How TPMS Works

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Honda S2000 and 2008 Honda S2000. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) has a low tire pressure indicator and a TPMS indicator. When the TPMS control unit detects low pressure in a tire, or a problem in the system, it turns on the appropriate indicator.

If low tire pressure is detected in one or more tires, the low tire pressure indicator comes on.
If a problem in the system is detected, the TPMS indicator comes on.
If low tire pressure and a problem in the system are detected, only the TPMS indicator comes on.

If the system is OK, the TPMS indicator and the low tire pressure indicator should come on when you turn the ignition switch to ON (II), and then go off 2 seconds later. If they don't, there is a problem with the system.

If the system detects low pressure in any of the four tires, the low tire pressure indicator comes on, and the control unit will set one or more of these codes: DTC 11, 13, 15, 17. When the tire pressure returns to normal, the control unit turns off the indicators and stores the DTC(s). However, if the control unit detects a problem in the system during an indication of low tire pressure, it turns off the low tire pressure indicator, stores the DTC(s), and turns on the TPMS indicator(s).

NOTE: Tire pressures increase slightly as the temperature in the tires rises during driving at highway speeds. Pressures can also increase or decrease slightly with changes in outside air temperature. A temperature change of about 18 °F (10 °C) changes tire pressure by about 10 kPa (0.1 kgf/cm² , 1.5 psi). If the temperature drops, tire pressure could decrease just enough to turn on the low tire pressure indicator, but later, the tire temperature could increase enough to turn the indicator off. To resolve a complaint of such intermittent indications, confirm and clear the stored DTC(s) and check the tire pressures. Then explain to the customer how temperature changes can affect the system, especially when tire pressures are near the low end of the TPMS normal range - 168 to 220 kPa (1.7 to 2.2 kgf/cm² , 24 to 32 psi).

If a problem is detected in the system, the TPMS indicator comes on and stays on until the system returns to normal with most DTCs. If DTC 81, 83, or 85 is set, the TPMS indicator goes off only when the ignition switch is turned to LOCK (0).

Except CR model: When a flat tire is replaced with the spare tire, the TPMS indicator comes on (DTC 32, 34, 36, or 38) because the system is no longer receiving the signal from the tire's transmitter. This is not a problem with the spare tire.

CR model: When a tire sealant is charged into the flat tire, there is a possibility that the TPMS indicator or the low tire pressure indicator may come on and cause a DTC to be stored.

Therefore, it is necessary to clean the tire pressure sensor after removing the tire sealant and repair the flat tire (see WHEEL ALIGNMENT ).