Jeep Grand Cherokee: TIPM Fuel Pump Relay Failure and Multi-System Faults

The Totally Integrated Power Module consolidates the fuse panel, relay bank, and body control functions into a single sealed unit mounted in the engine bay. The fuel pump relay within the TIPM uses a solid-state MOSFET driver circuit whose internal solder joints crack from repeated thermal cycling between cold-soak and operating temperatures. A failing relay can leave the fuel pump permanently energised after the ignition is switched off, creating both a battery drain and a fire hazard from continuous fuel delivery. Alternatively the relay fails open, preventing the pump from priming and causing a no-start. The same thermal stress mechanism affects relays controlling the horn, windscreen wipers, cooling fans, and starter motor, leading to multiple unrelated electrical symptoms appearing simultaneously. The TIPM is a sealed unit and is not field-serviceable. Recalled in Australia: PRA 2014/14432 (2011 cars) and PRA 2015/14645 (2011 3.0 diesel and 2012 to 2013 petrol cars) replace the fuel pump relay, and PRA 2020/18722 (campaign V62) covers WK2 sold from November 2014 to January 2021 whose fuel pump relay contacts can be contaminated with silicon and stop the engine. Check the VIN with a Jeep dealer.

• No-start condition with battery fully charged and starter motor turning normally
• Horn activating on its own with no steering wheel input
• Fuel pump audible running for minutes after ignition is switched off
• Multiple unrelated electrical accessories failing at the same time
• Battery completely discharged overnight with no obvious cause

1. 1

   After switching off the ignition, stand beside the engine bay and listen for the fuel pump continuing to run.

2. 2

   Note whether multiple unrelated faults appear simultaneously — wipers, horn, and windows failing together is a classic TIPM pattern.

3. 3

   Inspect the TIPM multi-pin connector under the bonnet for corrosion or pushed-back terminals.

4. 4

   Ask specifically about any no-start events that resolved without repair, as these often precede complete relay failure.

Parts involved: Starter motor, 12V battery.

$900 to $3,200 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That is for this job on its own, not for the car.

An estimate, in NZD, for the repair as normally carried out. What a specific car costs depends on which part has failed and what it damaged on the way — treat this as the floor for a negotiation, not a quote.

• “Has the vehicle ever failed to start for no apparent reason and then started normally later?”
• “Has the horn ever activated by itself without input?”
• “Has the TIPM, fuse box, or body control module ever been replaced?”

The failure described above is documented in published sources — owner forums, technical service bulletins, recall notices and workshop write-ups — held in our fault database. The inspection instructions and the cost estimate are KickTyres’ own interpretation of them, and it is a starting point for an inspection rather than a manufacturer statement.