Most modern vehicles feature a tire pressure monitoring system, or TPMS. These systems send you real-time information about your tires’ air pressure so that you can avoid a blowout or low-pressure situation.
If your TPMS light is on, there may be an issue with one or more of the sensors in your car’s tires. To fix this, it’s important to reset the sensor.
What is a TPMS sensor?
A TPMS sensor is an electronic system that monitors the tire pressure and temperature of your vehicle’s tires. This helps increase safety by preventing blowouts, reducing tire wear and increasing fuel economy.
Most new cars have a TPMS sensor that works with a computer in the car to alert drivers of low tire pressure or leaks. This system also can help prevent a car from rolling away when a tire goes flat.
TPMS sensors are powered by lithium-ion batteries that will last for several years. However, they will eventually lose their charge and need to be replaced.
If your TPMS sensors are faulty, it is best to take your vehicle into a mechanic for diagnosis. This is because a mechanic will be able to rule out any underlying issues that may be causing the problem.
Indirect TPMS sensors work with the wheel speed sensors in your car’s antilock brake system (ABS). If a tire’s air pressure is low, it will roll at a different wheel speed than the other tires. This information is then detected by your car’s computer and triggers the dashboard warning light.
How to reset a TPMS warning light
If you’re noticing that your TPMS warning light is still on even after you have inflated your tires to the proper pressure, there may be a simple issue with your vehicle’s sensor. Follow these easy steps to reset the light, or bring your car into our West Chester service center and let one of our expert techs take care of it for you.
To start the reset process, turn off your vehicle. Using a wrench, disconnect the positive battery cable and cycle the ignition to the “on” position. While the engine is off, honk your horn for roughly three seconds to discharge any residual power that’s stored in your system and help reset the TPMS sensors.
How to replace a faulty TPMS sensor
A faulty TPMS sensor can cause serious safety problems. This is why it’s important to know how to replace a TPMS sensor as soon as you notice the warning light illuminated on your dashboard.
Tire pressure sensors are an electronic device that monitors the air pressure in a vehicle’s tires and alerts drivers to low or unsafe levels of pressure. These systems are mandated by law to help promote safe driving and avoid accidents caused by tire blowouts.
But they can also cause frustration. Many drivers find that their system doesn’t work properly, and they have to take their car into a shop for repair or replacement.
Some TPMS sensors need special programming to meet a vehicle’s application specifications before they can be installed and relearned. This extra step often requires specialized tools, training and software.
Some shops do not take this necessary step, which can lead to a variety of service comebacks and customer complaints. This is why REDI-SensorTM has been developed as a multi-application TPMS sensor that does not require special programming before installation and can be re-programmed by any shop using a professional TPMS scan tool.
Where is a TPMS sensor located on a Ford F150?
The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) on a Ford F150 has a battery-powered sensor located in each of your tires that uses radio frequencies to transmit data to the vehicle’s control module. It reports low or high tire pressures to the driver’s dashboard either as general information or as an alert.
TPMS systems are becoming more and more popular on modern vehicles because they help drivers detect tire problems before they cause an accident. They can also help extend the life of your tires by detecting under-inflated or blown-out tires before they’re damaged.
Many vehicles use a ‘direct’ method for measuring tire pressures, meaning that the sensors are mounted inside each wheel and positioned 180 degrees opposite the valve stem.
The sensor is powered by a lithium-ion battery and will only transmit data when the vehicle is moving at least 20 miles per hour or more. It goes into sleep mode after 30 minutes to conserve the battery.
