Tire Monitoring System: Description and Operation

Tire Pressure Monitoring System





Special Tool(s)

Principles of Operation
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) has the ability to monitor the air pressure of all five tires. The tire-mounted pressure sensors transmit signals to the TPMS module by using the valve stem as an antenna. These transmissions are sent approximately every 60 seconds when the vehicle speed exceeds 32 km/h (20 mph). The TPMS module compares each tire pressure sensor transmission against low and high pressure limits. If the TPMS module determines that the tire pressure has exceeded the limit, the TPMS module communicates on the SCP network to the vehicle message center, which then displays a warning message. The system is not affected by wheel and tire rotation.

Vehicle Message Center TPMS Messages
The vehicle message center sometimes displays messages that cannot be resolved by the customer. Treat these messages as TPMS system faults that must be serviced. Refer to the symptom chart for the following messages:
- Warning-Tire Very Low

Displayed when one or more tires have very low pressure. When this warning message is displayed, a warning chime will sound reminding you to stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible and check the tires for correct pressure, leaks and damage.

Check Tire Pressure
Displayed when any of the tire pressures are high or low.

Check Spare Tire Pressure Displayed when the spare tire pressure is high or low.

Tire Pressure Sensor Fault
Displayed when a tire pressure sensor is malfunctioning.

If the customer requests that the TPMS be turned off, it can be done by configuring the message center through the Instrument Cluster (IC), using the scan tool.