How do you wake up a new Ford TPMS sensor?

If you've recently replaced a tire or installed a new Ford TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) sensor, you'll need to wake up the sensor so your vehicle can detect it. This process is relatively straightforward and can be done in a few simple steps. Let's dive into the details.

What is a TPMS Sensor?

A TPMS sensor is a small device installed in each of your vehicle's tires that monitors the air pressure. When the pressure drops below a certain level, the sensor sends a signal to your car's computer, which then illuminates the TPMS warning light on your dashboard. This helps you identify and address any tire pressure issues before they become a safety concern.

Steps to Wake Up a New Ford TPMS Sensor

• Ensure the new sensor is properly installed: Make sure the new TPMS sensor is securely mounted in the tire valve stem and that the valve stem is not damaged or leaking.


• Inflate the tire to the recommended pressure: Check your vehicle's owner's manual or the driver's side door jamb sticker to find the recommended tire pressure, then use an air compressor to inflate the tire to the proper level.


• Drive the vehicle: Once the tire is inflated, drive the vehicle for at least 10-15 minutes at speeds above 15 mph. This will help the TPMS sensor wake up and communicate with your car's computer.


• Check the TPMS warning light: After driving, check the TPMS warning light on your dashboard. If the light is no longer illuminated, the sensor has been successfully woken up and is now being detected by your vehicle's system.

If the TPMS warning light remains illuminated after following these steps, you may need to perform a TPMS sensor reset or relearn procedure. Consult your vehicle's owner's manual or a qualified mechanic for further assistance.

Conclusion

Waking up a new Ford TPMS sensor is a straightforward process that can be completed in a few simple steps. By ensuring the sensor is properly installed, inflating the tire to the recommended pressure, and driving the vehicle, you can get your new TPMS sensor up and running and keep your tires at the optimal pressure for safe and efficient driving.

How to activate a brand new TPMS sensor?

To activate brand new sensors install them onto the wheels. Inflate the tires to normal operational. Pressure. And then try to trigger them with the TPMS.

How to wake up an aftermarket TPMS sensor?

To wake up the sensor, release air from the tire for 3-5 seconds through the valve stem by pressing it in.

How to wake up Ford TPMS sensors?

To wake up Ford TPMS sensors, simply drive the vehicle for a few minutes, as the sensors will automatically activate from "sleep mode" once the wheels start to roll. If you've installed new sensors or need to retrain the system, you can manually activate them by entering the "TPMS relearn mode" and either inflating or deflating each tire until the horn beeps.
 
For existing sensors in sleep mode 
This video shows how to reset the TPMS on a Ford: 54sProTreeVideosYouTube · Nov 5, 2020

• Drive the vehicle for a few minutes. Sensors are designed to enter a "sleep mode" to save battery when stationary for long periods and will wake up automatically as soon as you drive. 

For new sensors or manual retraining
This video demonstrates how to manually retrain Ford TPMS sensors: 40sStuffYouCanDo2YouTube · Dec 1, 2022

1. Enter TPMS relearn mode: Turn the ignition to the "ON" position (do not start the engine). Turn the hazard lights on and off three times within 10 seconds. A single horn beep and a flashing tire pressure light on the dash will indicate you've entered the mode. The message center should display "TRAIN LF TIRE". 
2. Activate the left-front (LF) tire: Let air out of the LF tire by pressing the valve stem until the horn beeps once. This confirms the sensor has been registered. 
3. Activate the remaining tires: 
   • Within two minutes, move to the right-front (RF) tire and repeat the process of letting air out until the horn beeps. 
   • Continue to the right-rear (RR) and then the left-rear (LR) tires, repeating the air-releasing process until each horn beeps. 
4. Complete the process: Once all four sensors have been trained, the message center will display "training complete" or you will hear a different sound. 
5. If the procedure fails: If you hear two horn beeps at any point, it means there was an error, and you will need to repeat the entire process. 
   • Some models may require a special TPMS tool to trigger the sensors. 
   • Older models might require a magnet to be held against the valve stem after entering relearn mode, but this is less common on newer vehicles. 

How do you wake up a TPMS sensor with a magnet?

To activate a TPMS sensor with a magnet, first put the vehicle into TPMS relearn mode, which is often done by cycling the ignition and pressing the brake pedal. Then, place the magnet over the valve stem of each wheel, starting with the driver's side front, and hold it there until you hear the horn honk. Repeat this process for all four wheels to complete the activation process. 
Step 1: Put the vehicle in TPMS relearn mode 

• This procedure is vehicle-specific, but a common method for many Fords (up to 2013) is:
  • Turn the ignition to the "on" position.
  • Press the brake pedal.
  • Cycle the ignition from off to on three times, ending in the "on" position.
  • Press and release the brake pedal again.
  • Cycle the ignition from off to on three more times, ending in the "on" position.
  • You should hear a horn chime and see a message on the dash indicating the system is ready to learn the first wheel. 

This video demonstrates how to put a Ford vehicle into TPMS relearn mode: 56sGeorge MelnikYouTube · Aug 24, 2015
Step 2: Activate each sensor with the magnet 

• Move to the driver's side front wheel. 
• Place the magnet directly over the TPMS sensor, which is located at the base of the valve stem. 
• Hold the magnet in place until you hear the horn honk, which signals the sensor has been activated. 
• Repeat this process for the remaining wheels in the following order: front passenger, rear passenger, and finally, rear driver. 

This video shows how to use a magnet to activate TPMS sensors on a Ford vehicle: 57sMyPartsGarageYouTube · Sep 30, 2013
Step 3: Complete the process

• Once all four wheels have been activated, the horn will chime one final time, and a message like "training complete" may appear on your dash. 
• Turn the ignition off. 
• If your vehicle has a spare tire with a TPMS sensor, you may need to activate that one as well during the relearn process. 

Important considerations

• Vehicle-specific procedures: The method for putting the car into relearn mode can vary significantly between makes and models. Always consult your owner's manual for the correct procedure. 
• Magnet activation is for older sensors: Magnets are primarily used to activate older, metal-stem OEM sensors that have a physical reed switch that can be triggered by a magnet. Many newer sensors use a different frequency and require a specific TPMS activation tool to be triggered. 
• Professional tools: If the magnet method doesn't work, your vehicle may have a different type of sensor or require a specialized tool for activation. In such cases, professional help or a dedicated TPMS scan tool may be necessary.