TPMS Update: Chrysler Tire Pressure Monitor Systems Chrysler uses a Schrader Electronics or VDO systems on just about every late-model vehicle. Chrysler never used a band sensor in any of its platforms. On some 2004 and 2005 models, Chrysler may have used two different TPMS systems on a vehicle platform depending on if the vehicle was equipped with AWD or if the system was optional or standard. More

Tech Tip: TPMS Troubleshooting on 2007 Subaru Models The 2007 Subaru models use a direct detecting-type tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that consists of four transmitters and a receiver. If you rotate the tires or install a new sensor, you need the right scan tool or TPMS tool that plugs into the OBD II connection. If the indicator comes on due to low tire pressure, the indicator will turn off when the under-inflated tire is inflated to normal pressure... More

Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems: A Profit Center for the Shop and a Tire Man's Curse With the vehicle on a lift, the tire man invested an hour in a futile attempt to perform a TPM sensor re-learn, following the installation of four new tires. He followed the correct procedure, but the system would default and set diagnostic codes. The vehicle was moved to the parking lot and a dealership technician friend was summoned. This technician performed the exact same sensor learn procedure... More

Tech Update: Troubleshooting Customer TPMS Problems TPMS is here, and technicians are learning to deal with it. And, they're dealing with learning how to troubleshoot TPMS for our customers, who at this point know virtually nothing about it. More

Tool Feature: Tooling Up for TPMS A Tire Pressure Monitoring System is a great safety innovation and has likely saved some lives, but TPMS also complicates tire replacement and rotation, and special tools are often required to reset the system. More

Tech Tip: Troubleshooting Customer TPMS Problems The history of how we got to this point with TPMS is not important. It's here, and tire dealers and repair shops have learned to deal with it. The next question deals with how we learn to troubleshoot TPMS for our customers, who at this point know virtually nothing about it. More

Tech Feature: 2004-2008 Ford F-150 Brake Job Top 10 Tips Starting with the 2004 model year, Ford launched a new body style for the F150. The new body style truck is a new vehicle inside and out. However, not all of the 2004 F150s that you see will be the new body style. The 2004 F150 was also made available in the older body style pickup that came on the scene in 1996. The older body style F150 is called a "Heritage" edition. More

Tech Update: The Keys to Success with TPMS There are many factors to consider with a low tire pressure situation, not the least of which is safety. Underinflated tires roll at higher temperatures, handle poorly and require longer vehicle stopping distances. Underinflated tires also reduce gas mileage. More

Indirect Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems: The TPMS System That Knows The Road. Indirect Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) are ones that do not have air pressure sensors inside the tires. Rather, they detect a low tire by comparing relative wheel speeds via the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) wheel speed sensors. When a tire loses air, its diameter decreases slightly. More

Tech Tip: TPMS Installation Procedures Anytime a TPM sensor is reused on a wheel, it is necessary to install a new sensor-to-wheel seal, metal washer and valve stem nut, to ensure proper sealing around the sensor valve stem. Wipe the area clean around the sensor/valve stem mounting hole in the wheel. Make sure the surface of the wheel is not damaged. More