How do I know which TPMS sensor I need?
Knowing which Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor your vehicle requires is crucial for maintaining proper tire pressure and ensuring your safety on the road. This article will guide you through the process of identifying the correct TPMS sensor for your specific make, model, and year of vehicle.
Understanding TPMS Sensors
TPMS sensors are small electronic devices installed in each of your vehicle's tires. They monitor the air pressure in your tires and transmit this information to your vehicle's onboard computer. When the tire pressure drops below a certain threshold, the TPMS warning light on your dashboard illuminates, alerting you to the issue. Replacing a faulty TPMS sensor is essential for maintaining proper tire pressure and avoiding potential safety hazards.
Identifying Your TPMS Sensor Type
There are several different types of TPMS sensors, and it's important to know which one your vehicle uses. The most common TPMS sensor types are:
- Direct TPMS: These sensors are mounted directly on the wheel rim and measure the tire pressure directly.
- Indirect TPMS: These sensors use the vehicle's Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) to estimate the tire pressure based on wheel speed.
- Hybrid TPMS: These sensors combine both direct and indirect TPMS technology.
To determine the type of TPMS sensor your vehicle uses, you can consult your owner's manual or contact your vehicle manufacturer. You can also use the vehicle identification number (VIN) to look up the specific TPMS sensor requirements for your car.
Finding the Correct TPMS Sensor
Once you know the type of TPMS sensor your vehicle uses, you can search for the appropriate replacement part. When purchasing a new TPMS sensor, make sure to match the sensor's frequency, valve stem type, and other specifications to your vehicle's requirements. You can find this information in your owner's manual or by contacting the vehicle manufacturer.
If you're unsure about the specific TPMS sensor your vehicle needs, it's best to consult a professional mechanic or a reputable auto parts store. They can help you identify the correct sensor and ensure a proper fit and installation.
Conclusion
Identifying the right TPMS sensor for your vehicle is essential for maintaining proper tire pressure and ensuring your safety on the road. By understanding the different types of TPMS sensors and matching the correct one to your vehicle, you can keep your tires in optimal condition and avoid potential issues down the line.
What are the two types of TPMS sensors?
TPMS can be divided into two different types – direct (dTPMS) and indirect (iTPMS). TPMS are installed either when the vehicle is made or after the vehicle is put to use.
How to figure out which tire pressure sensor is bad?
You can figure out which tire pressure sensor is bad by using a TPMS scanner to read a specific fault code or by checking live data from the vehicle's computer, which will show an incorrect pressure reading for one of the tires. If you don't have a scanner, you can try driving your car, observing which tire's pressure doesn't display or update, or have a mechanic scan the system for you.
Method 1: Use a TPMS scanner
- Connect the scanner: Plug the scanner into your car's OBD-II port, which is usually located under the dashboard.
- Read the data: Some advanced cars may show the fault on the dash, but a scanner can often provide a specific code (like "C1503") that points to the faulty sensor. You can also check the live data, which displays the pressure of each tire. A sensor that reads zero pressure when the tire is properly inflated indicates a problem.
- Consult the manual: Look up the specific error code to confirm which wheel it corresponds to.
Method 2: Use a mechanic's tool or service
- Go to a tire shop: Many tire shops have specialized TPMS scan tools and will perform a scan for free or a small fee to diagnose the issue.
- Ask for a scan: A professional can use a tool that communicates with the sensors, either by testing each one individually or by reading live data from the vehicle's computer to pinpoint the malfunctioning sensor.
- Note the cost: While this is the easiest method, it may come with a cost for the scan itself and the subsequent sensor replacement.
Method 3: Manually check the sensors (less reliable)
- Adjust tire pressure: Set all tires to the correct pressure, then drive for a short time.
- Observe the display: Watch for any tire that fails to show a proper pressure reading or has an incorrect one on the vehicle's display panel.
- Test with air release: Release a small amount of air from each tire, one at a time. If you don't get the expected "low pressure" alert for a specific tire, that sensor might be the problem.
- Mark and replace: Refill the air in the suspect tire and mark the wheel so you can get the sensor replaced. This method is less reliable, as it's difficult to be certain if the problem is a bad sensor or a different issue without a proper scan tool.
What to do next
- Replace the sensor: Once you've identified the bad sensor, it needs to be replaced.
- Reprogram the new sensor: After replacing the sensor, your car's computer will need to be "reprogrammed" to recognize the new one. This can be done with a TPMS tool or by a professional service.
- Consider battery life: Remember that the batteries in TPMS sensors typically last 5–10 years, so older vehicles may have multiple failing sensors. It may be more cost-effective to replace them all at once.
How to check TPMS sensor compatibility?
TPMS Compatibility
Using the 3D configurator, it is possible to check the compatibility of each wheel with the most widely-available pressure sensors (TPMS). For proper installation, please read the mounting and maintenance manuals provided by the manufacturer of the TPMS system and the car maker.
How do I know which TPMS sensor to buy?
There are many OEM tpms part numbers that are referenced and cross referenced. TPMS sensor part numbers can change by vehicle production year and month so we always suggest using your vehicles VIN number to check for exact fitment from the vehicle manufacturer.
