Tire Monitor System - Initialization Procedure Clarified
PRODUCT GENERAL INFORMATIONPG004-04
REVISED
Title:
TIRE PRESSURE WARNING
SYSTEM INITIALIZATION
PROCEDURE CLARIFICATION
Models
'04 Solara
August 27, 2004
TSB REVISION NOTICE:
^ July 26, 2005: The Production Change Information table has been updated.
^ April 5, 2005: Production Change Information table has been updated; Repair Procedure has been expanded and clarified.
^ November 9, 2004: Part Change Information table has been updated.
Previous versions of this TSB should be discarded.
Introduction
On some 2004 model year Solara vehicles, the low tire message indicator on the combination meter display may illuminate without a noticeable change in tire pressure. This condition may be caused by one of the following conditions:
^ If the initialization of the Tire Pressure Warning System (TPWS) is not conducted correctly during the Pre-Delivery Service Inspection (PDS), the low tire message indicator on the combination meter display may illuminate without a noticeable change in tire pressure. Always initialize the system during PDS using the procedures listed in this TSB.
^ In rare instances, the TPWS operating logic may be sensitive to the various driving conditions under which particular customers operate their vehicles. The operating logic has been changed in the Skid Control ECU to help improve this condition for these customers.
NOTE:
Most vehicles will require re-initialization of the TPWS only. Replace the actuator assembly only on vehicles where the customer's specific driving patterns cause the TPWS light to come on.
Applicable Vehicles
^ 2004 model year Solara vehicles produced BEFORE the Production Change Effective VINs shown in this TSB.
Warranty Information
Production Change Information
Parts Information
Repair Procedure
NOTE:
If the system was never initialized, the warning light will blink twice per second.
In that case, perform the Repair Procedure below.
With VSC (Advics)
Following are procedures for a simple reset, such as when the light comes on due to low tire pressure, and for a re-initialization, necessary when tires are rotated or replaced.
1. Confirm that the tire pressure is set to the exact specifications printed on the label in the driver's door jamb.
2. With the vehicle parked, turn the ignition switch to the "ON" position.
3. Determine if the system must be reset or re-initialized.
Reset The system requires "reset" after the light is ON and air pressures have been adjusted or a flat repair was performed and the same tire has been reused. (If the tire was replaced, initialization must be performed.)
Re-initialization The system requires "initializing" after tire, wheel or component replacement, after alignment, or after rotating the tires.
A. To reset the TPWS (does not require initialization), press the TPWS SET" button (located left of the steering wheel), hold for 1 - 2 seconds until the TPWS light turns OFF, and then release the button.
^ This resets the tire pressure system monitor.
B. To re-initialize the TPWS, such as after rotating or replacing tires, press and hold the TPWS "SET" button until the TPWS light blinks 3 times in 1 second intervals. Release the "SET" button after the light completes 3 blinks.
^ This clears all memorized system data and starts the initialization process. After this procedure has been performed, it will be necessary to drive the vehicle to complete the initialization process.
NOTE:
Depending on the vehicle owner's driving patterns, habits, and trip duration, initialization of the TPWS may take a significant amount of driving, with several trips, to complete initialization. For this reason, the initialization should be completed by the customer during normal driving conditions.
If the dealer or customer wants to confirm that the initialization was successful, proceed with the following steps:
^ Turn the ignition to "OFF" and then turn to the "ON" position. Check to make sure the TPWS light and the ABS lights turn OFF at the same time.
^ If the lights go out at the same time, then the system is initialized.
^ If the TPWS light stays on for 1 second longer, then the system is NOT initialized. Repeat steps 1 - 4 again to initialize.
4. If the vehicle comes back to the dealership with the same concern, replace the actuator assembly.
Without VSC (Bosch)
Following are procedures for a simple reset, such as when the light comes on due to low tire pressure, and for a re-initialization, necessary when tires are rotated or replaced.
