TPMS Q&A: Placards, Disabling, Sensor Fit, Pins And 1020 kPh

TPMS Q&A: Placards, Disabling, Sensor Fit, Pins And 1020 kPh

Can Tire Pressure Monitoring be turned off? Will a tire pressure sensor fit in every wheel? Can the sensor be cleaned with a sharp pin? Keep reading to find out the answers to these questions as well as other questions relating to TPMS service.

Q: Can the Tire Type and/or Placard Value be changed if aftermarket tires or wheels are installed? 
 
A: The Tire Type (P Metric, LT Load Range C/D/E) and the Placard Value (Front Placard and Rear Placard, individually) are stored in the receiver as calibrations and can be revised on some vehicles through flash reprograming. Since the under-inflation threshold is calculated as a percentage of the placard; correcting the placard values when different tires are installed will bring the vehicle back into compliance.
Q: Can Tire Pressure Monitoring be turned off? 
 
A: No. Tire Pressure Monitoring is now a mandated safety system in the United States and cannot knowingly be disabled by an OEM nor an aftermarket service provider (49 USC 30101).
Q: Will a tire pressure sensor fit in every wheel? 
 
A: Stock wheels are designed to accommodate tire pressure sensors. Many aftermarket wheels also accommodate tire pressure sensors, but not all do. In some, the valve stem hole is placed in such a way (pointing straight into the middle of the wheel on some off-road wheels) that the motion detection components inside the sensor will not work correctly.
Q: Can the sensor be cleaned with a sharp pin? 
 
A: NEVER use a sharp object to clean the pressure port of the sensor; it can be damaged and lead to part failure. If the dirt/grime/obstruction 
cannot be removed with a cloth, replace the sensor.
Q: Why are dashes (" – – "), or a pressure value of 148 PSI (1020 kPa), sometimes displayed after a battery disconnect? 
 
A: These displays come up after a battery disconnect/reconnect because the system is waiting for updated pressure information to be sent from the tire pressure sensors. As each sensor transmits its information, the display is updated appropriately. Note that when dashes or 148 PSI (1020 kPa) are displayed after a battery disconnect/reconnect, the System Malfunction warning is NOT displayed because the system is still working properly, and simply waiting for updated information from the sensors. Driving the vehicle above 20 mph (32 km/h) for 2 minutes gets the sensors talking, and restores the correct pressure values to the display. It is also possible to restore the values by using a TPMS tool, using the "Activate" function at each tire to activate the sensor (it is NOT necessary to put the system into Learn mode, in this special case). 

You May Also Like

Timing BMW VANOS N53 And N54 

To service them, you will need the appropriate toolset to lock the crank and camshaft.

The BMW N53 (naturally aspired) and N54 (turbocharged) engines were among the first BMW engines to come with variable valve timing on the intake and exhaust camshafts. The N53 and N54 straight-six have unfairly earned a bad reputation for reliability with technicians due to timing chain and variable valve timing problems. The reputation comes from owners not keeping up with oil changes and it is difficult to check engine timing.

VW/Audi PCV Service

The PCV valve regulates the flow of gases from the crankcase.

Volvo Engine Service

There are many combinations for the Volvo modular engine.

Servicing Mercedes-Benz AMG Brakes

Take a look at some of the things you need to know in order to service the brakes on a Mercedes-Benz AMG vehicle.

AUDI Outside Air Temperature Readings

Incorrect readings can be avoided.

Other Posts

BCA Bearings Unveils 2024 Endless Summer Promotion

The Endless Summer promotion runs from May 1 through June 30, 2024.

ZF Expands SACHS CDC Shock Line for U.S., Canada

The release expands ZF’s line by more than 70% reflecting growing demand for advanced damping technology in the aftermarket.

Philips Announces Xperion 6000 LED Under Hood Work Light

It features a motion detection switch that allows mechanics to turn the light on and off with a wave of their hand.

Snap-on Announces Latest Software Release

The latest software includes new coverage, guided component tests and features.