TPMS System Description - Components

Body Control Module 

The body control module sends signals to the initiators and receives signals from the tire pressure sensor to verify pressure sensor IDs every time the vehicle is turned to the ON mode. It also receives signals from the transmitters for tire pressure, tire temperature, and the sensor battery condition, and it continuously monitors and controls the system.

Tire Pressure Sensor 

Tire pressure sensor is an integrated unit made up of each tire valve stem, a pressure sensor, and a transmitter. The tire pressure sensors are attached to the inside of each wheel, around the valve stem. The sensor transmits internal tire information using an RF (radio frequency) band wave signal one time per 60 seconds to the body control module.Each tire pressure sensor has its own tire pressure sensor ID to prevent jamming by similar systems on other vehicles.

Initiator 

The initiators are mounted on the top of each wheelwell. When the vehicle is turned to the ON mode, the initiators send an LF (low frequency) band wave signal to the tire pressure sensor, switching them from sleep mode to normal function mode. When the vehicle is turned to the OFF (LOCK) mode, the sensors switch from normal function mode back to sleep mode to extend their battery life.

Wheel 

The TPMS will not work unless TPMS type wheels are installed on the vehicle. The original equipment wheels have a "TPMS" mark on them, and are counterweighted by adding material to counterbalance the weight of the tire pressure sensor.