Where are the tyre pressure sensors on a Ford Focus?

In most recent Ford Focus models, the tyre pressure sensors are direct sensors mounted inside each wheel, attached to the valve stem and sitting inside the tire rim. Some older or simpler Focus configurations may use indirect TPMS, which relies on wheel-speed data rather than wheel-mounted sensors.

Understanding this helps you know what you’re looking for when inspecting wheels, replacing tires, or servicing the TPMS. The exact setup can vary by model year and trim, so it’s worth checking your vehicle’s manual or confirming via the VIN or a dealer if you’re unsure.

TPMS configurations on the Ford Focus

There are two main TPMS configurations you might encounter on Ford Focus models. Each has a different physical location and maintenance implication.

• Direct TPMS: Sensors are embedded inside each tire, mounted on or near the valve stem in each wheel. They are battery-powered and transmit tire pressure data to the car’s TPMS control module via radio frequency. Four sensors (one per wheel) are standard on vehicles with direct TPMS.


• Indirect TPMS: There are no wheel-mounted sensors. The system uses the ABS wheel-speed sensors and tire size data to infer under-inflation and trigger the warning light when pressure appears low. It does not measure actual tire pressure, and there are no sensors inside the tires.

Choosing between direct and indirect TPMS affects how you service tires. With direct TPMS, sensors and batteries may eventually need replacement and the system often requires a relearn after tire changes. Indirect TPMS typically requires calibration or a reset through the vehicle’s settings but involves no wheel-mounted sensor hardware.

How to tell which TPMS your Focus uses

The quickest way to confirm your Focus’s TPMS type is to consult the owner’s manual or your vehicle’s service information. If you see a TPMS warning light that requires sensor relearn or wheel-mounted sensor replacement, you likely have direct TPMS. If no sensor is detectable in the wheels and the system relies on general tire data to infer pressure, you likely have indirect TPMS. A dealer or qualified technician can verify this via the VIN and perform any necessary relearns or replacements.

Locating and servicing the TPMS sensors

Locating the sensors depends on the TPMS type. Here’s what to know before attempting any inspection or service.

• Direct TPMS: The sensors are inside each wheel, typically mounted with the valve stem and hidden behind the wheel rim or inside the tire. You won’t see them without removing the tire from the wheel. A professional using a TPMS tool can read each sensor’s ID and battery status during service.


• Indirect TPMS: There are no wheel sensors to locate. If your Focus uses indirect TPMS, tire service focuses on ensuring correct tire size and calibration, with the warning light managed by the ABS-based monitoring system.

If you ever need to service or replace sensors (for example, after tire replacement or sensor failure), you should have a qualified technician perform the work. Direct TPMS sensors require proper relearning procedures and, in some cases, a special tool to program the new sensor IDs into the car’s computer system.

Summary

Most current Ford Focus models use direct TPMS sensors mounted inside each wheel, attached to the valve stem and located within the tire. Some older or specific configurations may use indirect TPMS, which has no wheel-mounted sensors and relies on ABS data to infer inflation status. To determine the exact setup for your vehicle, consult the owner’s manual or a dealer with your VIN. Regular tire maintenance and adherence to relearn procedures after tire service will help ensure TPMS accuracy and reliability.

Where are low tire pressure sensors located?

In most cars, the tire pressure sensor is located within the tire attached to the valve stem or banded to the wheel. Indirect TPMS systems may not have physical sensors on the tires but use the vehicle's ABS to monitor pressure.

Where is the TPMS reset button on a Ford Focus?

To reset the Ford Focus TPMS, first check for a physical button under the steering wheel; if one exists, turn the ignition to the "On" position, press and hold the button until the light flashes, then start the car. If there is no physical button, use the steering wheel controls and the dashboard display to navigate to Settings > Vehicle > TPMS Calibration, select "Calibrate," and drive for about 20 minutes to complete the process.
 
This video demonstrates how to reset the TPMS using the dashboard menu: 47sAuto Smart RepairYouTube · Aug 22, 2022
If your Focus has a physical TPMS reset button 

1. Inflate all tires to the recommended pressure. 
2. Turn the ignition key to the "On" position, but do not start the engine. 
3. Locate the TPMS reset button, typically under the steering wheel on the left side. 
4. Press and hold the button until the TPMS indicator light on the dashboard blinks slowly three times. 
5. Release the button and start the engine. 
6. Drive for about 20 minutes, and the light should turn off. 

This video shows how to reset the TPMS using the steering wheel controls: 54sNeil Arn CarsYouTube · Sep 8, 2024
If your Focus does not have a physical TPMS reset button

1. Inflate all tires to the recommended pressure. 
2. Turn the ignition to the "On" position and use the steering wheel's arrow buttons to navigate to "Settings" on the dashboard display. 
3. Go to "Vehicle" and then "TPMS Calibration". 
4. Select "Calibrate" and press OK. 
5. The calibration process can take up to 30 minutes of driving at speeds between 303030 and 606060 mph to complete. 

If the light remains on

• Double-check that all tires have the correct air pressure.
• If the light still won't go off, have a mechanic inspect the tires and the system for any issues. 

Where are Ford tire pressure sensors located?

Stem. Here is what a new one looks like. Okay so I guess these are lithium ion batteries. And over time these things wear out as you can see this truck's got 194,000 mi on it it's a 2012.

How do I tell which tire pressure sensor is bad?

Sensor Malfunctions: If your tire pressure is within the recommended range, but the sensor triggers a warning light, it may be malfunctioning. Handling Differences: Should you notice handling changes like swerving or flat tires without a TPMS alert, the sensor might be failing to detect these crucial pressure drops.