Tire Monitoring System: Service and Repair
Tire Inflation Monitoring System Description
Tire Inflation Monitor (TIM) also known as Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) is a unique feature for this vehicle. The TIM system will notify the driver when an urgent LOW inflation pressure condition is present in one of the vehicle's tires so that the driver can quickly perform the needed maintenance. When all repairs are completed (such as inflation of tires in order to correct pressure, or the replacement of a tire), press the Tire Inflation Reset Switch in order to reset the TIM system.
Tire Inflation Monitoring System Operation
Tire Inflation Monitor (TIM) also known as Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) is a unique feature for this vehicle. The TIM system will notify the driver when an urgent LOW inflation pressure condition is present in one of the vehicle's tires so that the driver can quickly perform the needed maintenance. The Body Control Module (BCM) receives a momentary ground signal from the Tire Inflation Reset Switch when the customer or technician presses the reset switch (located in the fuse block). The tires should always be set to the correct pressure before the reset switch is pressed. The EBCM/EBTCM will then send a Class 2 message to the instrument panel (IP) in order to turn off the LOW TIRE Indicator, and the TIM system will go into the Autolearn mode. The Autolearn mode will then requires 30 minutes of straight-line driving for the Autolearn mode to be complete (this is done so TIM can relearn tire sizes). The TIM system consists of the following 4 components:
- The 4-wheel speed sensors for gathering wheel speeds.
- The TIM software located in the EBCM/EBTCM (if equipped).
- The reset switch for resetting the TIM system.
- The LOW TIRE indicator.
Low Tire Inflation Monitor System
The low tire inflation monitor system can alert you to a large change in the pressure of one tire. The system learns the pressure at each tire throughout the operating speed range of your vehicle. The system normally takes between 45 and 90 minutes of driving to learn the tire pressures. This time may be longer depending on your individual driving habits. Learning need not be accumulated during a single trip. Once learned, the system will remember the tire pressures until the system is recalibrated. After the system has learned tire pressures with properly inflated tires, the LOW TIRE light will come on if the pressure in one tire becomes 12 psi (83 kPa) lower than the other three tires. The low tire inflation monitor system won't alert you if the pressure in more than one tire is low, if the system is not properly calibrated, or if the vehicle is moving faster than 60 mph (95 km/h). The low tire inflation monitor system detects differences in tire rotation speeds that are caused by changes in tire pressure. The system can alert you about a low tire -- but it doesn't replace normal tire maintenance.
When the LOW TIRE light comes on, you should stop as soon as you can and check all your tires for damage. Also check the tire pressure in all four tires as soon as you can. The light will come on and stay on until you turn off the ignition or press the RESET button. Don't reset the low tire inflation monitor system without first correcting the cause of the problem and checking and adjusting the pressure in all four tires. If you reset the system when the tire pressures are incorrect, the system will not work properly and may not alert you when a tire is low. Any time you adjust a tire's pressure, rotate your tires, or have one or more tires repaired or replaced, you'll need to reset (calibrate) the low tire inflation monitor system. You'll also need to reset the system whenever you buy new tires and whenever the vehicle's battery has been disconnected. To reset (calibrate) the system: turn the ignition switch to RUN. Then press and hold the RESET button for about five seconds.
The red RESET button is located inside your instrument panel fuse block.
The fuse block is located under the cover labeled FUSES, which is at the end of the instrument panel on the passenger's side of the vehicle. The RESET button is the first button in the top row of the fuse block. The LOW TIRE light will come on and flash three times. Then it will go off. If the light doesn't go off, see your dealer for service.
The system complete the calibration process during driving.
The system normally takes 15 to 20 minutes of driving in each of three speed ranges to learn tire pressures. The speed ranges are 15 to 40 mph (25 to 65 km/h), 40 to 65 mph (65 to 105 km/h and above 65 mph (105 km/h). When learning is complete, the system will alert you after 2-8 minutes if a tire is 12 psi (83 kPa) different from the other three tires. Detection thresholds may be higher and detection times may be longer on rough roads, curves and at high speeds. The system is not capable of detection at speeds greater than 60 mph (95 km/h)