Troubleshooting Ford TPMS Faults: Tips to Overcome Common Tire Pressure Monitor Issues

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. How Tire Pressure Monitoring System Works
3. Common Faults in Tire Pressure Monitoring System
4. Weird and Intermittent Faults
5. Causes of Faults
   1. Interference from Vehicle Accessories
   2. Interference from Low-Quality Charging Devices
   3. Interference from Radios in Police Package Vehicles
6. Diagnosing and Troubleshooting
   1. Retraining the Sensors
   2. Turning Off Radios and Removing Interference
7. Indicators of Tire Pressure Sensor Fault
   1. High Series
   2. Low Series
8. Frustration among Vehicle Owners and Shops
9. Tips for Avoiding Unnecessary Diagnostics
10. Conclusion

Tire Pressure Monitoring System: Common Faults and Troubleshooting

Introduction

In this era of technology, vehicles have become more advanced, equipped with various systems to enhance safety and performance. One such system is the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), which has been federally mandated since 2009 for passenger cars and light-duty trucks. While this system is designed to provide valuable information to drivers, it can also give rise to some strange and intermittent faults that can be challenging to diagnose. In this article, we will explore the common faults in the TPMS and discuss troubleshooting techniques to overcome them.

How Tire Pressure Monitoring System Works

Before diving into the faults, it is essential to understand how the TPMS operates. Each wheel in the vehicle is fitted with either a valve-mounted tire pressure sensor or a banded tire pressure sensor. These sensors continuously monitor the tire pressure and transmit the data to the module. The module, in turn, receives the tire pressure readings and alerts the driver if any of the tires have low pressure. To ensure accurate readings, the tire pressure sensors wake up when the vehicle is in motion, sending signals to the module every 30 seconds as long as the vehicle is above a certain speed threshold.

Common Faults in Tire Pressure Monitoring System

The TPMS can experience various faults, causing inconvenience for vehicle owners and perplexity for technicians. One of the most common faults is the "Tire Pressure Sensor Fault," which indicates that one or more tire pressure sensors are not reading correctly. Another fault, which we will focus on in this article, is the fault code "22 78A." This code signifies that the module has not received signals from all four tire pressure sensors for 20 minutes or more.

Weird and Intermittent Faults

The faults in the TPMS are not always straightforward. Due to their intermittent nature, they can be perplexing to diagnose, as they may occur randomly and disappear without a trace. Independent shops and even dealerships may overlook these strange faults, attributing them to temporary glitches. However, it is crucial to address these faults promptly as they can compromise the accuracy of the tire pressure readings and potentially lead to safety risks.

Causes of Faults

There are several causes behind the faults in the TPMS, and understanding them can help in effective troubleshooting. The primary cause is interference, either from within the vehicle itself or external sources.

1. Interference from Vehicle Accessories: Many vehicle accessories, particularly non-OEM items, can generate radio frequency interference, which disrupts the signals between the tire pressure sensors and the module. Power inverters, cell phone chargers, and low-quality chargers are frequent culprits in causing such interference.

2. Interference from Low-Quality Charging Devices: Cheaply made charging devices, with inadequate shielding and low-quality components, can emit significant interference. These devices are often unable to filter out extraneous signals, leading to communication issues between the tire pressure sensors and the module.

3. Interference from Radios in Police Package Vehicles: In vehicles with police package installations, which involve the integration of multiple radios and communication systems, interference is more likely to occur. The radios can overpower the signals from the tire pressure sensors, resulting in faults in the TPMS.

It is essential to address these interference sources before proceeding with further diagnostics, as they are responsible for a significant portion of TPMS faults.

Diagnosing and Troubleshooting

To diagnose and troubleshoot TPMS faults effectively, technicians and vehicle owners can follow these steps:

1. Retraining the Sensors: The first step is to attempt retraining the tire pressure sensors. Using a diagnostic tool, the technician can identify which sensor(s) is not responding and initiate the retraining process. If the issue persists, it indicates that the fault lies beyond sensor retraining.

