Jeep Wrangler: TIPM Electrical Faults — Totally Integrated Power Module

The Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) is the combined fuse box, relay control unit, and body control module used on JK Wranglers (2007–2018). The TIPM is documented to fail in multiple ways: internal relay contacts for the fuel pump, horn, and starter circuit can weld closed or open, causing the fuel pump to run continuously after ignition off (fire risk), intermittent no-start, or horn that sounds without input. Water ingress through the A-pillar and windshield area can corrode the TIPM connector. NHTSA opened investigation PE11020 and Chrysler issued recall P57 (2012–2013 MY) covering fire risk from the fuel pump relay. Replacement TIPM units require dealer VIN programming.

• Intermittent no-start with no crank, or engine cranks but fuel pump does not prime
• Fuel pump continues to run for 30+ seconds after ignition is turned off
• Horn activates randomly without pressing the steering wheel horn button
• Power windows, wipers, or accessories operate erratically without driver input
• Multiple seemingly unrelated electrical faults appearing simultaneously across different vehicle systems

1. 1

   Check whether recall P57 has been completed via VIN lookup.

2. 2

   Inspect the TIPM unit (located in the engine bay, driver-side firewall) for water staining or corrosion on the connector pins.

3. 3

   Test that the fuel pump primes and stops correctly — listen for the pump to prime for 2 seconds then stop when the key is cycled to ON without starting.

4. 4

   Check for intermittent no-start, random horn operation, or windows/wipers activating without input.

Parts involved: Starter motor.

$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 Chrysler recall P57 for the TIPM fuel pump relay been completed — has this been checked on the NHTSA recall lookup?”
• “Has the vehicle ever had intermittent no-start, or has the TIPM been replaced?”
• “Have there been any random electrical events such as the horn sounding on its own or accessories activating without input?”

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.