WHAT THE HECK IS A…TIPM?
To know what the heck a TIPM IS, we must first explore what the heck a TIPM IS NOT. A TIPM is not:
- Two Intelligent Penguins Marrying
- The Intergalactic Portability Machine
- Triply Important Personal Mantra
- The thing you do for your waiter as you leave a restaurant
Officially officiated by a moose, of course
So…what the heck is it then?
TIPM is an acronym for Totally Integrated Power Module. The TIPM controls the distribution of power throughout the entire vehicle via fuses and a computer.
This one’s for a 2008 Dodge Nitro
How Does It Work?
Complicated-computery-circuity-electronicy-wiry-type methods.
What Happens When It Doesn’t Work?
Since it sends power to every electrical component in a vehicle, a non-functional TIPM can yield:
- The vehicle not starting
- Headlights not working
- Brake lights not working
- Built-in cookie vending machine* not working
- Fuel pump failure or burnout
- Windshield wipers not working
No description necessary
Symptoms of a Bad TIPM
Here are some things that can happen with a failing TIPM:
- Headlights, windshield wipers, built-in cookie vending machine*, and other electrical components seem possessed because they are turning on and off randomly
- It takes a few tries to start the engine, and over time, it takes more tries until it doesn’t start at all
- The battery drains out within a day or two of replacing or charging it
- The vehicle stalls while driving, and takes some time to start back up
So, there you have it. Now you know what the heck a TIPM is NOT, what it IS, and symptoms to note that might point to a probably-going-to-fail TIPM, or PGTFTIPM (I just made that one up). Don’t forget to buy Mr. and Mrs. Penguin a wedding gift! They’re registered at Seattle Fish Company, Burlington Coat Factory, Tuxedo Junction, and Macys.
*If you have a built-in cookie vending machine in your vehicle, I will personally give you multiple high-fives.
Tell me what other automotive parts baffle you. I’ll tell you what the heck they are!
