The TPM sensors are designed for original style
factory wheels. Do not attempt to install a tire
pressure sensor in an aftermarket wheel.
The serviceable components of the tire pressure
sensor are (Fig. 19):
• Sensor-To-Wheel Seal and Metal Washer
• Valve Stem Cap
• Valve Stem Core
• Valve Stem Nut
The valve stem caps and cores used are specifically
designed for the tire pressure monitoring sensors.
Although similar to standard valve stem caps and
cores, they are different. The valve stem cap has a
special seal inside to keep moisture and corrosion
out. The valve stem core has a special nickel coating
to protect from corrosion.
OPERATION
The battery operated tire pressure sensors lay dor-
mant (Park Mode), then wake and start transmitting
(Drive Mode) when the vehicle first reaches speeds
over 15 mph (24 km/h). Once the wheels stop rotat-
ing for a period of approximately 20 minutes, the
sensors shut down until again awaken. Although not
transmitting as when in Drive Mode, while in Park
Mode, the sensors still transmit approximately once
every 13 hours to let the receiver know air pressure
status at that time.
Using an RF signal, each sensor transmits tire
pressure data approximately once every minute.
Each sensor’s (transmitter) broadcast is uniquely
coded so that the Sentry Key Remote Entry Module
(SKREEM) can monitor the state of each of the sen-
sors on the four rotating road wheels. The SKREEM
automatically learns and stores the sensor’s ID while
driving after a sensor has been replaced. There is
no formal retraining procedure necessary.
For additional information, refer to appropriate
diagnostic information.
CAUTION
CAUTION: The use of tire sealants is strictly prohib-
ited for vehicles equipped with the Tire Pressure
Monitoring system. Tire sealants can clog tire pres-
sure sensors.
CAUTION: Tire pressure sensor valve stem caps
and cores are specially designed for the sensors.
Due to risk of corrosion, do not use a standard
valve stem cap or core in a tire pressure sensor in
place of the original equipment style sensor cap
and core.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to install a tire pressure
sensor in an aftermarket wheel. Use tire pressure
sensors in original style factory wheels only.
CAUTION: Any time a sensor is to be installed in a
wheel, a new seal and washer must be installed on
the stem to ensure air tight sealing.
NOTE: TPM thresholds have been established for
the original tire size equipped on the vehicle. Use
original size tires only to maintain system accuracy.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TIRE PRESSURE
SENSOR
NOTE: Tire pressure may increase from 2 to 6 psi
(14 to 41 kPa) during normal driving conditions. Do
NOT reduce this normal pressure build up.
When diagnosing a tire pressure issue, always
check air pressure in the tires first with a known
accurate air gauge. Adjust air pressure as necessary
to that listed on the Tire Inflation Pressure Label
(Placard) provided with the vehicle (usually applied
to the driver’s side B-pillar). After adjusting air pres-
sure in a tire, allow approximately two minutes for
the message or indicator lamp to go out.
Check the tire pressure indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster. If the lamp is illuminating con-
tinuously, proceed as listed below. If the indicator
Fig. 19 Sensor Mounting - Exploded View
1 - METAL WASHER
2 - SEAL
3 - NUT (WITH PRESSED-IN WASHER)
4 - CAP (WITH SEAL)
5 - SECTIONAL CUTAWAY OF WHEEL
6 - TPM SENSOR
RS
TIRES/WHEELS
22 - 11
SENSOR - TPM (Continued)