TPMS Problem
Thread Starter
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Trailering
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 21
Likes: 6
TPMS Problem
Hello, my 2012 E350 5.4l is having an issue.
I’ve been having an issue with the TPMS system for several weeks now. I get a message on the dash that says “TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR FAULT”, this has happened several times now but it goes away after some time. I have taken it to the tire store where I get my tires. The first time all the tire sensors checked out ok and I thought that was because the warning light went off. The second time the warning light was on when they checked it and still the tire sensors checked out ok, same for the next two times I had them check it. Today the guy that checked them said there is probably a problem with the main computer talking to the sensors.
Looking for some way to check it myself or which direction I should go for troubleshooting.
Thanks
I’ve been having an issue with the TPMS system for several weeks now. I get a message on the dash that says “TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR FAULT”, this has happened several times now but it goes away after some time. I have taken it to the tire store where I get my tires. The first time all the tire sensors checked out ok and I thought that was because the warning light went off. The second time the warning light was on when they checked it and still the tire sensors checked out ok, same for the next two times I had them check it. Today the guy that checked them said there is probably a problem with the main computer talking to the sensors.
Looking for some way to check it myself or which direction I should go for troubleshooting.
Thanks
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 222
Likes: 53
I wouldn't rush into assuming "computer issues".
I don't know if your 2012 has valve stem mounted TPMS sensors or, like my 2009, ones mounted via a band to the wheel (at the smallest diameter). Troubleshooting should be the same either way.
When I had to troubleshoot mine, I used Forscan to monitor what the sensors were reporting. Note that the sensors only report very occasionally. You can force them to transmit using this tool:
They make a cheaper one that's Ford only but that one is Ford + GM.
It is suggested that you point the tool directly at the valve stem but, if you have band mounted sensors, they are normally mounted 180 degrees away from the valve stem.
It could be that the battery in one of the TPMS sensors is nearly dead and only transmits a valid code sometimes. I believe the batteries are not replaceable.
I don't know if your 2012 has valve stem mounted TPMS sensors or, like my 2009, ones mounted via a band to the wheel (at the smallest diameter). Troubleshooting should be the same either way.
When I had to troubleshoot mine, I used Forscan to monitor what the sensors were reporting. Note that the sensors only report very occasionally. You can force them to transmit using this tool:
They make a cheaper one that's Ford only but that one is Ford + GM.
It is suggested that you point the tool directly at the valve stem but, if you have band mounted sensors, they are normally mounted 180 degrees away from the valve stem.
It could be that the battery in one of the TPMS sensors is nearly dead and only transmits a valid code sometimes. I believe the batteries are not replaceable.
Thread Starter
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Trailering
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 21
Likes: 6
Hi Etinpa,
No I don't want to rush into computer issues or anything. Just want to pin down the problem that needs to be fixed.
Thanks for the link to the tool I'll maybe get one if needed. I have the Forscan program on a laptop but don't know much about it and have only used it once just to see what it has, Lots of info.
Guess I'll have to learn more about it, maybe it can shed some light on the problem.
Thanks much for the info
No I don't want to rush into computer issues or anything. Just want to pin down the problem that needs to be fixed.
Thanks for the link to the tool I'll maybe get one if needed. I have the Forscan program on a laptop but don't know much about it and have only used it once just to see what it has, Lots of info.
Guess I'll have to learn more about it, maybe it can shed some light on the problem.
Thanks much for the info
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 1,326
Likes: 448
Forscan should have a PID (data point) for each sensor. You can configure Forscan to read the PIDs and watch them in real time (search YouTube or see the Forscan forum for a stickie post for instructions). TPMS batteries last a long time ....maybe 10 years, but not forever.
My tpms (2016) sensors wake up when driven around the block. You should see data if you monitor with Forscan while driving. TPMS is a PITA because you need an air compressor, special tools and you can't easily access or change the sensor. I changed mine with OEM sensors the last time I bought tires.
The diagnosis of a bad module by a tire shop guy is not credible.
My tpms (2016) sensors wake up when driven around the block. You should see data if you monitor with Forscan while driving. TPMS is a PITA because you need an air compressor, special tools and you can't easily access or change the sensor. I changed mine with OEM sensors the last time I bought tires.
The diagnosis of a bad module by a tire shop guy is not credible.
Thread Starter
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Trailering
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 21
Likes: 6
Thanks Don,
Great info, I'll check out the Forscan forum instructions.
As far as I know all the sensors are OEM, we bought it with 20k miles on it now has 107k. I was told that the batteries could last longer than 10, it now 14 years.
Hopefully I be able to tell something with Forscan once I get to know it better.
I post updates when I get them.
Thanks for the info.
Great info, I'll check out the Forscan forum instructions.
As far as I know all the sensors are OEM, we bought it with 20k miles on it now has 107k. I was told that the batteries could last longer than 10, it now 14 years.
Hopefully I be able to tell something with Forscan once I get to know it better.
I post updates when I get them.
Thanks for the info.
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