Tire Monitoring System: Description and Operation

Tire Pressure Monitor
Description and Operation
The Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) system allows the driver to display all 4 tire pressures on the Driver Information Center (DIC) wile the vehicle is being driven. The system uses the Remote Control Door Lock Receiver (RCDLR), DIC, Dash Integration Module (DIM), Power Train Control Module (PCM), 4 radio frequency transmitting pressure sensors inside each wheel/tire assembly, and a class 2 serial date circuit to perform the system functions. When the vehicle is stationary for more then 20 minutes the sensors go into power down mode. In this mode the sensors transmit tire pressure data once every 60 minutes, this minimizes sensor battery consumption. These batteries are not serviceable and require sensor replacement if low. As vehicle speed increases to 32 km/h (20 mph) the sensor's internal roll switches turn the sensors on and they will each begin to transmit a unique identification code and E radio frequency signal. The RCDLR translates this data into tire location and tire pressure. The RCDLR sends this data to the DIC via a class 2 serial data circuit where the tire pressures are displayed.
When the TPM system detects a tire pressure higher than 248 kPa (39 psi), or lower than 165 kPa (24 psi), the CHECK TIRE PRESSURE warning message is displayed on the DIC. When the DIC is scrolled to display the tire pressures, additional messages are also displayed as follows, depending on that tires pressure condition:
^ TIRE OK
^ TIRE HIGH
^ TIRE LOW

These messages can be cleared, by setting all tire pressures to the Manufacturer's specification. The TPM system can also compensate for high and low altitudes using the PCM's barometric pressure sensor via a class 2 serial data circuit. The RCDLR has the ability to detect malfunctions with in the TPM system. Any malfunctions detected will cause the DIC to display the SERVICE TIRE MONITOR warning message on the DIC.