Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Indicator Flashes

Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Principles of Operation

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) monitors the air pressure of all 4 road tires. The wheel-mounted tire pressure sensors transmit via radio frequency signals, to the Driver Door Module (DDM). TPMS functionality is integral to the DDM. These transmissions are sent approximately every 60 seconds when the vehicle speed exceeds 32 km/h (20 mph). The TPMS function compares each tire pressure sensor transmission against a low-pressure limit. If it has been determined that the tire pressure has fallen below this limit, the DDM communicates this on the vehicle communication bus to the instrument cluster. The instrument cluster then illuminates the TPMS indicator and displays the appropriate message(s) in the message center (if equipped).

For vehicles with different front and rear tire pressures (such as the E-Series and certain F-Series), the tire pressure sensors must be trained following a tire rotation. Failure to train the sensors will result in a false low tire pressure event, which will cause the TPMS indicator to illuminate.

For vehicles with the same tire pressures for front and rear tires, tire rotation will not affect the system.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Indicator Flashes

The TPMS indicator flashes for 70 seconds and then remains ON solid when the ignition key is turned to the ON position for the following conditions:

1. Tire Pressure Sensor Fault - If equipped, the message center will display TIRE SENSOR FAULT when a tire pressure sensor is malfunctioning. GO to Symptom Chart. Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures

2. No Communication With the DDM (TPMS is integral to the DDM) - The TPMS indicator is illuminated when the instrument cluster has received no signals from the DDM for more than 5 seconds. If equipped, the message center displays TIRE MONITOR FAULT. GO to Symptom Chart. Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures

3. Tire Pressure Monitor Fault - If equipped, the message center will display TIRE MONITOR FAULT when the tire pressure monitoring system is malfunctioning or communication with the instrument cluster has been lost. GO to Symptom Chart. Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures