Info On Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)

[mace]

i made a review of the aftermarket smart tire system, in the tires and wheels section. enjoy !

[03ExplorerSPT]

I have the 3rd-Eye TPMS system. I've had it since summer. It's similar to the Smart-Tire system.

http://www.vivaperformance.com/catal...e8f04c8d22bdbe

[sstas]

Hey guys

You all seem to know a lot about this pressure monitoring system, so I figured I'd pick your brains.

I've got an '03 Explorer LE. Last week, the oil pressure guage stopped working and I was forced to replace the whole dashboard display. After I got the truck back, I got an error saying "Tire Pressure System Fault". It never said anything about pressure being low, just that there is a system fault. I hit the reset button and it clears, but every time I restart the truck, it comes back up.

Is it possible that the mechanic forgot to make a necessary connection from the pressure system to the dashboard?

He's got it now and working on fixing that issue, but I'd like to know what could possibly have caused that so I know if I'm getting screwed or not when I go pick it up.

Thanks

[davmtz01]

Hello everyone! First, I like to start by saying you all have given me tons of very important information and I'm glad you are here!

Well, I have 2006 Explorer XLS. I'm really enjoing it! I just bought some aftermarket 20" wheels, looks pretty cool. That aside, I can't seem to get the "Tire Monitor Fault" light to go away. Talk about a pain! I had the old sensors reinstalled and no luck. Assuming those were damaged I had some new ones installed by the dealership and still no luck (it only worked temporarily). Putting all the money I've spent which has been close to the price of the wheels and tires themself, I don't have the time or patience anylonger. What I'd like to do is just disable the whole thing. Does any know how to disable the "Tire Monitor Fault" option. The dealership says there is a way but they won't do it. I'm at a loss, can anyone help?

Desperate, Dave

[mark.p.shock]

Originally Posted by ExplorerDMB

Currently aftermarket companies are trying to make wheels compliant with the sensors used so that their wheels will be able to house the sensor. Now - I hope you kept the wheel sensors - if you didn't then thats a LOT of money thrown away. Also, You may look into other types of TPMS sensors that may run at a similar frequency of the stock ones, but I don't know if this would work or not. Call Ford and see what they have to say; if anything. Or ask them a way to dissable it -- it's not mandated yet (not until '07) so they should be able to dissable it (just like if it was fog lights, and you didn't want them or something similar). Good luck.

-Drew

EDIT: nice truck and welcome!

i have a 2005 lincolin navagator and we just got it used. well the monitor fault message came up so we took it into the dealer and was told the wrong tires are on the vehical. the tires are from a 2007 lincoln truck. will that cause the error in the tire pressure monitor fault?

[belvin20]

How do you relearn the TPMS on the 2006 Explorer. I have read info already on site. Need exact info for the o6 Explorer EB.

[gijoecam]

Originally Posted by belvin20

How do you relearn the TPMS on the 2006 Explorer. I have read info already on site. Need exact info for the o6 Explorer EB.

It's not a Do It Yourself procedure...

Special Tool(s)Activation Tool, Tire Pressure Monitor
204-363 Vehicle Communication Module (VCM) and Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS)
software with appropriate hardware, or equivalent scan tool
NOTE: If the vehicle has been stationary for more than 30 minutes, the sensors will go into a "sleep mode" to conserve battery power. It will be necessary to wake them up so they will transmit the latest tire pressure information to the smart junction box (SJB). Refer to Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor Training in this section.

NOTE: The tire pressure sensor training procedure must be done on a single vehicle, in an area without radio frequency noise and at least 1 m (3 ft) away from other vehicles equipped with tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Radio frequency noise is generated by electrical motors and appliance operation, cellular telephones, remote transmitters, power inverters and portable entertainment equipment.

NOTE: If a sensor does not respond to the activation tool, attempt to activate the same sensor with the activation tool. If the sensor still does not respond, move the vehicle to rotate the wheels at least 1/4 of a turn and attempt to activate the same sensor again.
NOTE: The SJB has a 2 minute time limit between sensor responses. If the SJB does not recognize any 1 of the 4 tire pressure sensors during this time limit, the horn will sound twice and the message center (if equipped) will display TIRE NOT TRAINED REPEAT and the entire procedure must be repeated.
NOTE: For vehicles with different front and rear tire pressures (such as the E-Series and certain F-Series), the tire pressure sensors must be trained following a tire rotation. Failure to train the sensors will cause the TPMS indicator to illuminate. For vehicles with the same tire pressure for front and rear tires, tire rotation will not affect the system.

