SENSOR, Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM): Description: Description

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

Fig 1: Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) Sensor - Exploded View

Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

1 - METAL WASHER

2 - SEAL

3 - NUT (WITH PRESSED-IN WASHER)

4 - CAP (WITH SEAL)

5 - SECTIONAL CUTAWAY OF WHEEL

6 - TPM SENSOR

On vehicles equipped with Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM), one tire pressure sensor (6) is mounted to each wheel (5) in place of the traditional tire valve stem. Each sensor has an internal battery that lasts up to 10 years. The battery is not serviceable. At the time of battery failure, the sensor must be replaced.

Fig 2: Tire Pressure Sensor

Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

1 - ANTENNA STRAP

2 - VALVE STEM

3 - IDENTIFICATION INSIGNIA

The TPM system operates on a 315 MHz radio frequency. The 315 MHz sensors can be easily identified by a white outline oval (black center) insignia (3) on the sensor body.

Fig 3: Tire Pressure Sensor - Export

Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

1 - ANTENNA STRAP

2 - VALVE STEM

3 - IDENTIFICATION INSIGNIA

The Export TPM system operates on a 433 MHz radio frequency. The 433 MHz sensors can be easily identified by either a solid white oval insignia (3) on the body or.

Fig 4: Tire Pressure Sensor - Export

Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

1 - ANTENNA STRAP

2 - VALVE STEM

3 - IDENTIFICATION INSIGNIA

a solid white oval insignia (3) with 433 printed in the center. The sensors are identical except for the oval insignia. The 433 MHz sensors can either have a black or grey sensor body.

CAUTION: Although 315 MHz and 433 MHz sensors are identical in size and shape, they are not interchangeable. Always make sure the correct sensor is being used.

NOTE: Sensors may be identified by valve stem cap color. From the factory, 315 MHz sensors have a gray valve stem cap while 433 MHz sensors have a black valve stem cap. Otherwise, once mounted inside a tire and wheel assembly you are not able to visually tell the difference between a 315 MHz and 433 MHz sensor. At that point, the TPM-RKE Analyzer, Special Tool 9936, with the Scan Tool may be used to identify the sensor frequency or the tire can be dismounted allowing visual inspection of the sensor body.

The TPM sensors are designed for original style factory wheels. It is not recommended to install a tire pressure sensor in an aftermarket wheel (This could cause sealing and system performance issues). Do not attempt to install a tire pressure sensor in an aftermarket wheel. If aftermarket wheels are installed and do not contain tire pressure sensors, the system will not function properly and the driver will be continuously notified of a system malfunction.

Fig 5: Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) Sensor - Exploded View

Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

1 - METAL WASHER

2 - SEAL

3 - NUT (WITH PRESSED-IN WASHER)

4 - CAP (WITH SEAL)

5 - SECTIONAL CUTAWAY OF WHEEL

6 - TPM SENSOR

The serviceable components of the tire pressure sensor are:

Sensor-To-Wheel Seal (2) and Metal Washer (1)
Valve Stem Cap (4)
Valve Stem Core
Valve Stem Nut (with pressed-in washer) (3)

NOTE: Any time a sensor is installed on a wheel, a new Sensor-To-Wheel Seal (2), Metal Washer (1) and Valve Stem Nut (3) must be installed to ensure air tight sealing. A service kit is available.

The valve stem caps and cores are specifically designed for the tire pressure monitoring sensors. Although similar to standard valve stem caps and cores, they are different. The valve stem cap has a special seal inside to keep moisture and corrosion out. The valve stem core has a special nickel coating to protect from corrosion.