TPMS Update

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The good news: Service is actually getting easier

BY MIKE MAVRIGIAN

WITH MORE THAN 15 YEARS OF real-world application of tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) in the U.S., we thought it was time for an update. We asked those who make TPMS products and tools to tell us about the latest trends and advancements.

But fi rst, let’s talk about servicing TPMS, and cover some precautions and tips to get it done right.

Inflation sensors/transmitters generally cost in the area of $50 to $150 each, depending on the application. In the majority of cases, if a problem does occur with system operation, the cause will probably be a damaged or failed sensor.

Since the inflation sensor/transmitter is located inside the wheel and hidden from exterior view, it is very possible to damage a sensor during tire demounting. Especially if the sensor is band-mounted and a rubber valve stem is visible, you may not be readily aware of the sensor’s presence. Talk to the vehicle owner and ask if they’ve had a tire pressure monitoring system installed.

Exercise care during tire demounting to avoid sensor damage caused by the tire iron. In other words, don’t blindly dig into the wheel cavity. If the wheels are equipped with OE stem-mounted sensors, these units will be located very close to the rim, so again, be careful. For tire demounting, some OE service manuals advise fi rst deflating the tire, then removing the sensor’s retaining nut and dropping the sensor inside the tire. This keeps the sensor out of harm’s way during bead breaking and demounting.

If the sensor is visible, be sure to note the ID number on the sensor. (This applies when replacing a sensor, or when a sensor is already in place and a tire is about to be mounted.) This ID number will be required for input when initiating or resetting. Remember to record the number on a piece of paper before mounting the tire.

Pay strict attention to torque specifications with re- gard to installing a stem-type TPMS sensor. Overtightening can damage the sensor.

Some TPMS will share the keyless entry’s receiver. This means that the remote key fob may be needed for specific procedures. Be careful to avoid “playing” with the key fob remote during any sensor procedures.

Don’t replace wheel sensor parts haphazardly. Some sensors feature aluminum caps and nickel-plated cores. The end of the valve stem may serve as the sensor’s antenna. Only replace cores or caps with the correct originals.

Use only a high quality pressure gauge when filling or checking tire pressure on any TPMS. The sensors found on direct TPMS are very sensitive and precise. Using a dime-store gauge, or a miscalibrated air gauge at a service station or car wash location, can lead to slight over- or under-inflation, which may be enough to cause a system warning light to activate.

Quality pressure gauges have always been necessary, but the use of TPMS creates an even greater need for accurate readings.

One final service tip: resetting a TPMS is required if any of a number of procedures are performed, including tire pressure correction(s), tire/wheel rotation, tire/ wheel replacement, TPMS sensor replacement, receiver antenna replacement, TPMS control unit replacement, or loss of vehicle battery power.

Note the battery life conditions at each tire location. In this example, the left rear tire battery (in red) shows a failing battery. This not only lets the technician be aware of the need to replace a sensor, but it serves as a selling aid to show to the customer, explaining that if one battery is dead, the others are sure to follow soon. (courtesy 31 Inc.)

31 Inc.

John Rice at 31 Inc. says TPMS has long been a thorn in the side of the tire technician.

Misinformation, mis-informed salespeople and a lack of reliable information all contribute to the confusion surrounding TPMS service.

Nothing takes the place of a reliable support system, but I am here to say it is out there: 24/7 technical support, websites like tpmsnetwork.com, and YouTube videos are all just a phone call or mouse click away.

Here are three things that are new in TPMS:

1. Tools that display sensor battery status. These tools continue to evolve. As an example, The Smart Sensor Elite Tool now displays sensor battery status. When a sensor is scanned, and the sensor battery is low, the tool clearly identifies the low sensor with a red battery symbol. If the battery is OK, the sensor battery symbol is green. This display also allows you to easily show this to the customer, explaining the need to replace a sensor. In addition, it can serve as a selling aid to explain that if one sensor battery is low, it won’t be long before the remaining sensor batteries begin to fail.

2 . Tools that make it easy to keep them up to date. Keeping your TPMS tool updated is a must if you want to avoid unnecessary and/or costly delays.

Besides a tool that won’t power ON, a tool that is not updated can be just as frustrating. Keeping your TPMS tool updated is a must if you want to avoid unnecessary/costly delays. Imagine having a car up on lift, an impatient customer in the waiting area, and you find out that the software on your tool doesn’t include the vehicle you are working on. Some TPMS

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