Tire Monitoring System: Description and Operation
TPMS System Description
TPMS Control Unit Inputs and Outputs at the 20P Connector
System Structure
Once the vehicle speed exceeds 28 mph (45 km/h), the TPMS control unit monitors all four tire pressure sensors and the system function. If it detects low pressure in a tire, it alerts the driver by turning on the low tire pressure/TPMS indicator. If it detects a problem in the system, it turns on the low tire pressure/TPMS indicator (starts blinking).
Control unit
Mounted over the accelerator pedal module, the TPMS control unit receives wireless pressure sensor ID signals every time the vehicle speeds exceeds 28 mph (45 km/h). It also receives wireless signals from the transmitters for tire pressure and the sensor condition, and it continuously monitors and controls the system. The TPMS control unit cannot directly determine the position (location) of a tire pressure sensor(s) on the vehicle since it is a wireless system. Tire pressure sensor locations will change during scheduled vehicle maintenance (tire rotation).
NOTE: To determine the actual location of each tire pressure sensor on the vehicle, do the tire pressure sensor location procedure Tire Pressure Sensor Location. Once the tire pressure sensor locations are identified, write the sensor ID on the sidewall of the tire with a tire crayon to eliminate confusion.
Indicators
The indicator is in the gauge control module:
The low tire pressure/TPMS indicator comes on when any tire pressure is low.
The low tire pressure/TPMS indicator blinks when the system is malfunctioning.
Tire pressure sensor
Each sensor is an integrated unit made up of the tire valve stem, a pressure sensor, and a transmitter. The unit is attached to the inside of the wheel, around the valve stem. The sensor transmits the internal tire information to the TPMS control unit once every 60 seconds when the vehicle speed exceeds 28 mph (45 km/h). When the TPMS control unit receives a tire pressure signal that is less than 183 kPa (1.9 kgf/cm2, 27 psi), the TPMS control unit then turns on the low tire pressure/TPMS indicator. When that tire's pressure is increased to more than 210 kPa (2.1 kgf/cm2, 30 psi), and the vehicle is driven above 28 mph (45 km/h) the transmitter sends the tire pressure signal to the control unit, and then the control unit turns the indicator off.
NOTE: Do not mix the tire pressure sensors or TPMS wheels with other TPMS types. Be sure to use the correct sensors and wheels for this system.
Sensors are active:
- When the wheel rotates over 28 mph (45 km/h) the sensor detects the momentum, and switches the sensor to the normal function mode.
- The LF (low frequency) signal of the TPMS tool makes the sensor active even though the vehicle is stopped. The tire pressure sensor goes into sleep mode when the acceleration sensor detects the wheel is stationary for 5 minutes or more.
Wheels
The TPMS will not work unless TPMS type wheels are installed on the vehicle. The original equipment wheels have a "TPMS" mark (A) on them, and are counterweighted by adding material to counterbalance the weight of the tire pressure sensor (B).
System Communication
- When the vehicle is traveling more than 28 mph (45 km/h), an RF (radio frequency) band wave signal is transmitted from each tire pressure sensor to the TPMS control unit.
- When the wheels rotate, the tire pressure sensors momentum is detected, switching them from sleep mode to normal function (awake) mode. After the vehicle is stationary for 5 minutes, the sensors switch from normal function mode back to sleep mode to extend their battery life.
- Each tire pressure sensor has its own tire pressure sensor ID to prevent jamming by similar systems on other vehicles. After memorizing all the sensor IDs, the TPMS control unit recognizes only those specific signals.
- An pressure sensor ID cannot be memorized automatically. The TPMS control unit knows which sensor ID belongs to each tire pressure sensor. This recurring ID confirmation prevents any confusion in the system as a result of normal tire rotation.
NOTE: Be careful not to bend the brackets on the TPMS control unit. Misalignment of the TPMS control unit could interfere with sending and receiving signals.