1. NOTE: Click here to view an animated version of this procedure.
   Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position, then press and release the brake pedal.

1. Cycle the ignition switch from the OFF position to the RUN position 3 times, ending in the RUN position.

1. Press and release the brake pedal.

1. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.

1. Turn the ignition switch from the OFF position to the RUN position 3 times, ending in the RUN position.
   • The horn will sound once and the TPMS indicator will flash if the training mode has been entered successfully. If equipped, the message center will display TRAIN LF TIRE.

1. NOTE: It may take up to 6 seconds to activate a tire pressure sensor. During this time, the activation tool must remain in place 180 degrees from the valve stem.
   Place the activation tool on the LF tire sidewall opposite (180 degrees) from the valve stem. Press and release the test button on the special tool. The horn will sound briefly to indicate that the tire pressure sensor has been recognized by the smart junction box (SJB). Click here to view an animated version of this procedure.

• 

1. Within 2 minutes of the horn sounding, place the activation tool on the RF tire sidewall opposite (180 degrees) from the valve stem and press and release the test button to train the RF tire pressure sensor.

• 

1. NOTE: Do not wait more than 2 minutes between training each sensor or the SJB will time out and the entire procedure must be repeated.
   Repeat Step 7 for the RR and LR tires.
   The procedure is completed after the last tire has been trained. When the training procedure is complete, the message center (if equipped) will display TIRE TRAINING COMPLETE.
   For vehicles not equipped with a message center, successful completion of the training procedure will be verified by turning the ignition switch to the OFF position without the horn sounding. If the horn sounds twice when the switch is turned to the OFF position, the training procedure was not successful.

1. Using the scan tool, locate the updated TPMS sensor IDs trained to the SJB and document them on the applicable warranty claim.

1. NOTE: This step is required to clear DTC C2780, cause the SJB to exit the manufacturing mode and to make sure there are no other concerns with a newly programmed SJB.
   If the sensors are being trained due to the installation of a new SJB, clear any DTCs and perform the SJB on-demand self test.

[EnigmasOwn]

Drew,

I was wondering if I need a special magnet when training the sensors in my 05 Ford Explorer XLT. Can I use any magnet or is it coded and have to be purchased somewhere? I just bought some tires at Discount Tire and really do not want to pay the Ford Dealership for training the sensors when it is something that I can do myself. Could you please let me know?

Thanks So Much,
Jason

[BrooklynBay]

You need a strong magnet like the Radio Shack 64-1877 bar magnet: http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...tId=2102689&cp

[bgirard]

After loosing a couple caps I bought replacements that were aluminum. I didn't know they would corrode and stick on the valve. I needed to add air on one of my tires and when the cap wouldn't come off, I used a pair of pliers. OOPS! snapped the metal part of the valve clean off. Oh well, it was time for new tires anyway.

PepBoys wasn't able to retrain the sensors. I was told the guy who knows how to do that is on vacation, so I can come back next week, or take it to my dealer.

My dealer charges $49.00 minimum. Somehow I knew this would cost more, and there had to be a way to do it myself.

Basically I followed the steps gijoecam posted above, minus the warnings and special tools needed.

For the magnet, I used one of those screw driver magnetizing magnets I had from sears. Best $5.00 I ever spent. I wasn't sure where exactly to put it, so I just held it by the tire valve, and moved it around the stem. When the horn sounded, I moved to the next tire.

Also - It took me two tries to get it into training mode. So if it doesn't work the first time for you, give it a minute, and try it again.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
How to Re-train TPMS

1. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.

2. Turn the ignition switch from the OFF position to the RUN position three times, ending in the RUN position. Do not wait more than one minute between each key cycle.

3. Press and release the brake pedal.

4. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.

5. Turn the ignition switch from the OFF position to the RUN position three times, ending in the RUN position. Do not wait more than one minute between each key cycle.

6. The horn will sound once and the TPMS indicator will flash if train mode has been entered successfully. If equipped, the message center displays "TRAIN LF TIRE", place the magnet on the valve stem of the Left Front (driver side front) tire pressure sensor. The horn will sound briefly to indicate that the tire pressure sensor has been recognized by the TPMS module.

