Tire Pressure Monitoring System FAQ's

[Spatakula]

Introduction:

It seems like there is alot of buzz with people changing out their stock wheels to aftermarket wheels and triggering the "Low tire" light to come on. This is because the new wheels lack the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). So, I decided to do some digging to try and find a legit answer on what needs to be done to fix this problem.

I found this website http://www.fordtpms.com/ and it shows the brands of the TPMS used on Fords, based on their model/year. To me, the graph shows that from 2007+ Focus (assuming because the graph is not updated with newer models and I doubt Ford would change the brands per model year... but who knows) to have the TPMS as an internal, banded to the wheel TPMS.

Example:



Mazdas have the VDO version (valve stem) of the TPMS. This is the valve stem verson of the TPMS. Every other model, with exeption of the B-series Truck and Tribute, uses the VDO.

Example:



The Remedy:

SO, I decided to see what people are doing to remedy this problem I found a few interesting things.

#1 :You can buy aftermarket cradles/ bands that hold the TPMS, either banded or valve stemmed, to the wheel.



A banded styled TPMS using the aftermarket band.



A valve stem styled TPMS converted as a band TPMS.



#2: There has been some speculation of taking out the TPMS and placing them in a pressurized tube and leaving them in the car (based on the type of TPMS you have). I am not 100% how valid this is but here is an example of someone that put the once banded TPMS in a tube, pressurized and put in the trunk on a 2007 Mustang (using a Banded style TPMS same as the Focus) and it actually worked. Again, the validity of this is questionable due to bieng unfamiliar with the source. It came from ModularFords so I am assuming it is somewhat legit.

Discount tire is the cheapest place to get replacement bands and cradles, ( bands up to 24 inch) All 4wheels for around $50.00. Not bad. I put all 4 sensors in a sealed pvc tube with a valve stem on one end. Set pressure at 32psi ,put it in the trunk and everything works fine.32psi is for 07 mustang with 18s.

http://www.modularfords.com/forums/showthread.php?t=68718

Conclusion:

Please guys, correct me if I am wrong with anything! I need your help to add new/important info!!! I can edit this OP with any other information provided. Hopefully this helps answer some questions!!!

-spatakula

[Full_Metal_Focus]

Wow that's interesting. Thanks for sharing, I might just the pressurized tube thing, lol.

[getn2focus]

I could be mistaken, but I thought if one were to change out the tires/wheels with aftermarket ones, that any new TPMS sensors had to be calibrated/synced with the ECU/TPMS main control box?

I also have heard people placing them in pressurized tubes.

EDIT:
TPMS Replacement from http://www.fordtpms.com/
"If a sensor proves faulty or is damaged then it will need to be replaced. This requires a new sensor to be fitted and the Smart Junction Box (SJB) to be reprogrammed with its unique ID and its position on the vehicle."

So according to this. You would need to get the new sensors programmed. FYI.

[Nliiitend1]

^^That sucks...

The valve-stem-type that I have in my Mazda don't require any such shenanigans...

[Focusfre4k]

I just run with my light on

[Cedilla]

Originally Posted by getn2focus

I could be mistaken, but I thought if one were to change out the tires/wheels with aftermarket ones, that any new TPMS sensors had to be calibrated/synced with the ECU/TPMS main control box?

I also have heard people placing them in pressurized tubes.

EDIT:
TPMS Replacement from http://www.fordtpms.com/
"If a sensor proves faulty or is damaged then it will need to be replaced. This requires a new sensor to be fitted and the Smart Junction Box (SJB) to be reprogrammed with its unique ID and its position on the vehicle."

So according to this. You would need to get the new sensors programmed. FYI.

It cost like 20 dollars to get that done at Walmart, just tell them you want a TPMS reset.

[getn2focus]

^^Thanks for the information. I don't have to worry about it other then my wife's car which is staying stock. I was only throwing out the information.

Like Focusfre4k said, I would just run with the light on. Especially if the second set of tires/wheels are for auto-x duty and or track.

[JFord]

I like those bands. Really simple option!