High beams go out momentarily?

2012 RAM 1500
92,000 MILES • 5.7L • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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82CORVETTE
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After a few miles driving with the highbeams the headlights, dash lights, etc. go out for a couple seconds and then come back on. When this happens you see kind of a flash and the warning lights come on momentarily then everything goes back to normal. I have replaced the headlight switch with a factory OEM part, removed and completely cleaned the TIPM. I did not find any corrosion or burnt places on the TIPM. I changed the relays and also replaced all of the headlight bulbs. This happens whether I’m on automatic or I manually turn the headlights on. I have checked every Connection that I can put my hand on. We have owned this truck since it was new and it has never been wrecked or abused in any way. We did have the recall done on the airbag several years ago and have since replaced the clock spring because the steering wheel heater quit. Everything else on the truck works like it did when it was new.
Aug 9, 2026 at 9:52 AM
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STRAILER
  • Experienced Mechanic
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That is a nice truck!! Okay lets fix this problem for you. Since the issue is intermittent we will need to test when the lights are out or do a CAN scan which may guide us in the right direction, this video will help.


CAN SCAN - https://youtu.be/u-4syLc-ifQ

I can tell you I have seen the TIPM go bad on these trucks and you will need to replace it to fix it. Here is the wiring diagrams so you can see how the system works, the TIPM supplies the power and grounds. So the wiring is bad, (doubtful) or the TIPM needs replacement.
Aug 10, 2026 at 11:03 AM
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82CORVETTE
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I did not see any corrosion or anything burned anywhere. It basically looks new but I understand that you can’t go by looks. Do you recommend a service that rebuilds my original TIPM? A new one aftermarket is kind of expensive and I don’t know how good they are.
Aug 10, 2026 at 1:11 PM
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STRAILER
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,214 POSTS
Yep, that is tough to say if a rebuilt one works then I would go for that, also you might want to check ebay for a good used tipm.
Aug 11, 2026 at 7:02 AM
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