1. Confirm that the tire pressure is set to the exact specifications printed on the label in the driver's door jamb.
2. With the vehicle parked, turn the ignition switch to the "ON" position.
3. Determine if the system must be reset or re-initialized.
Reset The system requires "reset" after the light is ON and air pressures have been adjusted or a flat repair was performed and the same tire has been reused. (If the tire was replaced, initialization must be performed.)
Reinitialization The system requires "initializing" after tire, wheel or component replacement, after alignment, or after rotating the tires.
A. To reset the TPWS (does not require initialization), press the TPWS SET" button (located left of the steering wheel), hold for 1 - 2 seconds until the TPWS light turns OFF, and then release the button.
^ This resets the tire pressure system monitor.
B. To re-initialize the TPWS, such as after rotating or replacing tires, press and hold the TPWS "SET" button until the TPWS light blinks 3 times in 1 second intervals. Release the "SET" button after the light completes 3 blinks.
^ This clears all memorized system data and starts the initialization process. After this procedure has been performed, it will be necessary to drive the vehicle to complete the initialization process.
NOTE:
Depending on the vehicle owner's driving patterns, habits, and trip duration, Initialization of the TPWS may take a significant amount of driving, with several trips, to complete initialization. For this reason, the initialization should be completed by the customer during normal driving conditions.
4. The system will initialize as the vehicle is driven for 6 minutes or more 5 in each of the following speed zones:
^ 20 - 38 mph (32 - 61 km/h)
^ 38 - 56 mph (61 - 90 km/h)
^ 56 - 74 mph (90 - 119 km/h)
5. To confirm that the initialization was successful, turn the ignition to "OFF," and then turn to the "ON" position.
Check to make sure the TPWS light and the ABS lights turn OFF at the same time.
^ If the lights go out at the same time, then the system is initialized.
^ If the TPWS light stays on for 1 second longer, then the system is NOT initialized. Repeat steps 1 - 5 again to initialize.
6. Return the vehicle to the customer.
7. If the vehicle comes back to the dealership with the same concern, replace the actuator assembly.
NOTE:
^ Initialization must be performed and verified BEFORE the actuator is replaced.
^ Reinitialize the TPWS after installing the new actuator assembly.
Part Change Information
System Limitations
Tire Pressure Warning System (TPWS) Limitations
The 2004 Solara TPWS may not operate properly under the following conditions:
^ Initialization was NOT performed correctly after replacing or rotating tires or wheels.
^ The vehicle uses snow tires, compact spare tires, or snow chains.
^ The tire inflation pressure is excessively higher than specified, or the tire inflation pressure suddenly drops due to bursting or other cases.
^ The vehicle is being driven on a slippery road surface, such as rough or frozen road.
^ The vehicle speed is less than 19mph (30km/h) or more than 62 mph (100km/h), and the driving duration is less than 5 minutes.
^ The tires currently on the car differ in tread pattern or manufacturer.
^ The tires are not the specified size.
^ The tread wear is very different among the installed tires.
^ The pressure of two or more tires drops at the same time.
^ Rapid acceleration/deceleration or sharp turns is continued over a prolonged period.
^ The outside temperature is below 32°F (0°C) or above 104°F (40°C).
^ Aftermarket (non-factory) wheels and tires are installed.
^ Tire trauma, such as hard impact on pot holes.
If any of these conditions exist, the TPWS may not properly function and the indicator light may give a false indication.
Most Common Conditions for TPWS Light to Come On (listed in order)
1. Improper or incomplete initialization (most common).
2. Tire pressure loss valve stem loose or improperly seated.
3. Wire harness damage or poor connection.
4. Skid Control ECU The TPWS monitor is integrated into the Skid Control ECU, which is attached to the brake actuator assembly (rare condition).
5. Ambient Temperature Sensor (VSC models) can be verified if there is no change in the displayed value when the vehicle is moved to different locations with different temperatures (for example, from cold weather parking lot to warmer repair shop).