Here’s a rundown of the top technical service bulletins related to TPMS. These TSBs should be analyzed by every technician that services TPMS.
Audi
TSB Number: 4413382034445/1
Models: 2010-’14 A4/S4, A5/S5 and Q5
Summary: This TSB addresses TPMS MIL lights that are not related to a loss of pressure. The TPMS light may illuminate if there is a problem with the ABS, ESP or EPB modules. The TSB also discusses how to diagnose a 03159 DTC.
Ford
TSB Number: 12-6-2
Models: 2009-’11 Ford Edge and Mercury MKX
Condition: Corrosion on the lip of 22-in. wheels and whiskers/vents on the tire’s bead seat may cause the TPMS to illuminate.
Solution: Disassemble the rim and tire and clean the rim flange and tire bead with a Scotch-Brite pad.
GM
TSB Number: 00-00-90-002K
Models: All GM vehicles with direct TPMS systems.
Summary: This TSB is an advisory stating that adjustment of tire pressures is not a warranty procedure. It also defines a cold tire as one sitting for at least three hours and advises against the use of non-GM tire sealants.
Infiniti
TSB Number: ITB13-034
Models: 2014 Q50 (hybrid)
Summary: This lengthy TSB outlines the TPMS sensor registration process that is required for the Q50. The Q50 requires the use of a scan tool, dedicated TPMS tool and the newer J-45295A activation tool.
TSB Number: ITB13-039
Models: All Infiniti vehicles with TPMS.
Summary: This superseded bulletin discusses every detail about servicing Infiniti vehicles that have TPMS. This seven-page TSB discusses everything from aftermarket wheels to sensor leaks.
TSB Number: 12-29 (Also Nissan TSB Number 10114B)
Models: All Infiniti (Nissan) models with TPMS.
Subject: Damage to TPMS sensors.
Infiniti pulls no punches here! The luxury brand of Nissan tackles two of the leading causes of sensor damage. Infiniti tells technicians that deep well, long-reach air chucks can break and bend stems on TPMS sensors. It even advises against the use of locking chucks. The TSB recommends the use of shallow chucks without extensions. While some automakers have stated that some sealants are compatible with their TPMS sensors, Infiniti states that some sealants and propellants can crack the housing of its sensors. The photos in the TSB are hard to dispute.
TSB Number: 12-046A
Models: 2013 JX35
Subject: A TPMS registration procedure.
This TSB is of little consequence to technicians who use an aftermarket scan tool to register IDs with the TPMS module. The procedures discussed concern new hardware and software for the Consult III scan tool.
Jaguar
TSB Number: JTB-00297NAS1
Models: 2014 F-Type, 2010- XJ Range
Summary: This TSB contains 12 tips about servicing Jaguar TPMS.
1. Using a scan tool to observe tire PIDS.
2. How to use service kits.
3. The use of incorrect sensors.
4. The TG1B sensor non-serviceable valve stem on the F-Type.
5. The TG1B service kit.
6. TG1C sensor availability.
7. The TG1C service kit.
8. TG1C valve stem service.
9. Tire mounting and dismounting procedures.
10. Valve-core replacement.
11. Dealing with excessive loads on stems.
12. TSB JTB-00224 diagnostic procedures.
TSB Number: JTB-001654
Subject: Loss of pressure during inflation.
Jaguar issued this TSB to advise technicians to be careful with valve stems during inflation or valve cap removal. The TSB advises strongly against metal valve stem caps that can cause galvanic corrosion. It also advises that if the customer has used non-approved valve caps, all four or five sensors should be replaced.
Land Rover
TSB Number: LTB-00542NAS1
Models: 2008-current
Summary: This is the end-all and be-all TSB for Land Rover TPMS. The seven-page TSB discusses diagnostics, sensors and service.
Lexus
TSB Numbers:
L-SB0026-13, L-SB0052-13, L-SB0033-13
Models: 2014 IS250
Summary: While these TSBs fall under the pre-delivery category, these do include some of the best explanations on how late-model Toyota TPMS work and how to reprogram them. Lexus has been doing this for the past three years.
Mazda
TSB Number: 02-003/13
Models: 2013-’14 CX-5, Mazda3 and Mazda6
Summary: This TSB explains the logic behind the TPMS light. It goes deeper to show how the different modules share the information on a serial data bus. This TSB explains several scenarios that could cause the TPMS light to illuminate.
TSB Number: 02003-12
Model: 2013 CX-5
Subject: Activation of sensors.
This TSB describes how the TPMS operates and how to service the system. The TSB instructs technicians on how to relearn sensor positions and diagnose possible symptoms of a problem.
Mercedes-Benz
TSB Number: L140, 1-P-056178
Models: SL models with the 231 chassis.
Summary: Mercedes outlines how to solve fault code C158100 for rear wheel localization failure.
Mitsubishi
TSB Number:
12-31-001
Models: All models with direct TPMS from 2004-’12.
Subject: TPMS general service procedures.
This 11-page TSB outlines how to service and diagnose Mitsubishi vehicles equipped with TPMS. This is one of the most complete TSBs ever published. This is a must-read that should be printed out and shared with your entire tire service team.
Nissan
TSB Number: WT 13-005
Models: All Nissan vehicles with TPMS.
Summary: This superseded bulletin discusses every detail about servicing Nissan vehicles that have TPMS. This 11-page TSB discusses everything from aftermarket wheels to sensor leaks.
Toyota Scion
TSB Number: SB0001-12
Subject: Inflation pressure temperature compensation.
Scion released this TSB to inform technicians how ambient temperatures can influence tire pressure. The release includes a chart that plots temperature and pressure. This TSB will help you determine the correct tire pressure in all seasons. SB0001-12 is another “must print” TSB for technicians.
Volkswagen
TSB Number: 4412-02
Models: 2012-13 CC
Summary: This TSB informs technicians that some CC models may experience a loss of signal from a single or multiple TPMS sensors. The only solution is to replace all four sensors with updated sensors from HUF.
Volvo
Recall: 256
Models: 2013 S80 and XC70
Summary: This recall involves flash reprogramming the Central Electronic Module so the TPMS conforms with FMVSS 138. n