7. Within two minutes after the horn sounds, place the magnet on the valve stem of the Right Front tire pressure sensor.

8. After the horn sounds repeat on the Right Rear tire

9. Wait for the horn again and repeat on the Rear Left tire.

When the tire training procedure is complete, the horn will sound once and the message center (if equipped) will display "TIRE TRAINING MODE COMPLETE".

That's it. Hope this saves someone else a couple bucks.

[stvrrr]

Can I use wheels and sensors from an 06 on my 04 Explorer with the sensor on the valve stem. I know the 06 uses the blue one attached with the stainless band.

[BrooklynBay]

More information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tire_pr...itoring_system

[gurt B frobe]

I am new to this forum, (a month or so) and am very thankful for all the information found here.

After reading all the posts on TPMS nightmares, I reluctantly bought a set of new rims (aftermarket that look like stock), new TPM Sensors and today new snow tires.

They are Firestone tires installed at the Firestone shop, and so far so good.

They were the only people, other than the dealer, that knew how to program
the TPMS System, and at no charge.

The sensors on my 05 Explorer are the valve stem type.
I paid about $37.00 each, and I feel it was money well spent.

I do not like to break down tires from winter to summer on the same rims, and that is why I did it this way.

Thansk for all the info.

Jay

[SailorMB]

I am a new member to this forum.... I rotated my tires (myself) and now have a Tire Sensor Fault. My question is can I use the same process as in these threads on a 2007 Sport Trac?

[gurt B frobe]

I'm sorry I can't answer that question for you.

If they are the stem sensors, I think you can.

If they are the band type sensor, I think some special device is needed.

Maybe some of the knowledgeable people on here may know which sensor type you have.


Good luck
Jay

[dickster@rogers.]

I was introduced to using nitrogen to inflate the tires on my 94EX. Don't know if you guys do it or have being doing it but I find it fantastic. Started out with my Harley. I would "adjust" or check the pressure 3 times a riding season, spring, mid summer & fall. My rear tire would only last 1 riding "year" & I would have to replace it for the following spring. At $150. a piece, that`s a lot of coin but you only have 2 wheels & it`s best to be safe....any way, this will be the 2nd time that I will get 2 riding seasons out of 1 tire, great ,cost us $5.00 per tire....saved me $145 & did not have to "adjust" the pressure once, remained constant even after sitting all winter...cool. My 94EX loves it too. Fill it , forget it....all car dealers & tire shops up here use it now, $20. a car / truck for 4. Transport companies claim they can get up to 10,000 more miles on their tires only need 40% nitrogen, rest air...it`s rubber friendly, does not take on heat like air, the molecules are larger than in air so it stops that slow leaking in hot weather & NASCAR HAS BEEN USING IT FOR YEARS.... what they put their cars through is a proven test...that`s good enough for me!

[Mr. Steel]

Wow, I can't believe I didn't find this thread earlier!!!!

If you guys need to know anything about your Ford/Lincoln/Mercury TPMS system that you cannot find here, PM me. I guarantee answers!!!

Btw, if you have a Tire Pressure Monitor Fault, take the truck to your dealer. Ask them to re-train the tires. If one isn't re-training, skip to the next. The one(s) that don't train are BAD...And these bitches are expensive.

And to all of you that own 06 and up with the band style sensors, Motocraft makes bands up to 24"(if I'm not mistaken), so GET ON IT! They're not cheap though.

Let me know what you have and if you need P#s.

[svtony45]

I have a 07 ford explorer sport trac, my horn wires were disconeccted, well, ripped apart, and now my tire senor fault message is on always, Ford told me that the horn not working would cause this, and want 400.00 to reconnect my horn wires. Is this true, the horn being disconnected will cause the tires sensor fault?

[heavyg]

is it possible to remove the tpms from all four tires and replace with rubber stems or(anything other than those easily breakable glass stems) and still install nitrogen air into the tires

[XCAMP]

Hey guys, just experienced the same issue after getting 4 new tires put on at Sears. I got the TPMS fault on the dash, tried to train the tires with the 3 turns on, brake, 3 turns on, but it wouldn't work. Thought it was the magnet and got a very powerful one but it still wasn't working. Turns out the left front (the first one you do) was not responding. I learned this after taking it to a tech who actually had the right tool and tested them all. Got sears to replace the sensor for free and they said just drive it around and the fault will go off, but I knew this wasn't the case and grabbed a magnet off the fridge and reset them without a problem. Magnet doesn't need to be that strong after all. Will never buy tires at a place that doesn't know TPMS again.