Electrical issues after window tint

[Emmorel43]

Hi everyone—this is my first post, and I really appreciate the input and perspective from other Ram owners.
I’ve been chasing an electrical issue, mainly with exterior lighting (headlights / brake lights / tail lights). I’ve searched online but haven’t found a clear answer for my situation.
What happened
I did a window tint strip on the windshield, and immediately afterward my horn started blaring and the lights were flashing (basically a full electrical freak-out).
What I tried
• Disconnected the battery and left it overnight
• Reconnected the cables the next day
• The truck started normally and the check engine light went off
What’s still wrong
I still have lighting problems—specifically:
• Right rear tail light is out
• Brake lights are out
• Some exterior lights work, but a few don’t
What I’m trying to figure out
Since some lights work and most other systems seem fine, does this point more toward:
• A bad BCM that needs replacement, or
• A ground / low-voltage issue, or
• A fuse / wiring problem?
I’m not very mechanically inclined, but I went ahead and bought a Security Gateway bypass cable. My plan is to test each module and see if anything throws a BCM-related code before I take it to the dealership and potentially spend thousands on a BCM replacement.
I also found a company in Atlanta called UpFix that says they can repair BCMs for my Ram, but I’m worried they’ll get it and tell me there’s nothing wrong with it.
My current plan is to wait for the bypass cable to arrive Friday, run scans/tests, and go from there—but I wanted to ask the group:
Can a BCM that’s had water intrusion actually be repaired, or is it usually a replacement situation?

 

[CHeYeNNe71]

Most times if fried, needs replaced.

 

[Emmorel43]

View attachment 212955

Most times if fried, needs replaced.

Thanks for the response and a replacing was my initial plan but after researching, I found Upfix who said they can repair a BCM with water intrusion and won’t require any reprogramming. I just wanted to gauge what the group thinks about this or if they’ve heard of such a thing?

 

[CHeYeNNe71]

Thanks for the response and a replacing was my initial plan but after researching, I found Upfix who said they can repair a BCM with water intrusion and won’t require any reprogramming. I just wanted to gauge what the group thinks about this or if they’ve heard of such a thing?

How much and do they have a guarantee? Majority I see replace them. If able to fix, would hopefully be better.

 

[Emmorel43]

How much and do they have a guarantee? Majority I see replace them. If able to fix, would hopefully be better.

$400 to repair and if they deem nothing wrong they charge an inspection fee.

 

[CHeYeNNe71]

$400 to repair and if they deem nothing wrong they charge an inspection fee.

That doesn't seem to bad. I'm not sure what a new BCM costs.

 

[RHO]

$400 to repair and if they deem nothing wrong they charge an inspection fee.

other thing is if they can fix it and you don't have to pay for it to get set up ( programmed) at the dealership.

 

[HSKR R/T]

Hi everyone—this is my first post, and I really appreciate the input and perspective from other Ram owners.
I’ve been chasing an electrical issue, mainly with exterior lighting (headlights / brake lights / tail lights). I’ve searched online but haven’t found a clear answer for my situation.
What happened
I did a window tint strip on the windshield, and immediately afterward my horn started blaring and the lights were flashing (basically a full electrical freak-out).
What I tried
• Disconnected the battery and left it overnight
• Reconnected the cables the next day
• The truck started normally and the check engine light went off
What’s still wrong
I still have lighting problems—specifically:
• Right rear tail light is out
• Brake lights are out
• Some exterior lights work, but a few don’t
What I’m trying to figure out
Since some lights work and most other systems seem fine, does this point more toward:
• A bad BCM that needs replacement, or
• A ground / low-voltage issue, or
• A fuse / wiring problem?
I’m not very mechanically inclined, but I went ahead and bought a Security Gateway bypass cable. My plan is to test each module and see if anything throws a BCM-related code before I take it to the dealership and potentially spend thousands on a BCM replacement.
I also found a company in Atlanta called UpFix that says they can repair BCMs for my Ram, but I’m worried they’ll get it and tell me there’s nothing wrong with it.
My current plan is to wait for the bypass cable to arrive Friday, run scans/tests, and go from there—but I wanted to ask the group:
Can a BCM that’s had water intrusion actually be repaired, or is it usually a replacement situation?

Pull the BCM out, open it up if you can and let it dry out. Could also run the truck with heat to the floor and on high to help dry it without removing. And also get the wire harness dried.

 

[firemedic10584]

As said, your BCM is likely fried. Probably have to have that replaced.