2. Turning Off Radios and Removing Interference: In cases where interference is suspected, turning off all radios and disconnecting any non-OEM accessories can help identify its source. By removing potential sources of interference, such as power inverters and low-quality charging devices, the technician can determine if the faults are related to external interference.

Indicators of Tire Pressure Sensor Fault

Depending on the vehicle model and series, the TPMS faults are indicated differently. In high series vehicles, the cluster display will show a message stating "Tire Pressure Sensor Fault." However, in low series vehicles, a specific icon of a tire pump will flash on the display when a fault is detected, distinguishing it from a simple low tire pressure indication.

Frustration among Vehicle Owners and Shops

The intermittent and puzzling nature of TPMS faults often leads to frustration among vehicle owners and even professional automotive shops. The faults can go undiagnosed for extended periods, causing inconvenience and potential safety concerns. It is vital for both vehicle owners and technicians to stay informed about these faults and the appropriate troubleshooting steps to minimize frustration and ensure accurate diagnostics.

Tips for Avoiding Unnecessary Diagnostics

To avoid unnecessary diagnostics and potential expenses, vehicle owners can take some proactive measures:

1. Remove any non-OEM accessories or charging devices before visiting a shop for TPMS diagnostics.
2. Before dropping off the vehicle for diagnostics, go for a short drive with all electronics turned off to allow the sensors to wake up and communicate with the module.
3. If possible, replicate the fault in the presence of a technician to demonstrate the interference source's impact on the TPMS.

Conclusion

The tire pressure monitoring system is an essential safety feature in modern vehicles, but it can present perplexing faults. By understanding the common faults and troubleshooting techniques discussed in this article, both vehicle owners and technicians can tackle these issues effectively. Remember to address potential sources of interference and stay informed about the indicators of TPMS faults to ensure the system functions optimally and provides accurate tire pressure readings.

⭐️Highlights⭐️

• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is federally mandated for vehicles since 2009.
• TPMS can experience weird and intermittent faults that are challenging to diagnose.
• Interference from vehicle accessories and low-quality charging devices are common causes of TPMS faults.
• Police package vehicles with multiple radios can cause interference in TPMS.
• Retraining sensors and turning off radios can help diagnose and troubleshoot TPMS faults.
• Indicators of TPMS faults vary in high and low series vehicles.
• Communication and understanding between vehicle owners and technicians are crucial.
• Vehicle owners can take proactive steps to avoid unnecessary diagnostics.
• The ultimate goal is to ensure accurate tire pressure readings and enhance safety.

FAQ

Q: Can TPMS faults be fixed without visiting a professional automotive shop? A: In some cases, TPMS faults can be resolved by removing potential sources of interference, such as non-OEM accessories or low-quality charging devices. However, if the issue persists, it is recommended to consult a professional for accurate diagnostics and troubleshooting.

Q: How often should the tire pressure sensors be retrained? A: It is not necessary to retrain the tire pressure sensors regularly unless a fault is detected or during a tire replacement. However, if TPMS faults are frequently experienced, retraining the sensors periodically, such as once every six months, may help ensure optimal performance.

Q: Are TPMS faults covered under vehicle warranties? A: TPMS faults are typically covered under the vehicle's warranty if they occur within the specified warranty period. However, it is essential to refer to the specific terms and conditions of the warranty offered by the vehicle manufacturer.

Q: Can TPMS faults lead to safety risks? A: Yes, TPMS faults can potentially compromise vehicle safety. Inaccurate tire pressure readings may result in underinflated or overinflated tires, affecting traction, stability, and braking performance. It is crucial to address TPMS faults promptly to ensure the safety of both the vehicle occupants and others on the road.

Q: Can using high-quality charging devices prevent TPMS faults? A: While using high-quality charging devices can reduce the chances of interference, it does not guarantee complete immunity to TPMS faults. Other factors, including vehicle-specific interference sources, must also be considered. It is advisable to consult the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations for compatible charging devices to minimize the risk of TPMS faults.