System Communication
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Acura MDX, 2012 Acura MDX, 2011 Acura MDX, and 2010 Acura MDX. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- When the vehicle is running, a RF (radio frequency) band wave signal is continuously transmitted from each tire pressure sensor to the TPMS control unit.
- When the ignition switch is turned to ON (II), the initiators send a LF (low frequency) band wave signal to the tire pressure sensors, switching them from sleep mode to normal function mode. When the ignition switch is turned to LOCK (0), the sensors switch from normal function mode back to sleep mode to extend their battery life.
- Each tire pressure sensor has its own ID to prevent jamming by similar systems on other vehicles. After memorizing all the sensor IDs, the control unit recognizes only those specific signals.
- An ID can be memorized manually or automatically. Each initiator is hardwired to the TPMS control unit. Every time the ignition is turned to ON (II), the control unit asks each initiator to wake up the appropriate tire pressure sensor. The initiators then transmit the sensor IDs, and the control unit receives and memorizes them. The control unit then knows which ID belongs to each tire location. This recurring ID confirmation prevents any confusion in the system as a result of normal tire rotation.
NOTE:
Be careful not to bend the brackets on the TPMS control unit and the front/rear initiators. Misalignment of the TPMS control unit and initiators could interfere with sending and receiving signals.