Tire Pressure
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Joined: Jan 2010
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From: Bristol, TN.
Tire Pressure
I have Michelin LT 275/70 R18 tires on my 2012 and would like to air down when running empty.
My CAT scaled weights are as follows:
Front Axle 4,440 or 2,220 pounds per tire
Rear Axle 3,200 or 1,600 pounds per tire
I have the Michelin pressure chart and adding 20% to provide a cushion, 50 psi should easily handle my empty running weight (weights above include full tank of fuel along with my wife and I in the cab.
Problem is when aired down to 50 psi, the low tire pressure warning comes on. Is that a way to work around that other than taking it to a dealership and seeing if they can reset the pressure monitors? I see lots of comments about running at 50 psi when empty, but can't figure out how folks are doing it other than to cancelled the warning each time they start their truck.
Naturally I air up when hauling.
Steve
My CAT scaled weights are as follows:
Front Axle 4,440 or 2,220 pounds per tire
Rear Axle 3,200 or 1,600 pounds per tire
I have the Michelin pressure chart and adding 20% to provide a cushion, 50 psi should easily handle my empty running weight (weights above include full tank of fuel along with my wife and I in the cab.
Problem is when aired down to 50 psi, the low tire pressure warning comes on. Is that a way to work around that other than taking it to a dealership and seeing if they can reset the pressure monitors? I see lots of comments about running at 50 psi when empty, but can't figure out how folks are doing it other than to cancelled the warning each time they start their truck.
Naturally I air up when hauling.
Steve
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 4,392
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From: very South Texas
my understanding.. dealer can not change the value of psi.. on a 2012.
I run 50 in the front and 40 in the rear. and place a small piece of black tape over the tire icon, when NOT towing.
IF others have a better idea,, I will welcome it.
I run 50 in the front and 40 in the rear. and place a small piece of black tape over the tire icon, when NOT towing.
IF others have a better idea,, I will welcome it.
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Joined: Jan 2010
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From: Bristol, TN.
Well, you certainly are safe at those pressures running empty and you are suggesting what I suspected is the simplest thing is to hit the OK button with the warning and use the tape on the little icon.
I was wondering if there was a way to reset the sensors. I read that the dealers can do it, but I wanted something I could switch back and forth myself.
You solution may well be the simplest and most straight forward.
Thanks,
Steve
I was wondering if there was a way to reset the sensors. I read that the dealers can do it, but I wanted something I could switch back and forth myself.
You solution may well be the simplest and most straight forward.
Thanks,
Steve
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Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 3,146
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From: Maryville, TN
The dealers CAN adjusted the limits on the TPMS. I had inquired at my dealer when I took it in for the one complimentary oil change. It's a matter of if they will because of liability. Our truck shop here at work has all the dealer software and is certified to do ford warranty work on our fleet of trucks. The supervisor brought the lap top out and hooked up to my truck and had it adjusted in 30 seconds. You can also use forscan, which I'm not familiar with. But a search and some reading should fill you in. Also, SCT tuners can now adjust tire pressure in our trucks. There is an update for older SCT tuners. I would recommend contacting 5star for details on that.
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From: Bristol, TN.
Thanks,
I have forscan. I haven't used it on this truck, but have on my others. I will look into that when I have time. Even set at 55 psi I would still have ample for both our fifth wheel and truck camper.
Steve
I have forscan. I haven't used it on this truck, but have on my others. I will look into that when I have time. Even set at 55 psi I would still have ample for both our fifth wheel and truck camper.
Steve
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 510
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From: Clinton TN.
My Van can run 80 on all 4 tires or I can use the relearn tool and set them all to 55 PSI. Don't know if the SD can do that but my E150 actually does have it set for dual pressures from Ford, 55 Front and 80 Rear on the sticker.
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Joined: Jul 2015
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From: very South Texas
my SD,, the settings are 65 front and 80 rear.. so when I rotate tires.. I must have it relearn it.
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From: Bristol, TN.
Watching the online videos, it looks like it is simple to get the sensors to relearn to the original factory settings, but modifying those has to be done by a dealer or perhaps Forscan.
Steve
Steve
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Joined: Aug 2015
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From: Maryville, TN
On our trucks, the sensors have to be programmed to the truck with a tool. But for rotating, their is a procedure that can be done without a tool. It's been a while, but I believe it is key on, engine off, turn the flasher on 3 times and the horn will honk. Go to drivers side front tire, and let air out until the horn honks. Then repeat passenger side front, passenger rear, then drivers rear. Your info screen will tell you it is successful. It's in the owners manual for details. If you happen to have that tool, you can use it instead, it's a little easier.
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Joined: Aug 2015
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From: Maryville, TN
Originally Posted by RV_Tech
Watching the online videos, it looks like it is simple to get the sensors to relearn to the original factory settings, but modifying those has to be done by a dealer or perhaps Forscan.
Steve
Steve
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,753
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From: Oregon
FWIW - My dealer tried to lower the TPMS sensors and couldn't do it. I wanted 50psi and couldn't go that low. I'm currently running 55 front, 50 rear (60/80 is what the door sticker says). The tech said over the last few years Ford started to limit what can be changed. Tech said they cannot even change tire sizes to anything else other than what comes as "stock". I live with the TMPS light on dash for now.
I do find it absolutely stupid it takes that much effort to "reprogam" the sensors when you rotate tires. At least lowly Fiat/Chrysler sensors are smart enough to know where they are. Rotate tires and in less than 2 miles they know their new position and that is with a 5 tire rotation. ZERO effort. Come on Ford, pull your head out your @$$.
I do find it absolutely stupid it takes that much effort to "reprogam" the sensors when you rotate tires. At least lowly Fiat/Chrysler sensors are smart enough to know where they are. Rotate tires and in less than 2 miles they know their new position and that is with a 5 tire rotation. ZERO effort. Come on Ford, pull your head out your @$$.
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Joined: Apr 2000
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From: Mills River
Our F350 tire OEM settings are 60F/80R, which is nuts for a lightly loaded truck with an almost 4K lb. payload rating. I used FORscan to change the TPMS settings to 50F and 60R (32 and 3C in hex), and I dropped the tire pressures accordingly. So far, so good, and the TMPS indicator has stayed off.
I might change 'em again to 50/50 for light-duty runnin' around, which would still be good for 2,535 lbs. for each of our 275/65R18E A/S tires.
HTH,
Jim / crewzer
I might change 'em again to 50/50 for light-duty runnin' around, which would still be good for 2,535 lbs. for each of our 275/65R18E A/S tires.
HTH,
Jim / crewzer