Tire Monitor System - Service/Diagnostic Information
No: TSB-09-31-002DATE: August, 2009
MODEL: See below
SUBJECT:
TPMS SENSOR / TRANSMITTER DAMAGE, SERVICE
PROCEDURES, AND DIAGNOSIS
PURPOSE
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensors / transmitters are precision instruments that can be damaged by improper handling or chemical contamination. Please review the attached information regarding diagnosis and handling of TPMS sensors.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
^ 2004-06 Montero ^ 2004 and later Endeavor*
^ 2007 and later Outlander ^ 2006 and later Galant*
^ 2008 and later Lancer/Lancer Evolution ^ 2008 and later Eclipse/Eclipse Spyder
^ 2009 and later Lancer Sportback
* If equipped with TPMS.
PROCEDURES
To access TPMS sensor diagnostic information in the service manual:
^ Eclipse/Eclipse Spyder Galant and Montero: Refer to GROUP 31 - WHEEL AND TIRE.
^ For Lancer Lancer Sportback Lancer Evolution and Outlander:
^ If equipped with the Keyless Operating System: Refer to GROUP 42B - KEYLESS OPERATING SYSTEM (KOS).
^ If equipped with the basic keyless entry system (RKE): Refer to GROUP 42C - WIRELESS CONTROL MODULE.
Before replacing a sensor confirm that it is defective. Refer to the "ON-VEHICLE SERVICE" section of the service manual for additional information about checking sensors.
TPMS Sensor Replacement or Service
When deflating tires for removal or sensor replacement use the following procedure.
DO NOT REMOVE THE VALVE CORE FROM THE VALVE STEM.
NOTE:
Be careful to not break the TPMS sensor with the tire machine when dismounting and remounting tires.
1. Partially remove the TPMS sensor retaining nut.
2. Push on the valve stem to unseat the TPMS sensor seal so that air pressure is relieved.
3. When completely deflated rotate the tire so that the tire valve stem is in the 6 o'clock position.
4. Remove the sensor retaining nut and allow the sensor to fall into the deflated tire.
5. Carefully break both beads of the tire.
6. Lubricate and remove the outer bead from the wheel.
7. Reach into the tire and remove the sensor.
8. If replacing the tire complete tire removal.
NOTE:
When replacing or servicing TPMS sensors, handle them carefully.
For Outlander and all Lancer models when installing the TPMS seal and washer be sure to support the base of the valve stem with your thumb. Applying lateral pressure to an unsupported valve stem can break the antenna base.
IMPORTANT:
ALWAYS replace the TPMS seal when reinstalling a sensor. See the Parts Information section later in this TSB or refer to CAPS for part numbers.
Installation is the reverse of removal:
1. If the tire was removed install the inner tire bead to the wheel.
2. Install the TPMS sensor. Torque the retaining nut as follows:
- Eclipse Galant and Endeavor: 5.5Nm + 0.5 Nm (49 +/- 4 in/lb)
- Outlander and all Lancers: 8.0 + 0.5 Nm (71 +/- 4 in/lb)
3. Carefully finish installing the tire. Inflate it to the correct pressure displayed on the "Tire Pressure and Loading Label" located at the driver's door opening.
4. Retorque the TPMS sensor retaining nut to spec (see step # 2 above).
Valve Core Replacement
Using the incorrect type of valve core can lead to corrosion if it is made of different metal than the valve stem. Genuine Mitsubishi valve core replacements are available through the spare parts channel. See the Parts Information section later in this TSB for details.
Be careful when installing a valve core. The aluminum stem is easily broken if overtightened. Torque the valve core to 0.25Nm /2.5 in/lb.
Torque sensing valve core tightening tools are available from several manufacturers including Snap On and KD Tools. Some manufacturers offer them calibrated to different settings. When purchasing make sure you get one that meets the torque spec (25Nm / 2.5 in/lb).
^ OUTSIDE INFLUENCES THAT CAN CAUSE DAMAGE TO TPMS SENSORS
Please share this information with customers when appropriate.
Damage from Driving on a Flat Tire
The vehicle should be brought to a stop in a safe flat location immediately after experiencing a flat tire (as traffic allows). The sensor is easily damaged due to its location near the edge of the wheel if the vehicle is driven with a flat tire.
This type of damage MAY NOT be a warrantable condition.
Damage from Using Tire Inflation Equipment Incorrectly
The valve stem can easily be broken if a tire inflator is used improperly. Take extra care when inflating tires especially when using a long handled tire inflator. Long handled inflators create sufficient leverage to damage the stem if held at an incorrect angle even with light force.
This type of damage MAY NOT be a warrantable condition.
Moisture Damage to Sensors
When installing or reinstalling a tire to the wheel dry the inside of the tire and wheel thoroughly to prevent damage to the sensor's sealing material and internal corrosion of the sensor.
Valve Stem Cap Usage
Valve stem caps must always be in place to prevent seizure of or damage to the valve core due to contamination. Genuine Mitsubishi TPMS valve stem caps have an internal 0-ring for additional sealing. See the Parts Information section later in this TSB or refer to CAPS for part numbers.
This type of damage MAY NOT be a warrantable condition.
Chemical Damage from Flat Fix Inflators
The chemicals used in popular "flat fix" aerosol products can damage the materials of the sensor body or penetrate the sealing material and short circuit the internal battery. They should not be used.
Technicians should inspect the tire and wheel for signs that a flat fix product has been used to determine if it may have caused the failure.
NOTE:
The sensor may not have a damaged appearance.
This type of damage MAY NOT be a warrantable condition.
CONDITIONS THAT MAY BE DUE TO A MANUFACTURING DEFECT.
Material Separation of the Sensor (Montero, Galant, Endeavor, Eclipse. Eclipse, Spyder only)
The condition shown illustrates separation of the sealing material from the sensor body If you see this condition clearly describe it in the narrative of the warranty claim. If you do not may be misinterpreted as damage instead of a material defect.
This type of damage MAY be a warrantable condition.
PARTS INFORMATION
Use the Genuine Mitsubishi Parts listed.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
This Technical Service Bulletin provides information only.
Failure of TPMS Transmitters due to damage or conditions as shown in this TSB or an conditions not due to a manufacturing defect may not be warrantable. Claims submitted for conditions such as but not limited to those listed in this TSB are subject to denial and/or charge back.
Dealer Service Advisors should be aware of obvious outside conditions that may contribute to TPMS sensor failure and insure that assigned technicians are advised prior to performing diagnosis. These include (but are not limited to) the following:
^ Recent tire replacement. ^ Tire brand or tire size mismatch.
^ Aftermarket wheel installation. ^ Damaged tires.