diagnosis and repair procedure, many, many thanks to you! Same failure, same repair. I did notice what caused the failure. On the underside of the IPM, where the harnesses plug into the bottom, there is a small square hole in the housing right where the failure on the circuit board occurred. That hole left the elements get access to the circuit board and caused the failure! Also, I tried finding a replacement IPM for this vehicle and there were no new ones to be found anywhere, but I did not try a dealer, only aftermarket parts stores.

[@6string327]

Just a follow up I took the fuse box apart and found corrosion at the same point as yours, the solder and wire did the trick for me too! Thanks so much bro, you saved me a ton of money.

[@Snagglepussify]

Some advice for those who decide to use a salvaged TIPM rather than repair. First of all, this is NOT a TIPM, it's an IPM. These earlier Dodges (up to '06 I believe) used an IPM (basically a fuse box with circuitry) which had a FCM (front control module) bolted on to it. A TIPM has the two parts combined as one unit. The FCM contains an eeprom which is married to the VIN# of the vehicle. If you swap out the IPM make sure you use your existing FCM (it's the aluminum box on the side of the IPM). If you use a salvaged IPM including FCM, you'll have all kinds of odd 'Lamp Errors' which will entail having your vehicle reprogrammed. To sum up: The IPM is 'plug & play' as long as you use the original FCM.

[@benw3290]

Great video 👍 I just fixed my 2004 Ram. It has the same lighting problem and It was the same problem on the board. I flattened out a piece of #14 solid copper wire to bridge the gap, worked amazing, thanks for the video 👍 it helped me a bunch

[@richardzicarelli3193]

I am not having this issue, but just had to say after watching this video that it was amazing to watch you diagnose it and fix it. I sure wish I had your kind of skills.

[@jillianlarson3430]

I had the exact same lights out. I did exactly what you did and it works perfectly. I ended up using epoxy to cover the new circuit. Thanks for the video.

[@doernerrr]

Coming to this kind of late but I’ll comment anyway. First many thanks, you saved me big bucks with this video. I have a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 Hemi, owned it since new, now has 205K miles. Had the intermittent lamp out warning light problem for a month or so, finally came on steady and the left side low beam was out. Replaced bulbs and still out. After watching the video, it occurred to me that the intermittent function on the wipers was erratic and could be related to the lamp out and both could be due to corrosion on the pins connecting the FCM to the IPM. Took it apart and sprayed the pins and sockets with contact cleaner and blew it off with compressed air. That’s all it took, lamp is on, warning light is out, works perfectly. Less than an hour and cost nothing, dealer probably would have had the truck for 3 days and charged me $$$. Only surprise is my truck is pretty much corrosion free in general and the pins on the FCM looked decent, a bit discolored but not green. But that was definitely the problem. Thanks again for the logical and methodical troubleshooting guide.

[@johncameron3825]

Thank you for showing this repair. I just fixed my truck and it was exactly the same corroded area on the circuit board and I would have been pulling my hair out trying to diagnose the problem.

[@jamesmcguire8808]

Great video! I have a 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 5.9. 1 high beam and both low beams do not have power. Both turn signals flash fast but only the rear bulbs are actually flashing. The "bulb out" light is on the dash. After watching this video I removed the fuse box today. When I took it apart the board was corroded in the same place, just like in this video. I cleaned up the area and placed a piece of wire on there with solder just like in this video. Once I put it back in the truck but it back together everything now is back to normal all 4 headlights work, all the turn signals work and flash as they should. There must be a weak spot in this part of the board from the factory if this many have the same problem.

[@carlahill5858]

Too much fun! You're awesome and I'm a nerd! LOL You have totally inspired me to do a diagnostic on my IPM/FCM and then take it apart and check out the inside! Wow! Who would've thought? Thank you!

[@larryconley9117]

Very professional and informative. I’m having a similar issue with my 05 but live in rural Mississippi where parts are not so easy to find . If I don’t get it right I’m screwed. Thanks for your video

[@jasonandrewz2214]

Thank you so much... Repaired My 03 2500 tonight. Same exact spot on the board.i normally would buy a replacement but 350 and out of stock... For a rebuild.. again. Thank you. Oh 278000 Miles.

