for form K1 line 11D do I need to put a negative sign or does turbo tax know to recognize this as a loss?

If you are entering a Form 1120S Schedule K-1 Box 11 Code D, a Section 179 deduction is expected to be negative (deduction).

Form 1065 Schedule K-1 Box 11 Code D is for Mining Exploration Costs Recapture, which would normally be a positive number (reversing an expense).