TPMS BEST PRACTICES // VALVE HARDWARE 247 TPMS Best Practices, TPMS FAQs TPMS BEST PRACTICES Always test BEFORE you touch Check for the TPMS Indicator Flashing Light = System Fault Solid Light = Low Pressure Always adjust pressure to placard Always begin testing at LEFT FRONT Always work CLOCKWISE around the vehicle Standard TPMS Placard Refer to the VIN for the proper MODEL YEAR The 10th character of the VIN indicates the proper model year. This is important as TPMS sensors and protocols change from year to year. [The following is from a 2003 model year] YEAR CODE 05 5 06 6 07 7 08 8 09 9 10 A Testing MAGNET ACTIVATED Sensors Early Corvette and Cadillac models used a magnet (included in kit) to activate the sensors. You can use the Tech 400SD to check these sensors. 1. Set up tool 2. Position tool on wheel 3. Press Test 4. Place magnet over stem Sample TPMS Thresholds Testing “NON‐LF ACTIVATED” Sensors Some vehicle manufacturers use sensors that have no LF wakeup. These sensors are activated by a change in pressure or ΔP. You can use the Tech 400SD to check these sensors. 1. Set up tool 2. Position tool on wheel (see below) 3. Press Test (follow on screen instruction) Proper TPMS Tool Positioning • Position the tool against side wall at sensor • Aim the tool at the sensor • Press to start activation • Wait for beeping before moving the tool • If no response, reposition tool and try again. • Follow instructions on the tool display TPMS FAQ’s Technicians Am I REQUIRED to service TPMS vehicles? If during the repair you cause a TPMS malfunction, or the light comes on after you’ve serviced a vehicle’s tires, YES you have to repair the vehicle. If the TPMS light is on BEFORE I service a vehicle, am I responsible? No! This is why TEST BEFORE YOU TOUCH is so important. If the TPMS is faulty when it arrives at your shop, you are not required to fix it. However, it is good business to inform your customer and recommend that it be repaired. If I sell a new set of seasonal or custom wheels, do I have to fit sensors to those new wheels? Yes, you either sell new sensors for the additional wheel set and program them to the car, or take the OE sensors from their wheels and fit them to the new set. What if I just send the work to the dealer? You risk losing a customer. The dealer can service the vehicle, and in many cases sell them tires as well. How do I make money with TPMS? Invest in a tool, proper replacement inventory and get training. Understand that when the sensor battery fails, there will be a huge opportunity to service vehicles. Practice – practice – practice! Clamp or Snap – Aim tool right at the sensor. Banded Sensor – Aim tool 180° opposite the valve stem. 11 B 12 C 13 D 14 E 15 F 16 G Consumers Why does my car have TPMS anyways? It is a federally mandated safety system. It’s included when you buy the car, it protects your investment, and most importantly it keeps you safe! How does TPMS work? Sensors are in each wheel. These sensors send information to you using a radio signal. When one or more of your tires go below an acceptable limit, you will get a light on your dashboard. Why do I now have to PAY for tire rotations? Your service provider has invested in the proper tools and training in order to properly and safely maintain your car. When rotating tires, or replacing TPMS Sensors, the car needs programming. What happens if a sensor stops working? You will get a flashing light on your dashboard indicating a faulty system. Go to your service provider to get this repaired. Do TPMS Sensors need servicing? Generally the sensors only need servicing when replacing the tires. With every tire change, the mounting and sealing components should be changed to prevent leaks. Also with every tire service, the valve core and cap should be replaced to limit corrosion. Your service provider should have a TPMS Tool that checks the sensors condition. WARNING: For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov. SUPPLY CORPORATION ASCOT SUPPLY CORPORATION BUYER'S GUIDE VALVE HARDWARE // TPMS BEST PRACTICES
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