Great post BBF!
It's a sticky!
It's a sticky!
IPDM - ECU relay problems, symptoms and solution.
There is a recall involving the ECM relay, TSB NTB10-137b
The TSB list 04-06 but give the dealer a call anyway with your VIN.
As of late I have seen a lot of posts of trucks not starting, sputtering, or shutting off while driving. Most of these are usually because of the ECU relay failing or in some cases the whole IPDM board failing.
IPDM = Intelligence Power Distribution Module
Symptoms - there have been lots of different symptoms but all in all the truck usually will not idle right or can't even be started.
-truck dies while driving and can't be started
-sputtering like it's not getting gas
-rough idling
-usually no SES codes but might have a combination of other lights flashing or on.
-sometimes truck will die but will start up normally in a few minutes/hours then die again
-sometimes the truck cranks but will not start then start normally after that (an early sign of IPDM failure)
-battery is usually good cause I had full lights in the truck and all other stuff work
-I will add more to the symptoms list as I come across them
NascarJody was the first to post about swapping the ECU relay with the fog lights relay.
Note: this is a way to get you going and is not a permanent fix.
See image below
![]()
Location of IPDM box under the hood and how to remove
(you do not need to remove the IPDM out of the box but will need
to lift it up to access the lower row of relays)
![]()
Once you have swapped the relays and if the truck starts right up then you
know the ECU relay was the culprit.
FIX- a couple of choices.
-Get a new ECU relay (as I said before swapping the relay is not a permanent fix as the fog lights relay lacked a "protective diode", this protects the ECU from a power spike.
-Thanks to TitanBlue for finding the source of the correct relays but since it's only sold in lots of 50
-Thank you to RobKar for ordering and sending out the relays to those needed.
Relay model number: ACM33211
Even with a new IPDM board, I have some extra relays in the glove box.
-Get a new IPDM
-If you would rather get a new IPDM instead of just a relay, the part # for the new improved IPDM is 284B7-ZE03B
-I have read instances where swapping the relays did not help but the problems were solved once a new IPDM was installed.
-New IPDM cost about $100 or so, Swapping out the IPDM took me about 5 minutes in the driveway with a simple flathead screwdriver
-Unfortunately, you can NOT get the $100 IPDM anymore.
You can buy just the relay from the dealer. PN 284B7-CW29E
![]()
The latest IPDM part # 284B7-ZE03B Black in color.
The TSB list 04-06 but give the dealer a call anyway with your VIN.
As of late I have seen a lot of posts of trucks not starting, sputtering, or shutting off while driving. Most of these are usually because of the ECU relay failing or in some cases the whole IPDM board failing.
IPDM = Intelligence Power Distribution Module
Symptoms - there have been lots of different symptoms but all in all the truck usually will not idle right or can't even be started.
-truck dies while driving and can't be started
-sputtering like it's not getting gas
-rough idling
-usually no SES codes but might have a combination of other lights flashing or on.
-sometimes truck will die but will start up normally in a few minutes/hours then die again
-sometimes the truck cranks but will not start then start normally after that (an early sign of IPDM failure)
-battery is usually good cause I had full lights in the truck and all other stuff work
-I will add more to the symptoms list as I come across them
NascarJody was the first to post about swapping the ECU relay with the fog lights relay.
Note: this is a way to get you going and is not a permanent fix.
See image below
Location of IPDM box under the hood and how to remove
(you do not need to remove the IPDM out of the box but will need
to lift it up to access the lower row of relays)
Once you have swapped the relays and if the truck starts right up then you
know the ECU relay was the culprit.
FIX- a couple of choices.
-Get a new ECU relay (as I said before swapping the relay is not a permanent fix as the fog lights relay lacked a "protective diode", this protects the ECU from a power spike.
-Thanks to TitanBlue for finding the source of the correct relays but since it's only sold in lots of 50
-Thank you to RobKar for ordering and sending out the relays to those needed.
Relay model number: ACM33211
Even for those of you who have never had this problem, It would not be a bad idea to get an extra relay to keep in the truck.
Even with a new IPDM board, I have some extra relays in the glove box.
-Get a new IPDM
-If you would rather get a new IPDM instead of just a relay, the part # for the new improved IPDM is 284B7-ZE03B
-I have read instances where swapping the relays did not help but the problems were solved once a new IPDM was installed.
-New IPDM cost about $100 or so, Swapping out the IPDM took me about 5 minutes in the driveway with a simple flathead screwdriver
-Unfortunately, you can NOT get the $100 IPDM anymore.
You can buy just the relay from the dealer. PN 284B7-CW29E
The latest IPDM part # 284B7-ZE03B Black in color.
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Very simple job thought I would share my experience. Great thread Fanz
Tools needed:
1/8” flathead screwdriver
3/16” flathead screwdriver
![]()
![]()
1-Return your truck back to stock tune if you have a tune.
Remove both battery cables.
This is where the IPDM is located. Big black box nearest the firewall.
![]()
![]()
Push in mounting tabs on the IPDM this will allow it to slide up in its mounting track and allow for eventual removal. You can see the tabs at the top left and right in this picture.
![]()
Most of the wire harness plugs needed the smaller screwdriver but some I used the bigger one. If the plug does not come out easily then you have not pushed the retaining clip in far enough. There are 6 plugs to unplug and they are all different shapes/sizes so it makes it easy..
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
My new IPDM was missing one fuse. I didn’t look what it was for but just swapped it out from the old one.
![]()
Put the battery cables back on, took a big sip of Capn, crossed my fingers, and turned the key. Fired right up. 15 minute job but I would not want to do this on a hot day on the side of the road. Oh, my IPDM wasnt bad but wanted to do it anyway. Now I have a spare under my back seat
Tools needed:
1/8” flathead screwdriver
3/16” flathead screwdriver
1-Return your truck back to stock tune if you have a tune.
Remove both battery cables.
This is where the IPDM is located. Big black box nearest the firewall.
Push in mounting tabs on the IPDM this will allow it to slide up in its mounting track and allow for eventual removal. You can see the tabs at the top left and right in this picture.
Most of the wire harness plugs needed the smaller screwdriver but some I used the bigger one. If the plug does not come out easily then you have not pushed the retaining clip in far enough. There are 6 plugs to unplug and they are all different shapes/sizes so it makes it easy..
My new IPDM was missing one fuse. I didn’t look what it was for but just swapped it out from the old one.
Put the battery cables back on, took a big sip of Capn, crossed my fingers, and turned the key. Fired right up. 15 minute job but I would not want to do this on a hot day on the side of the road. Oh, my IPDM wasnt bad but wanted to do it anyway. Now I have a spare under my back seat
1 - 20 of 473 Posts
