TPMS reset issue or worse?
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TPMS reset issue or worse?
Bought a used Sport Trac 2 weeks ago. Today was only second time on interstate above 70. After 10 minutes Tire Sensor Fault appeared with low pressure light. I stopped and checked all tires, good pressure. Started back up and fine for about 10 more minutes then same thing. Was able to clear the Sensor Fault, but low pressure light remained. On next stop, cycle of the key reset everything but same issue reappeared. Again able to clear the sensor fault message but low pressure light remained. Whenever I got off the interstate, after about 20 minutes of stop and go traffic, then driving about 10 miles at lower speed, low pressure light went off. I plan to try and reset the sensors tomorrow if I have the metal valves, but since it only happened at high speeds then eventually went off, is something else wrong? Tires say 44 PSI cold and they were 38 psi before I went on the trip. Is that too low and would it be affected by higher speed? I would think speed would increase tire temperature and pressure. It was about 55 degrees today when driving. Thanks!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Cedar Rapids, IA
What the tire says for the maximum pressure is irrelevant, you need to go by the door sticker which probably says 35 psi.
The TPMS sensors use lithium batteries, and like a watch battery, they go bad after awhile. I'm not sure if you should expect a sensor fault with a dead battery or if it's also normal for a low pressure indication due to a weak battery.
-Rod
The TPMS sensors use lithium batteries, and like a watch battery, they go bad after awhile. I'm not sure if you should expect a sensor fault with a dead battery or if it's also normal for a low pressure indication due to a weak battery.
-Rod
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Thanks @shorod It seems obvious now that you say it that the tire says Maximum PSI. I'll check the door panel.
I'll try a reset on the TPMS and if that doesn't work, maybe it is the battery in the sensor. Just wish the dash would say which tire. But, it's an 08, so having it at all is nice. Maybe since the reset is wheel by wheel that will help narrow it down.
I'll try a reset on the TPMS and if that doesn't work, maybe it is the battery in the sensor. Just wish the dash would say which tire. But, it's an 08, so having it at all is nice. Maybe since the reset is wheel by wheel that will help narrow it down.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Cedar Rapids, IA
The reset should narrow it down. Otherwise, professional scan tools can read out which wheel is reporting the error, even though there are no indications for the driver. But, that's only as accurate as where the wheel was located the last time it was programmed. If it was programmed in the right front location and now is on the left rear, it's still going to report in the scan tool that it's the right front.
-Rod
-Rod
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Thanks - I wasn't able to do the reset as I have the rubber valve stems - I'm assuming I would be able to see if they are metal. So my only options for the reset now are going to the dealer or getting the reset tool, right?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2013
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From: Utica, Nebraska
I'd take your vehicle to a local tire shop. Do you know which type of sensor you have exactly? Ford used 2 sensors a band sensor that was held down bu a steel band and used a regular rubber valve stem that is situated 180* from the sensor. Or is it a a rubber valve stem on the sensor? To find out move the valve stem around and if it moves a lot you have the band sensor, if it moves but not much then its a sensor that is attached to the valve stem.
When I worked at Tires Plus doing tires I've looked at the back of the sensors from time to time with the exception of the band sensors. None of them can have the batter replaced. You would have to spend either the $120 through Ford or the $80-90 through the tire shop to have it replaced.
If you have the aluminum ones you would know it nearly right away. I do not like them one bit, over time debris and the elements will cause the nut to become very difficult to come off and will break the sensor (been there done that).
Most of the time a tire shop should be able to reset the system. Takes maybe 15-45 minutes to do so.
When I worked at Tires Plus doing tires I've looked at the back of the sensors from time to time with the exception of the band sensors. None of them can have the batter replaced. You would have to spend either the $120 through Ford or the $80-90 through the tire shop to have it replaced.
If you have the aluminum ones you would know it nearly right away. I do not like them one bit, over time debris and the elements will cause the nut to become very difficult to come off and will break the sensor (been there done that).
Most of the time a tire shop should be able to reset the system. Takes maybe 15-45 minutes to do so.
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Thank you so much for the info @fordtrkrul I will go out now and check the valve stem to see what I can find out. I just bought it from CarMax in the last week or two and have to take it in tomorrow anyway to have them finish up some things, so I'll get them to do it under their 30 day warranty either way. It sounds like these sensors will be helpful occasionally but more likely to be false than true.
Thanks again
Thanks again
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