How does the Ford tire pressure monitoring system work?
The Ford Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is a safety feature that helps drivers maintain proper tire inflation levels. By continuously monitoring the air pressure in each tire, the TPMS can alert the driver when one or more tires are significantly underinflated, which can improve fuel efficiency, handling, and tire wear.
How the Ford TPMS Works
The Ford TPMS uses sensors installed in each wheel to measure the air pressure in the corresponding tire. These sensors transmit the pressure data to a central control module in the vehicle. The control module then compares the pressure readings to the recommended tire pressure, which is typically found on a placard inside the driver's side door jamb or in the owner's manual.
If the pressure in one or more tires drops below a certain threshold, usually around 25% below the recommended pressure, the TPMS will illuminate a warning light on the dashboard to alert the driver. This allows the driver to take action and inflate the affected tire(s) to the proper pressure.
Benefits of the Ford TPMS
The Ford TPMS offers several key benefits to drivers:
- Improved Fuel Efficiency: Properly inflated tires roll more efficiently, reducing the amount of energy required to move the vehicle and improving fuel economy.li>
- Enhanced Handling and Safety: Underinflated tires can affect a vehicle's handling, braking, and stability, increasing the risk of accidents. The TPMS helps maintain optimal tire performance.li>
- Longer Tire Life: Tires that are properly inflated wear more evenly and last longer, saving the driver money on premature tire replacements.
By continuously monitoring tire pressure and alerting the driver to any issues, the Ford TPMS helps ensure the vehicle's tires are maintained at the proper inflation levels, improving overall safety, efficiency, and tire longevity.
Can I replace a TPMS sensor myself?
Yes, you can replace a TPMS sensor yourself, but it requires specialized tools and knowledge, and the process can be more difficult than it appears, especially without a tire machine to break the bead of the tire. The process involves removing the wheel, deflating the tire, breaking the tire bead to access the sensor, replacing the sensor, and then re-inflating and re-training the new sensors.
Steps for replacing a TPMS sensor
This video demonstrates how to replace a TPMS sensor yourself: 57sklowny1969YouTube · Jan 24, 2019
- Safety first: Park on a flat surface, engage the parking brake, and wear safety glasses and gloves.
- Remove the wheel: Use a lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts, then use a jack and jack stands to lift the vehicle and remove the wheel.
- Deflate the tire: Use a valve core removal tool to let all the air out of the tire.
- Break the tire bead: This is the most difficult part without special equipment. You can use a tire machine or manually break the bead by using leverage with tools like a 2x6 piece of wood to push the tire away from the rim.
- Remove the old sensor: Once the tire bead is broken, you can access the sensor behind the valve stem and unscrew the nut that holds it in place. Some sensors have a thicker rubber stem that is pushed through the hole and may require a special tool to remove.
- Install the new sensor: Screw the new sensor into place, making sure to tighten it properly to avoid damage.
- Re-mount the tire: With the new sensor in place, it's time to put the tire back on the rim. This is often done by hand or with a tire machine.
- Inflate the tire: Fill the tire to the correct pressure as listed on the driver's side door jamb.
- Re-train the sensors: The new sensor needs to be programmed or "re-trained" to the vehicle's computer. This process varies depending on the make and model of the vehicle and often requires a special TPMS tool to get the system to recognize the new sensors.
- Re-install the wheel: Put the wheel back on the vehicle, lower it, and tighten the lug nuts.
- Check tire balance: Some DIYers claim you can skip re-balancing if you put the tire back in the same position, but others recommend re-balancing the tire for safety and a smoother ride.
Considerations before replacing a TPMS sensor yourself
- Tools needed: You will need a TPMS programming tool and a valve core removal tool, as well as a jack, lug wrench, and tire iron.
- Difficulty: Breaking the tire bead manually can be challenging, especially with certain types of tires, such as all-season tires.
- Cost: While you can save money on labor by doing it yourself, you still need to purchase the replacement sensors.
- Vehicle compatibility: Ensure you purchase the correct sensor for your vehicle, as some universal sensors may not be compatible with all makes and models and could cause false alerts.
- Tire balancing: If the wheel is not re-balanced after replacing the sensor, the tire may not be balanced properly, which can lead to vibrations at higher speeds and a shorter tire lifespan.
- Safety: Always prioritize safety. Work in a well-lit area and use caution when using a jack and other tools.
What type of TPMS does Ford use?
Ford TPMS types and Fitment
The manufacturers of the Ford TPMS are Schrader Electronics, VDO and Lear. VDO and Lear manufactured the banded sensor whilst Schrader manufacture the valve stem TPMS.
How do Ford TPMS sensors work?
Using a small pressure transducer, the sensor measures the air pressure inside the tire. This measurement is then converted into an electrical signal transmitted via RF to the receiver module in the vehicle.
Why is my tire pressure light on when my tires are fine on my Ford?
This may indicate that the tire pressure sensors need replacement batteries, or that there is an issue with one of the sensors in general.