[@tdcauto6168]

Man I pulled my box apart the other day and came across the same corrosion in the same spot.no turn,brake,hazzard, low beam, I traced circuits with Mitchell and demand schematics, and hooked up our soulus ultra...pulled fcm pinout and probed them, I have them if anyone is interested. I've never thought about a load test duh.. thanks man for helping me.comfirm it didn't want to waste my time..I'll post up a video also thank you!!! Going to shop here in a few and getting to work thank you again man. I've been reading for about 4 days!!

[@LeeCaldwell-q8b]

Don't know if your still attached to this or not but I'm having a no bus problem no brake lights windshield wipers no turn signals no horn and all of that and I just can't seem to find what the hell's going on I've done replace the fuse box of replaced all that rewired everything and I'm still having the same problem when I unhook my battery and reset everything usually it'll work for a few but not very long then it all stops working again but you have the truck runs fine what did you do to get yours working man or did you

[@esakortelainen208]

Awesome, thank you very much. I have a 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins diesel and had exactly the same issue with the signal and headlight. When open the TIPM I found the same corrosion issue on the same spot on the circuit board. Indeed the same solder took care of the problem. Thank you again this saved me a bunch of time troubleshooting. Cheers.

[@michaelengelhardt5296]

Just bought a used one bc I'm having same problem except all headlight turn signals and brake lights are out and no one has new ones the dealer even said they are on back order. Great video I work on alot of stuff but this might be a little above my skill.

[@onegoodmason]

Thanks for the great informative video . My situation is exactly like yours . Tonight I try the repair , it's too cheap not to try and a used fuse box is $20 at the u-pull if I screw up . Cheers man !! What you have done is much appreciated !

[@billybobsuefamilyhomestead8201]

Worked like a charm on my 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 SLT. Thanks for showing how to fix this problem. I used screws to fasten the drilled heat stakes. I also re coated the board to seal everything back up. Very good video, thank you

[@djsomers100]

Very helpful! Didnt understand how the PCM and FCM all went together. Have had a few problems with mine on 2003 Dodge 3500.

[@bertonunes6961]

Thank you sir! I found a corroded trace but it wasn't where you showed headlights still acting up, thinking its the FCM. Thought it appears my intermittent wiper work now so thats a plus. Good Video.

[@Mattszed]

Thank you very much for the video!!! The exact issue just happened on my truck last week, I tried some general research and it mostly went to throwing parts at it. You went in depth and explained everything. I will open it up and see what is fixable. Funny side note is I pulled the complete IPM/FCM off of my companies plow truck (same year) yesterday and still had the same issue. But afterwards found out that the plow truck had the same issue. lol. Thank you from Ontario Canada.

[@gboy1298]

Thank you!!! I watched I don’t know how many videos and couldn’t find one on this. Actually took my box apart but thought I did that with my drill. 😳 Thrn found this video took apart again and fixed!

[@daveherriot8608]

Thanks for this video. Had the exact same problem with my '05 Ram. I tried for the life of me to solder to the board and it would not stick. I'm a newb to soldering so not sure what I was doing wrong. I ended up soldering a jumper wire to the pins on the other side of the board and it fixed the problem.

[@chriswalter7592]

Thx for all ur time and effort. My own truck a 2005 just pulled this and the shop is at a loss. Module is over 30 days out so tomorrow I am pulling it apart. Hope it's the same

[@Twobrothersoutdoors]

My truck had the same symptoms. You saved me a bunch of money. Thanks! BTW my fuse box corroded in the same spot!

[@robertbrantley2240]

Great job explaining and showing how to repair. Thanks

[@ellargudo5750]

Thank You Very Much. Went to Junk Yark Pick and Pull !!!!! I took my tools Found a Dodge and took this Part Out. Got home installed and now all my Lights Work. I was about to take truck to an electrician shop i always go to. Thank you very, very ,very Much❤ The part was 20 dollars at the junk Yard Just remember to go Early it Gets Hot😂😂

[@محمدجامة]

What was the issue ? Just Wanna see if it's similar to mine

[@ellargudo5750]

The Part was Completely Burnt Inside.

[@808drummerpercussionist9]

Very helpful focusing on the problem and digging instead of just changing the unit, nicely explained,,,,,instructor qualities,,,,,thank you Sir, Mad Skills

[@tingey83]

Your video showed my exact problem. Taking it out right now to try and see if mine is as easy to fix as your was!! Thanks for your time and the video!!

