The 2007 Dodge Ram 2500 has two electrical trouble spots that keep coming up: the WCM (Wireless Control Module) in the steering column and the TIPM (Total Integrated Power Module), which is basically the main fuse box that runs the truck's major systems.
The WCM fails without warning and prevents the truck from starting. One owner's truck wouldn't start after sitting in a parking lot for five minutes. According to the owner's research of a Chrysler service bulletin, static discharge from inserting the key causes permanent WCM failure. Replacement units fail again within days, yet Chrysler denies warranty coverage once your truck is out of warranty.
The TIPM is the bigger problem. Multiple owners describe it failing while driving, causing sudden loss of steering, brakes, and engine power—exactly the kind of thing that kills people. Some owners report the TIPM catching fire or smoking. Others describe it misfiring, activating windshield wipers, horn, lights, and washer all at once while the truck dies mid-road. Still others report headlights going out randomly at night, turn signals operating backwards, AC dying, and rear window switches failing. One owner needed the TIPM replaced, wiring repaired, cluster rebuilt, and new bulbs—and the headlights still died unpredictably. Dealers charge about $1,000 to replace the TIPM and say parts are on three-week backorder. Owners document repeated failures of the replacement units.
Failure modes owners describe
Wireless Control Module (WCM) failure - no-start condition
The WCM in the steering column fails without warning, preventing vehicle startup. According to owner research citing a Chrysler service bulletin, the cause is static electric discharge when inserting the ignition key, particularly on cold dry days. Replaced WCMs often fail again within days.
When: Without warning; can occur while vehicle is parked
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start despite no prior indication of problems; Complete loss of starting capability after WCM failure
Repairs/costs cited: WCM replacement; owner reports towing and dealer repair required; replacements fail again requiring repeated repairs
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler service bulletin acknowledges cause is static discharge; owners report Chrysler refuses design corrections; repairs covered under warranty only
TIPM (Total Integrated Power Module) failure - complete electrical loss
The TIPM, which controls all major electrical components, fails causing simultaneous loss of multiple systems including steering, braking, and engine power. Failures can occur while vehicle is in motion, creating dangerous loss of vehicle control.
When: Can occur while driving; one reported occurrence at 119,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of steering control; Loss of braking control; Engine dies while in motion; Vehicle becomes inoperable; Multiple random electrical system failures simultaneously
Repairs/costs cited: $1,000 repair; parts reportedly on 3-week backorder from Dodge; no fix except complete replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Multiple recalls and class action lawsuit against Chrysler; Dodge customer service denies responsibility for out-of-warranty vehicles
TIPM failure - uncontrolled electrical activation
The TIPM malfunctions causing random simultaneous activation of multiple unrelated electrical components (horn, wipers, lights, radio, washer) while driving, followed by complete no-start condition. Two owners reported smoke coming from the TIPM fuse box during these events.
When: Can occur at any speed while driving; also reported while parked
Symptoms owners cite: Horn honking involuntarily; Windshield wipers activating without input; Washer spraying uncontrollably; Hazard lights and dome light activating; Radio activating; Vehicle loses all power and will not restart; Smoke from TIPM fuse box
Repairs/costs cited: Approximately $1,000 repair cost; one 80-mile towing charge noted
Turn signal malfunction - reversed operation
Turn signal switch fails or contacts overheat, causing turn signal to operate in opposite direction from what driver signals. More frequent on cold mornings and after rain. Owner research indicates this has caused traffic accidents.
When: Frequently on cold mornings and after rain; needs constant replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Turn signal blinks in opposite direction than signaled; Turn signal does not work or blinks incorrectly; Rear turn signals and brake lights not working; Turn signal indicator flashes too fast
Repairs/costs cited: Turn signal switch replacement; one diagnostic cost noted at $55
Headlight failure - loss of illumination while driving
Headlights shut off randomly while driving at any speed, creating complete inability to see the road. Problem persists despite multiple repair attempts including TIPM replacement, cluster rebuild, new bulbs, wiring checks, and short repairs.
When: At random times at night; happens at slow and fast speeds; also occurs when parked
Symptoms owners cite: Headlights shut off while driving; Complete inability to see on freeway or dark roads; Lights blink out intermittently; Lights go out completely
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to resolve; attempted repairs include TIPM replacement, cluster rebuild, wiring shorts repair, new bulbs
Rear door window switch failure
Passenger side rear window will not roll up when actuated from driver's side control switch panel, though it operates when controlled manually. Problem is widespread on 3rd generation Dodge Ram pickups according to owner internet forum research.
Symptoms owners cite: Rear window will not roll up from driver-side control switch; Rear window rolls down but not back up from driver controls
Repairs/costs cited: Indicates rear door wiring harness failure common on 3rd gen Dodge Rams
TIPM fire and power distribution failure
Power distribution module and TIPM catch on fire, causing engine to die. In one case, vehicle was parked; in another, failure occurred while driving on highway in traffic. Starter kept running after fire until battery cables were disconnected. Second occurrence in same vehicle within 3 years.
When: First occurrence while parked; second occurrence while driving on highway in traffic
Symptoms owners cite: Fuse box or TIPM catches fire; Smoke coming from electrical box; Engine dies; Starter continues running after power loss; Flames coming from defrost vents
Repairs/costs cited: Fire damage requires dealer repair; vehicle was inoperable after fire
TIPM/AC system failure
TIPM failure causes AC system to fail. TIPM controls many functions on the Ram 2500 and is failing at high rates according to owner assessment.
Symptoms owners cite: AC system failure
Repairs/costs cited: $1,100 per repair; can only be replaced by dealer
TIPM - air compressor/airbag system impact
TIPM defect causes air compressor to not engage, raising owner safety concerns about whether airbag system will operate properly since it is also controlled by the TIPM.
Symptoms owners cite: Air compressor fails to engage
Computer system module stalling - recurrent failure
Computer system module (likely TIPM or related component) causes engine stall while vehicle is in motion. Problem recurs immediately after dealer replacement, with stall happening the day after repair.
When: 119,000 miles noted; failure recurred within one day of replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning while driving uphill at low speed; Recurrent stalling after repair
Repairs/costs cited: Computer system module replacement; failure recurred requiring second repair
Synthesized from 18 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.