Tire Monitoring System: Description and Operation

Tire Pressure Monitor System

The Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) system uses wireless technology to monitor tire pressure levels. Sensors, mounted to each wheel as part of the valve stem transmit tire pressure readings to a receiver located in the overhead console.

The tire pressure is shown in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) display. The TPM system remains active even if it is not displayed in the EVIC.

CAUTION: The TPM system is designed to monitor your tire pressure and will not function as a tire pressure gauge while adjusting the pressure in your tires. There will be a delay between the instant you adjust the air pressure in a tire and when the system updates the display.

NOTE: The TPM system can inform you about a low or high tire pressure condition, but it does not replace normal tire maintenance.

The TPM system is not intended to provide you with notification of rapid pressure loss.

1. If any tire pressure has exceeded the low or high pressure, the TPM system will display a message in the EVIC and sound a chime. It will then go into the tire pressure display screen and flash the pressure value of the tire that is low or high. This will be displayed for the rest of the ignition cycle, or until the C/T, MENU, STEP or RESET button is pressed.

NOTE: This display will return 60 seconds after the C/T, MENU, STEP or RESET button is pressed. If a tire is low or high, you should correct your tire inflation pressure as soon as possible and inspect all of your tires.

Once the low or high tire pressure message has occurred, it will continue to blink until the tire pressure is corrected.

2. If the spare tire pressure has exceeded the low or high pressure allowed, the TPM system will display a message in the EVIC for 60 seconds and sound a chime each ignition cycle.

NOTE: This message will return every ignition cycle, until the tire pressures are corrected.

3. When the vehicle is moving and the EVIC cannot receive a valid sensor signal from the tire pressure sensors, the TIRE PRESSURE UNAVAILABLE message will be displayed for 3 seconds along with a chime. The display will then shift to the individual tire pressure display screen and display dashes for the tire or tires that are affected. If the TIRE PRESSURE UNAVAILABLE message has been displayed, and valid sensor signals are received, the EVIC will display the TIRE PRESSURE NOW AVAILABLE message for 3 seconds along with a chime. This is meant to inform you when the TPM system has returned to it's normal operation. This will occur when valid tire pressure sensor messages have been received from all 4 road tires. TPM system function may be temporarily unavailable due to external electromagnetic interference, such as electronic devices or nearby radio or TV towers.

4. In addition to monitoring the vehicle tires, the TPM system monitors faults within the system. When any fault has been set, the TPM system will display TIRE SENSOR BAD/MISSING. Be sure to inspect your tires for proper inflation pressure. After you determine that your tires are properly inflated, see your authorized dealer for service to diagnose the problem with the TPM system.

5. If a road tire is replaced by the spare, the TPM system will automatically detect that the tires have been switched (after the ignition has been cycled) and display SPARE SWAP DETECTED along with a chime. This could take up to 10 minutes with vehicle speed above 25 mph (40 km/h).