[@Beverlys-Hillbilly]

This describes the current situation with my 04 ram. Tomorrow I am going to have a look inside it.

[@robbelle3707]

Very good video,I’m starting to have issues with my 2004 dodge ram lights,I’m getting a light out warning but my turn signal light was good

[@drewmann1966]

Nice!...I made a similar device for my PP. It has interchangable bulbs for different loads from 1a to 5a. Super handy to load test circuits.

[@thechamp66]

I have mine all apart. Exact same issue with corrosion in exact same location. Dodge should have had a recall on these things. Ready to solder my 18 gage wire. just need to know what to use for protection to cover the wire. I can't seem to see where you mentioned what you used or how you go about it.

[@tmur2124]

Thank you. My abs, srs, climate controls and speedo. All stopped working. I was suspecting it was the module attached to the fuse box but now I'm going to open up the tipm and have a look.

[@IIxNUMNUTSxII]

Ever find out what was causing your issues? I’m having similar problems

[@brianwalk108]

Great video, unbelievably helpful, not enough videos like this around!

[@ronaldgrantham136]

This is a great video and information on a really common Dodge/Chrysler issue. Also, the mic works great too. I am about to try the same thing on my 2005 3500 diesel. It had the same headlight issue several months ago, and before that had weird electrical issues since I purchased it a few years back. I removed the IPM and FCM when I tackled the headlight issue and simply replugging everything in got it working correctly ... for a while. Now, I am diving all the way in . . . way over my head! I found in replies that you use the Power Probe 4 for your testing, and saw info on how to insulate the wiring fix as well as using screws to reassemble the unit halves. Was wondering if you had any "fixes" for the locking tabs on those cursed connector/plugs beneath the IPM? Are there any videos for how to release and remove, and replace them correctly? Three of the five large connectors are broken on my truck... and that is BEFORE I got a hold of them.

[@kenwesters7834]

Nice work! Very impressive! Having same issue with my Jeep commander. I am going to dive in and see what I see!

[@artpalmer8244]

Sounds good

[@thomasdarnell8554]

I have same issues. But I’m a TD and 13 is my birth day and lucky number. Also have racing stories. Anyway….. nice work and appreciate the time you put in your videos!✌️🤓

[@stevekeller6329]

Where do u live I'll drop off my 2003 Ram van. I have no turn signal flashers. I do have 4 way flashers. There's no power windows but my electric door locks work I have rno radio and no front heater fan. I do have rear heater fan. I don't have the equipment or understanding you have. Your very Impressive and knowledgeable of the electrical side of vehicles I do not know what to do next?

[@brownwoodworks56]

This is exactly what I needed to see, thank you!

[@chipw132]

Great Video!! Seems Power Probe should offer a pre-built set up with a replaceable plug-in bulb option……..

[@MattDuke-t4e]

Unless I missed it, witch I could have, the heat pins on top that are drilled out, what is best way to reconnect the peices together since they were drilled out. Please and thank you.

[@kylewarren2627]

Wow! This was perfect! And some impressive hunting! It was my exact problem. I was about to change the fcm too, but I'm really happy I found your video. Thanks a bunch! I'll be doing this this weekend.

[@waterfordbum89]

Genius work btw. Hats off to you. Definitely want to break my down now and take a look at it

[@Its_Real-32]

Hats off to you?? Who even says that? Would you say that out in the real world?? No, you wouldn't cuz it's stupid.

[@westbird5]

Gotta say, that was impressive and inspiring! I just might give this a whirl myself :)

[@Zewestcoaster]

2004 dodge 3500 ~EXACT~ same problem.... ~EXACT~ same location... ~EXACT~ same repair.... I don't think water is the sole culprit. I think the circuit trace is too narrow for the current being carried. High current (temperature) breaks down the "weather proof" coating on the circuit board. Add a little humidity/moisture and the trace doesn't stand a chance.... Thank You, this helped me save my Easter Long Weekend camping trip.....

[@ericfischer5900]

What and how did you put protective coating over it?

