Tire pressure sensors

[sag2]

in addition to the dealer scan tools, this is the Chrysler hand held sensor. It reads the pressure and the sensor ID if that is needed for location.

There have been several different systems over the years with Chrysler. As mentioned there are basic and advanced systems. The basic system shows "low tire" and you need to figure out which one. If it is really a low tire that part is easy, especially when one side is flat! If not you can use the tools, (dealer scan tool displays sensor ID and pressure) or process of elimination to diagnose. The advanced systems show location (sensor ID) and displays it on the dash. The old premium system used three hard wired sensors in three wheel wells to determine sensor location. The actual pressure (for all systems) is sent wireless to the WCM/WIN/TPSM etc. and obviously is never hard wired. That sets it up for interference from anything on the 315 or 433mh band. I had a HD truck a year or so ago that made me crazy. It would throw the light at random. Many parts replaced, turns out the guy had added a back up camera that was causing signal interference. He wrecked the rear end and when the body shop disconnected the camera the problem stopped. That one came very close to a buyback, and it wasn't even Chryslers fault.

The newest systems use one sensor (receiver module) in one wheel well, and determines the tire location by direction of rotation (part of the wheel sensor) and signal strength (distance of wheel sensor to receiver).

Also the aftermarket has done a pretty good job of covering the major manufacturers with replacement parts.

 

[seafish]

Sag2, do you know if the ECM can be reprogrammed to accept a higher or lower PSI before setting the warning alert?

 

[sag2]

Yes, the upper and lower thresholds can be set with the dealer scan tool. However the only legal setting they can do is the tire placard pressures on the door.

 

[HBarlow]

I wonder if Mike Mullinax has access to the OTC tool or something similar? You could pick up a sensor and head over there. Mike.

Mike,

Chuckle.

That's a common assumption often made by folks who are not familiar with the state of Texas. There are not many cities in Texas where someone can just "head over there. "

Mike Mullenax works in a dealership in Athens which is in the region we know as East Texas. I live out close to Lubbock. The distance between my farmhouse and Athens is probably around 350 miles. Maybe a little more.

 

[seafish]

Yes, the upper and lower thresholds can be set with the dealer scan tool. However the only legal setting they can do is the tire placard pressures on the door.

OK, thanks... last question, do you know if the thresholds can be changed on the EARLIER evic based tpms systems.

For example, I have an EVIC (part #56042756AJ) from a 2004 Jeep Wrangler that uses 5 TPMS sensors (part #52088990AC) that DOES work perfectly in my 2005 truck, but the EVIC TPMS sets over pressure warnings at 45 psi, so obviously I cannot use it unless soimehw I can reprogram the thresholds.

TIA for any info!!!

 

[sag2]

If the thresholds are stored in the EVIC then yes, but I'm guessing they are actually stored in the WCM. But then again, an 04 Wrangler is not exactly state of the art as far as electronics.

 

[seafish]

If the thresholds are stored in the EVIC then yes, but I'm guessing they are actually stored in the WCM. But then again, an 04 Wrangler is not exactly state of the art as far as electronics.

So any idea how would I get a dealer to "drill down" the scan menu to try to reach those parameters??

Also, what module is the WCM... . is it like the BCM??

 

[Jim W]

Harvey,
Another thought on your tire sensor issue on the VW TDI. How far is a Discount Tire Store or another tire store in the area?
The reason I asked was when I had my tires changed out on the Ram to my new Michelins; Discount Tire charged money to rebuild the tire sensor in each wheel. And every time I am back for a tire rotation I hear them tell other purchasers of tires that they must either replace or rebuild the TPMS tire sensor for their car. They might be able to sell a new sensor for a lot less money than VW. Last time I was in there they were installing new tires on an Audi A6 for some one .
Just I thought for you.
Jim W.

 

[crispyboy]

Can a basic tpms be upgraded to a system that reads each tire on a 3rd generation truck? Hate the basic system. Have the premium system on a 2002 Grand Cherokee and the system works great.

 

[HBarlow]

I left early this morning to drive to Lubbock for several errands. I had to take my mutts so was driving the VW and the TPMS alarm was on my mind so I drove over to SAM's Club where I've known the tire and battery troops for 20 years. The shop foreman held his TPMS reader close to each valve stem and determined that the right front sender was dead. He had a universal replacement TPMS sensor priced at only $43 and tried it first. It wouldn't work so they removed it and installed a Shrader brand sensor their book suggested for the VW. It worked fine but was priced at $84 plus tax. My TPMS is restored and the light is extinguished. The SAM's Club shop foreman said VW's OEM sensor is $100 or more.