TPMS Function

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2019 Ford F-550 Super Duty, 2019 Ford F-450 Super Duty, 2019 Ford F-350 Super Duty, and 2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

TPMS Function

NOTE: When directed to train any vehicle TPMS sensors, use only the sensor training procedure outlined in this service information. Do not use the TPMS reset procedure outlined in the Owner's Literature as this procedure does not program new sensors to the module.

Vehicle TPMS

The vehicle TPMS uses 4 valve stem mounted sensors to monitor tire pressure. These sensors wirelessly transmit tire pressure data to the RTM. The RTM is a radio signal receiver which collects the tire pressure data and sends the information to the BCM along a LIN.

All TPMS functions are controlled by the BCM. The BCM compares the tire pressure data sent by the RTM with a programmed tire pressure. This programmed pressure is specified on the VC label and cannot be changed. If the actual tire pressure is less than the programmed tire pressure, the BCM sends a low tire pressure message to the IPC along the MS-CAN. The IPC responds by illuminating the TPMS warning indicator and displaying a low tire pressure message in the message center. The TPMS sensors are trained (calibrated) to the BCM which records the unique identifier for each TPMS sensor and records the location of each sensor based on the training (calibration) order. The BCM sends messages to the RTM by first sending the information along the HS-CAN1 to the GWM which then sends the information to the RTM along the MS-CAN.

It is necessary to train (calibrate) the TPMS sensors after a tire rotation on vehicles with different front and rear tire pressures. The BCM does not automatically recognize the sensor identifiers have been moved to different positions and retains the original position information for each sensor. Refer to: Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor Location Calibration .

The diagnostic scan tool is useful in diagnosing TPMS concerns and may be used to verify the accuracy of the tire pressure data transmitted by the TPMS sensors. This is accomplished by comparing the BCM tire pressure PID data to the actual tire pressure using a digital tire pressure gauge.

Trailer TPMS

If equipped, the trailer TPMS uses 2, 4 or 6 valve stem mounted sensors to monitor trailer tire pressure. These sensors wirelessly transmit tire pressure data to the GFM. The GFM contains a radio signal receiver which collects the tire pressure data and the GFM determines what actions to take based on the data from the sensors.

All trailer TPMS functions are controlled by the GFM. The GFM compares the tire pressure data sent by the trailer TPMS sensors against a programmed tire pressure. This tire pressure is programmed during GFM installation. If the actual tire pressure is significantly less than the programmed tire pressure, the GFM sends a low tire pressure message to the GWM along the MS-CAN2. The GWM relays the message to the IPC along the HS-CAN3. The IPC responds by displaying a low tire pressure message in the message center. The TPMS sensors are trained (calibrated) to the GFM which records the unique identifier for each TPMS sensor and records the location of each sensor based on the training (calibration) order.

For information on training (calibrating) the trailer TPMS sensors and programming the GFM with the number of TPMS sensors and the tire pressure threshold, refer to the Owner's Literature.