[@R3D_R41D3R]

Awesome explanation of everything man I appreciate your time very much

[@niklausimobersteg8834]

Hi. Based on watching your FCM video with the low voltage issues triggering the lighting fault, I was wondering if I should investigate the TIPM for the DTCs on my 04 Ram 2500 5.9 Cummins. DTCs are P0882, P0973, P2769; all for low signal input.

[@drakestonecipher1952]

Am I able to just replace the board from a junkyard part or will I run into some issues?

[@randymabry5983]

This video is awesome.!!! I am having a problem with my Power windows NOT operating on my 2004 Dodge Pickup. I also own a 2002 Dodge. I've swapped the driver side window controller around on both trucks. The 2004 window controller works in the 2002 truck. the 2002 window controller will not work in the 2004 truck. I have not been able to locate the relay/fuse for the power windows. ANY HELP!!! OR Advice would be GREAT!

[@grigoryfalkin5245]

awesome video very informative, thank you for this.. and that way you know while dong this i relized you can take a small flathead screwdriver and brake the melt tabs off that way no drill is required

[@wagontrack]

Thank you for the post, I have exactly the same problem going on with my 2003 ram. I now have an idea on where to look. (:0)

[@camacho69camacho84]

My truck was running good, but after I jumped it off with a higher voltage it did not crank, the ignition switch is dead, what would that be?????? Thanks .

[@cocoaman435]

This is a must try!!! I’m havjng the same problem!!! Ima try this. Perhaps use a guitar string… and see if that would work as well.

[@johnterpack3940]

Commented on this two years ago. Still haven't had my IPM/FCM looked at. Got a headlight that doesn't work even with a new bulb, wipers that will occasionally cycle even when the switch is off, and intermittent wipers that are possessed by epileptic demons. Not to mention an oil gauge that periodically drops to zero. If I could find a way to bypass the voodoo box altogether I would.

[@daletustison8550]

Very informative. Thank You. Great fix and no BS

[@1windozesuk]

Are you related to Ivan (I think that is his name) of Pine Hollow Diagnostics? You sound a lot like him, but with a bit of a Mass accent, you look a lot like him, you have same mannerisms AND you guys are both high level with auto electronics... Great video, ty

[@teddungee490]

My 06 Ram 1500 turn signals on front don't work. However rear signals flash real fast?

[@Wdreynolds1979]

did you use screws to fasten the drilled heat stakes? I am about to tear mine down and do what you did. good video, thanks.

[@RozetRides]

How did you separate it on the side with the module? The whole right side with the module connector is supposed to slide upward. How did you achieve that?

[@cesarnava9379]

would be kind of you to make a video for the IOD system on the Ram

[@MrLeonie1000]

Great repair man. Mike sounds real good. If you want network stuff I’ve got a No Bus comm issue on a van I think needs a pcm.

[@bradt9350]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3y9aJ18p9Glg9U You've got to watch this guys 3 part vids.. Everything you need to know about repairing the Jtec... I had the No Bus issue... I put a wet paper towel on the heat sink/case to cool it down on a very hot day and it would ran long enough to get it home...

[@jamesausburn5705]

I need your skills on my truck!!! I’ve been battling a no bus issue for a year or so.

[@kimokahikolekalihi]

When you test those power feed circuits, does the key need to be on or not?

[@davidessien5465]

2005 Chrysler 300 Limited. Single turn signal doesn't work but hazard light blinks normally when the switch is turned on, wipers too doesn't work. Mostly for the trafficator / turn signal what could make it to be inoperative and how can I fix the problem in that car? Can you guide me please, on the repair procedure and wiring diagram to help me fix the problem?

[@roxanneabbott8424]

Where did u get that little bulb to test the load, on the probe???

[@brianmooney7009]

Where are you located. Man I could use your help. Long Island New York. Thanks. Brian

[@Bubba-BigHouse]

Have the exact same thing going on with my Ram, tried to repair the board and it didn’t solve anything. Replaced the IPM/FCM with a refurbished on and it solved the problem, however a week later when I turned on my truck, the drive side front blinker wasn’t responding, it just stayed steady glow while the relay went clicking fast

[@bobbychavez2069]

Would you be able to show me the process for the rear running lights? Same vehicle cant drive the truck at night because that back night time running lights dont work Turn signals work Hazard’s work Reverse lights work Not the top lights that turn on when head lights do the headlights do work but not the back ones please and thanks in advance

[@kimokahikolekalihi]

Where can one find a wiring diagram for the IPM/FCM? I'm having electrical problems with a 2004 dodge Durango 5.7 and I keep searching but all I can find is stuff for the newer Durango's that use the TIPM.

