TPMS Tire Service: Why, Where And When – UnderhoodService

TPMS Tire Service: Why, Where And When

To understand any TPMS relearn procedure, you have to understand this: sensors only transmit, they do not receive. No vehicle asks a sensor for information on how it is doing. I know you're thinking a sensor does receive signals when the vehicle is in relearn mode and the technician holds a TPMS tool to the sidewall of a tire. The tool excites the transmitting antenna with either a magnet or a radio signal at a preset frequency. This is more like a "poke" or "nudge" that triggers the device.

To understand any TPMS relearn procedure, you have to understand this: SENSORS ONLY TRANSMIT, THEY DO NOT RECEIVE. 
 
No vehicle asks a sensor for information on how it is doing. I know you’re thinking a sensor does receive signals when the vehicle is in relearn mode and the technician holds a TPMS tool to the sidewall of a tire. The tool excites the transmitting antenna with either a magnet or a radio signal at a preset frequency. This is more like a “poke” or “nudge” that triggers the device. Some early sensors do not have this feature and require the technician to deflate by 10 psi in 20 seconds during the relearn procedure. 
 
When the sensor is poked, it will transmit its sensor ID and other required information. This must be done in a pre-determined sequence so the vehicle module knows  where each sensor is positioned. 
Normal Operation

In normal operation, sensors transmit information at programed intervals when the accelerometer is activated by movement or if the pressure sensor detects sudden deflation of the tire. When it is moving, it is transmitting information in 15, 30 or 60 second intervals depending on the application.
 
The sensor will also stay active approximately 10-20 minutes after the car is park. Knowing the exact amount of time required for the sensor to go to sleep can be helpful for some relearn procedures. If a relearn procedure is attempted on some vehicles with the sensors active, it can make the relearn procedure impossible because the system might hear more than one sensor talking at a time. 
Signal Strength 

courtesy of bartec

The sensor has to last at least seven years on the same battery. This means that the transmission from the sensor is relatively weak when compared to other radio signals that could be in its surroundings. But the signal only has to travel a few inches or a few yards depending on the application. 
 
For an outside device to interfere with a TPMS signal, it must do three things. First, it must be transmitting a signal in the same bandwidth.
 
Second, it must be transmitting for a long enough period of time that it interferers with multiple transmissions from the sensor. Third, it must transmit a signal with the same code or protocols as the sensor. In other words, the

courtesy of bartec

 interference must occur at the right time, right place, while saying the right things.
 
Cell phones cannot interfere with a TPMS system. The same is true with BlueTooth devices. Their signals are not continuous and they are not in the same bandwidth. 
 
The biggest problem for some sensors and systems is sensors from other vehicles transmitting during the relearn procedure. Some OEMs recommend that the relearn process is performed away from other vehicles and outside.
 
The main culprit for sensor interface during the relearn process is not a 

courtesy of bartec

high-tech gadget, but the car itself. Sometimes a sensor can have its signal blocked by a brake caliper, control arm or other large metal object placed between the sensor and antenna. The only solution is to move the car forward a few feet to unblock the signal. 
 
On some vehicles, the wiring harness or electronic accessory can create problems if the wires get close to the antenna. CAN Bus or other serial data wires can interfere with TPMS signals if the data wires get close to the antenna.
 
Saving IDs
If a tire is dismounted or the sensor is disturbed, the TPMS sensor ID# 

courtesy of bartec

should be recorded and saved in the customer’s records. Also, some scan tools can read and store the IDs. Regardless of the method, save the IDs. In some cases, a camera can be used to capture the ID.  
 
Why? It comes down to productivity.
 
First, it can save you from having to dismount a tire to check the ID number once the relearn process has started and a dead or inactive sensor has been detected. In some cases, a transmitter may not function properly and may need to be replaced. For this procedure, the system must be reset so the control module can relearn the transmitted ID of the replaced sensor.
 

courtesy of Bartec

Second, depending on the type of sensor you are using, having the ID can help you code or program a new sensor. 
 
Third, if you have a repair where the keyless entry systems or TPMS module have been replaced, having the sensor IDs and locations can help during the relearn process when writing IDs to the vehicle. 
Last, it can serve as a way to check that the TPMS module has the correct IDs written onto the module. 
Take Your Time
Technicians can become frustrated by new sensors stuck in storage or “super sleep” mode. Sensor makers are puttin sensors in this mode to increase their shelf life by conserving the battery. Waking up a new sensor may require a rapid deflation or driving. Check the service information or the sensor’s manufacturer information.
 
When a relearn process is started, vehicles want only one sensor talking at a time. Sometimes all of the sensors are active and sending out signals because the vehicle was repositioned or there is radio interference. For the sensors to go into a sleep mode, the car has to be still for a set amount of time (which varies from vehicle to vehicle). If you are having a difficult time with a relearn procedure, let the vehicle sit for 20 minutes. This should put the sensors into sleep mode, and then you can turn the sensors on one at a time so the IDs and positions can be read by the TPMS system.
 
Most TPMS systems are smart enough to realize that something is interfering with the signals, and will disregard a bad sample and wait for the next transmission from the sensor before turning on the light and warning the customer. By that time,  the vehicle has moved away from the interference source.  

You May Also Like

Auto Care Association Launches REPAIR Act Video

The goal is to emphasize the need for federal REPAIR Act legislation, according to the Auto Care Association.

The Auto Care Association launched a new Right to Repair video campaign, featuring independent repair shop owners from across the United States share their stories and shed light on the increased challenges independent repair shops are facing with accessing repair data to service their customers’ vehicles. 

The video campaign emphasizes the need for the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair Act (“REPAIR” Act), which ensures vehicle owners and repair shops have access to tools and data needed to keep cars and trucks on the road safer, longer.

ASE Education Foundation, Goodguys Continue Partnership

Goodguys is one of many industry relationships the foundation has developed to help solve the technician shortage.

Valvoline Celebrates Female Service Center Employees

As women make up more than half of all drivers in the United States, Valvoline is taking steps to increase their vehicle care confidence.

UniClutch Launches Clutch System in the United States

From Australian manufacturer Clutch Industries, UniClutch is a clutch system that delivers uncompromised performance.

Automotive Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2024 Inductees

Six honorees whose efforts helped shape the automotive and mobility marketplace will be recognized.

Other Posts

Tesla Model 3 TPMS Service

Resetting and programming TPMS sensors for a Tesla is a lot like any other vehicle, and the challenge is still the same: keeping the light off.

Castrol Turns 125, Debuts New Market Strategy

As part of the new strategy, Castrol will explore opportunities in battery thermal management, digital and service solutions and data center immersion cooling.

Valvoline Global to Debut Ad During Super Bowl Pre-Game

The company will showcase its Restore & Protect motor oil in a 30-second ad before Super Bowl LVIII.

Litens Adds Distribution Footprint via Acquisition

With the acquisition, Litens is set to improve its overall customer experience through enhanced communication capabilities and increased flexibility that enables Litens to further meet diverse customer demands with ease.