U0141 on Dodge: How to Diagnose & Fix
Lost Communication With Body Control Module "A"
1 Dodge model · 1 documented issue · 1 critical · $700-$1,100 repair
U0141 on Dodge by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
The Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM-7 generation) is the Challenger's central fuse-and-relay box and power-distribution computer, mounted in the engine bay. It manages nearly every electrical circuit, and a single failed solder joint, blown internal circuit-board trace, or — most commonly — a degraded internally-soldered fuel-pump relay can cripple the whole car. Because the fuel-pump (ASD) relay is hard-soldered into the TIPM circuit board (not a serviceable plug-in relay), owners cannot simply swap a relay. The dominant root cause is contamination/degradation of the sealed relay contacts (silicone vapor that hardens into insulation and burns under load) compounded by water/moisture intrusion and corrosion of the board, which is why failures are intermittent and often produce no stored trouble codes. The result is a cluster of seemingly unrelated, hard-to-diagnose faults: a relay stuck OFF causes random no-start, no fuel-pump prime, and mid-drive stalling; a relay stuck ON causes the fuel pump to run continuously and drain the battery overnight. This is the root cause behind the model's worst CarComplaints electrical category — the 2013 Challenger alone has a dedicated "bad TIPM" complaint cluster, with failures averaging around 43,000 miles (reported range roughly 8,000–76,000 miles), well within the life of the car. Critically for Challenger owners, the fuel-pump-relay recall campaigns (NHTSA 15V-115 / Safety Recall R09 and the 2019 redo 19V-813) covered the Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee — NOT the Challenger. NHTSA's recall list for the Challenger shows only airbag and alternator campaigns, no TIPM recall, so Challenger owners pay out of pocket (commonly ~$700–$1,100). The 2008–2014 (LC-body) cars share the TIPM-7 implicated across the Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep lineup; 2010–2014 see the heaviest complaint volume.
Common Symptoms
- Engine cranks but will not start, intermittently or completely
- Fuel pump does not prime/buzz at key-on (no fuel pressure)
- Engine stalls or shuts off while driving with no warning
- Fuel pump runs continuously after shutdown, draining the battery
- Dead/drained battery overnight or after sitting a few days
- Random electrical gremlins: headlights, interior lights, wipers, or horn activating on their own
- Power windows or door locks operating by themselves
- Multiple simultaneous warning lights (check engine, ABS, traction control, airbag)
- Key fob not recognized / no-crank condition
- Transmission unresponsive or stuck in limp mode
- Dealer finds no stored trouble codes despite the symptoms (intermittent)
How to Fix
Diagnose first, because TIPM failures frequently store no codes and mimic a dead fuel pump, bad ignition switch, or weak battery. Confirm the fuel pump does NOT prime/buzz for ~2 seconds at key-on, check for power at the pump connector during cranking, and inspect the TIPM for water staining, corrosion, or melted/discolored terminals. A telling field test: lightly tapping or flexing the TIPM while a helper cranks can momentarily restore the connection and start the car — confirming an internal relay/solder fault (a diagnostic clue, not a repair). Repair options, cheapest to most durable: (1) Fuel-pump-relay bypass — install an external aftermarket relay kit (or VV-style plug-in bypass module) that takes the fuel pump load off the failing internal relay; lowest cost (~$50–$150 plus labor) and resolves the most common no-start/no-prime failure mode. (2) Professional TIPM rebuild/repair — specialty shops (e.g., Circuit Board Medics, MAKS/TIPM Rebuilders) re-solder and replace the failed relays/board components for roughly $200–$400 with a warranty; you ship your unit or swap, no dealer programming needed. (3) OEM TIPM replacement at the dealer — typically $700–$1,100+ for the part plus diagnosis and required dealer flash/programming to your VIN (a replacement TIPM will not work until it is programmed). Because the Challenger is excluded from the fuel-pump-relay recall, none of this is covered free unless the car is still under warranty — confirm your VIN against NHTSA recalls regardless, since campaign scope occasionally expands.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- MAKS/TIPM Rebuilders repair-and-return service for base TIPM 04692270
Repair the owner's original module only after power, ground, pump and terminal testing points to an internal TIPM failure Fitment: Exact 2008 Challenger/base-number 04692270 service; read the label on the original module before ordering …
- MAKS/TIPM Rebuilders repair-and-return service for base TIPM 68059370
Repair the original 2010 module after the no-prime/no-start fault is electrically isolated to the TIPM Fitment: Exact 2010 Challenger/base-number 68059370 service; module-label confirmation is mandatory $239 and Add to Cart on the live U…
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Sources for this issue (1)
U0141 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does U0141 mean on a Dodge?
U0141 stands for "Lost Communication With Body Control Module "A"." Sets when a module loses data-bus communication with Body Control Module 'A' on vehicles using multiple/lettered BCMs, and no longer receives its expected messages. On Dodge it is documented across 1 model: Challenger.
What are the most common causes of U0141?
The most common causes of U0141 are: Open or shorted bus wiring to BCM A, Corroded or loose connector / poor ground, Blown fuse / lost power feed, Low battery voltage, Failed body control module A. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix U0141 on a Dodge?
Published repair estimates on Dodge range from $700 to $1,100 depending on the model and root cause. If an issue mentions a recall or campaign, check your VIN with the manufacturer or NHTSA and confirm eligibility and coverage with a dealer.
Looking for U0141 on a different make?
View U0141 across all makes →Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.