[@adriannabaker2079]

I have a 2004 ram 2500 5.7 and my passenger side high beam is out so i went to change the bulb but as soon as i put a new bulb in it automatticly lights up no switch on or key in any ideas

[@Sanneti2012]

Hi, could this be the issue for my Ram 03 keeping the parking lights on? relays and fuses are good, I even pull out the FCM and the lights still stay on. don't know what to do

[@NorthCentralPaAnglers]

So if I don’t do that, can I just use a part from a junk yard? Or is it vin locked?

[@sr8shoota]

What would you do if you had a 2008 dodge charger that does not turn the hazard lights on. I replaced the switch but it still not working.

[@Vootsksa]

Nice job and good diagnostics. Good soldering

[@stevengrandinetti794]

Thank you very much. My truck had the exact same problem.

[@Vootsksa]

My lights.. I had same issue. I replaced the board in my tail light assembly. Works great! The circuit boards get hot and go bad. Also don't use anything on electronics other than DIALECTRIC grease.

[@petekoutsouris7960]

I’m not sure if you still reply to comments on this video but how did you secure the pin after drilling those plastic fasteners out? Great video by the way!

[@Zewestcoaster]

I drilled out the top of the plastic post so a flat top wood screw would thread in there with a washer on it. This solution may not work if you have relays populated in the two spots covering the posts. I didn't have relays there...

[@ElSanty85]

Hello. I have a problem in my truck and it's that the brake lights don't work and neither do the dash lights, such as P R D 1 2 do you have any ideas to solve it? I already checked fuse 24 and the brake switch under the brake pedal and they are fine. thanks and a hug

[@josearrvizo359]

Mine 2005 1500 dodge ram 5.7 says no link on OB2 FUSE IS GD BOX GOT REPLACED BUT NOTHING WORKS NO WIPERS SIGNAL LIGHTS BUT LOCKS DO MIRRORS WORKS NO CLUSTER JUST BLINKS ON N OFF BUT THE REPLACED PCM WITH A 07 RAM 4X4 SO IM GETTING A NEW PCM HOPEFULLY THATS IT WAT U THINK also it misfire here n there trouble shifting but engine is gd

[@g_force671]

Having a hard time removing my TIPM on my 02 Ram. Same as yours. Ive already removed the 13mm bolt and 13mm nut. What else?

[@keithh3767]

WHere did you get wiring diagram? i need full wiring diagrams for my 05 dodge ram 1500

[@Texasknowhow]

Good video. I have a similar problem but I only get the "lamp out" warning when my headlights are on AND I add the right blinker into the mix. Blinker without the headlights works. Headlights (all lights really) with left blinker works, but Headlights on and right blinker, will trigger the "Lamp out" message. I'm thinking either a headlamp socket not making good contact or the same issue you had here... Which one of your past videos has the details on your test meter with the built-in bulb for making sure circuits can carry a little current? Nicely done video! Let me know, Clay

[@timschnaufer6498]

So if you had a higher voltage on 3 and 4, would it have been safe to assume it was the front control module?

[@nicolasrojo983]

Do have idea how take of the Lever for stering column positions

[@kdillo9942]

Pull it towards the drivers seat it’ll come right off

[@kennn4409]

Love the content ❤

[@elslrpcuhh4751]

Would it work if I pull one out of a truck at the junkyard?

[@Preciousmetals1776]

Great video and sound. Much appreciated.

[@vcrrules1]

Thanks that's exactly whatI needed to see, you just saved my ass!!!!!!!!!!

[@josephbrown2045]

Excellent, thank you.

[@nayersalib9080]

Please I need your help my car speed meter and abs light and brake light not working I find out there are no power signal going to the speed sensor . But all fuses are good what do you recommend

[@roxanneabbott8424]

Oh and left headlight short open/ short circuit even auto mechanic couldnt find the problem so it's up to me!

[@taylorziegenfuss7417]

What r those Relays in the fuse box after you pull it apart

[@bernhard8540]

I have all lights working except my headlights they don't light at all .. all other lights work great...? Would this possibly be the issue?