The 115V outlet on your dashboard is dead. You plugged in a charger, but the light stayed off. This is a common issue for truck owners. The most likely cause is a blown fuse in the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM). For the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500, finding the correct fuse is the first step to getting your power back.
The fuse for the power inverter in a 2009 Dodge Ram is typically located in slot M33. It is usually a 25-amp fuse. If this fuse blows, the outlet on your dash will not supply power to your devices. Replacing it takes less than five minutes and requires no special tools other than a fuse puller or needle-nose pliers.
09 Dodge Ram Power Inverter Fuse Location
Finding the fuse box in a 4th Generation Ram (2009-2018) is simple. You do not need to crawl under the dashboard. The power distribution center is located under the hood.
Follow these steps to access it:
- Open the hood: Secure it with the prop rod.
- Locate the box: Look on the driver’s side of the engine bay, near the battery. It is a large black box with a plastic lid.
- Remove the cover: Push the two plastic tabs on the side of the box and lift the lid.
- Read the diagram: The underside of the lid has a map. Look for the label M33.
The M33 slot protects the power inverter/outlet circuit. In some models, depending on the trim package (SLT, Laramie, etc.), you might also want to check fuse M6 or M7 if M33 appears fine, as these control other power outlets (cigar lighters) which sometimes share grounding paths.
Identifying a Blown Fuse
Once you pull the M33 fuse, you need to check if it is bad. A good fuse has a continuous metal strip inside the plastic casing. A blown fuse will have a broken strip or a dark, burnt mark in the center.
Visual Check Steps:
- Pull the yellow or clear 25-amp fuse straight up.
- Hold it up to the sunlight or a flashlight.
- Look at the U-shaped wire inside.
- If the wire is separated, the fuse is trash. Replace it.
If the fuse looks clean and the wire is connected, your problem might be the inverter module itself or a wiring issue. We will cover that later.
Why Does the Inverter Fuse Blow?
Fuses do not blow for no reason. They are safety devices. They break the circuit to prevent wires from melting or catching fire. If your 09 Dodge Ram power inverter fuse keeps popping, you are likely overloading the system.
The factory inverter in a 2009 Ram is not a heavy-duty generator. It has strict limits. The system is rated for 150 Watts maximum. This is enough for small electronics, but not for power tools.
Common Overload Causes
| Device | Estimated Wattage | Safe for Ram Inverter? |
|---|---|---|
| Phone Charger | 5-20 Watts | Yes |
| Laptop Charger | 45-90 Watts | Yes |
| Drill Battery Charger | 50-200 Watts | Maybe (Check label) |
| Coffee Maker | 600+ Watts | NO (Will blow fuse) |
| Hair Dryer | 1000+ Watts | NO (Will blow fuse) |
Using a device that draws more than 150 watts creates too much heat. The fuse melts to save the truck. Always check the power brick on your device before plugging it in. If it says “Output: 200W” or higher, do not use the truck outlet.
Troubleshooting: The Fuse is Good, But Power is Off
Sometimes you check M33, and it looks perfect. Yet, the outlet is still dead. This is frustrating. In the 2009 Ram, the inverter system is “smart.” It communicates with the truck’s computer. It shuts down if it detects safety risks, even if the fuse is fine.
Watch the LED Light:
There is a small light on the outlet or the activation button.
- Solid Light: The system is on and working.
- Blinking Light: The inverter is in protection mode.
- No Light: No power (Fuse blown or module failure).
If the light is blinking, the inverter is not broken. It is protecting itself. This happens if the battery voltage is low. If your truck engine is off, the inverter may not run to save your battery for starting the truck. Start the engine and try again.
For a deeper look at how automotive electrical systems manage these loads, Wikipedia provides a good overview of automotive electrical storage.
How to Reset the Inverter Module
If the fuse is good and the engine is running, but the outlet won’t work, try a hard reset. Electronics in modern trucks can glitch. A reset forces the system to restart.
The Reset Procedure:
- Turn the truck off completely. Remove the key.
- Open the hood and disconnect the Negative (-) battery terminal. It is usually the black cable.
- Wait for 15 to 30 minutes. This drains the capacitors in the computer modules.
- Reconnect the negative cable. Tighten it securely.
- Start the truck and press the inverter button.
This clears temporary error codes in the TIPM. If the outlet works now, it was just a software glitch.
Replacing the Inverter Module
If you have replaced the 09 Dodge Ram power inverter fuse and tried the reset, but the unit is still dead, the inverter module itself might be fried. In the 2009 Ram, this module is located under the dashboard, usually on the passenger side or beneath the center console depending on your seating configuration.
Before buying a new one, check the wiring harness leading to the outlet. Sometimes, wires get pinched by the seat mechanism or the center console lid. A pinched wire causes a short circuit, which will blow your new fuse the second you put it in.
For official parts diagrams and specific module locations for your VIN, you can check resources like the official Mopar Owner’s Manual site.
Summary Checklist
Fixing your AC outlet does not have to be hard. Follow this logical order to save time and money:
- Step 1: Check what you plugged in. Is it over 150 Watts?
- Step 2: Open the hood and check fuse M33 in the TIPM.
- Step 3: Replace with a 25 Amp fuse if blown.
- Step 4: If the fuse is good, check for a blinking light on the outlet.
- Step 5: Disconnect the battery for 20 minutes to reset the computer.
Most of the time, a simple fuse swap gets you back on the road with full power.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the inverter located in a 2009 Dodge Ram?
The actual inverter box (the part that converts power) is usually mounted inside the cab. It is often located under the passenger seat or buried within the dashboard structure near the glove box. The outlet you see is just a plug connected to this hidden box.
Can I put a bigger fuse in slot M33?
No. Never use a fuse with a higher amperage rating than recommended. If you put a 30A or 40A fuse in a 25A slot, you risk melting the wires or starting an electrical fire. The wires are only thick enough to handle 25 amps.
Why is my inverter light blinking?
A blinking light means the system is in “protection mode.” This usually happens because the device you plugged in requires too much power, or the truck’s battery voltage is too low. Try unplugging the device or starting the engine to increase voltage.
Can I upgrade the factory inverter to more watts?
You cannot simply swap a part to get more power. The factory wiring is too thin to support a larger inverter. If you need more than 150 watts, you should install an aftermarket inverter connected directly to the truck’s battery with heavy-gauge cables.
What type of fuse does the 2009 Ram use?
The 2009 Ram uses a mix of fuse types in the TIPM. For the inverter (M33), it is typically a J-Case cartridge fuse or a standard Mini fuse, depending on the specific manufacturing run. Always take the old fuse with you to the auto parts store to match the size and shape exactly.