Welcome to Chrysler TPMS - Chrysler TPMS Tool & Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems

The manufacturers of the Chrysler and former Daimler Chrysler TPMS are Schrader Electronics and VDO. The Chrysler Model range utilising TPMS technology includes the following brands:

• Chrysler - 300, 300M, Aspen, Concorde - TPMS
• Crossfire, Intrepid, Pacifica, Prowler - TPMS
• PT Convertible, PT Cruiser, Sebring - TPMS
• Town & Country, Voyager - TPMS
• Dodge - Avenger, Caliber, Caravan - TPMS
• Challenger, Charger, Dakota, Durango - TPMS
• Grand Caravan, Intrepid, Magnum - TPMS
• Nitro, Ram, Sprinter, Stratus, Viper - TPMS
• Jeep - Commander, Compass - TPMS
• Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Patriot, Wrangler - TPMS

TPMS or Tire Pressure Monitoring System is fitted to Chrysler cars to provide a warning of low pressure on any one of four or five tires on the vehicle (five if TPMS fitted in spare). A TPMS from one of three manufacturers is fitted as part of the valve assembly in all Chrysler cars according to the table shown below. The sensor measures the pressure and temperature in the tire and transmits this data along with the unique ID of the TPMS to the tire pressure monitor WCM (Wireless Control Module) and EVIC. If the TPMS ID is logged with the WCM then it is compared with the placard pressure and if under pressure then a warning light is lit on the EVIC or dash.

TPMS or Tire Pressure Monitoring System is fitted to Chrysler cars to provide a warning of low pressure on any one of four or five tires on the vehicle (five if TPMS fitted in spare).

A TPMS from one of three manufacturers is fitted as part of the valve assembly in all Chrysler cars according to the table shown below. The sensor measures the pressure and temperature in the tire and transmits this data along with the unique ID of the TPMS to the tire pressure monitor WCM (Wireless Control Module) and EVIC. If the TPMS ID is logged with the WCM then it is compared with the placard pressure and if under pressure then a warning light is lit on the EVIC or dash.

TPMS replacement is called for when the TPMS fails due to mechanical or electrical failure, broken accelerometer, low TPMS battery power or blocked pressure port. One of the most common causes of failure is inappropriate handling during wheel or tire removal or servicing. The TPMS is an electronic component fitted as part of a heavyweight mechanical process.

Before attempting to replace a Chrysler TPMS we advise the use of one our Bartec Wheelrite tools to establish the need for replacement and the nature of the fault. This may support a warranty claim but will also ensure that the dealer or tire shop is covered for liability claims. The legal position is that as soon as the dealer breaks down the wheel then he becomes liable and cannot allow the car to be driven away from his shop with the TPMS warning light still on. Many dealers have found that customers will not accept the costs for repair and may attribute any breakage to the dealer if there is no audit trail.

The Bartec tools offer the capability to carry out a TPMS audit of the car and then show the customer the audit results from the screen or download them to a PC and print the audit results to show to the customer so that a cost can be agreed and the go ahead given before work commences. It is important to have a tool which can distinguish the correct TPMS in order to avoid picking up the transmission of other TPMS sensors, key fobs etc. It is important to limit your liability for any problems which occur.

The TPMS tool should be able to decode the transmission from the sensor and display the data. This will enable the technician to establish if the sensor has failed or is not fitted, whether the pressure port on the sensor is blocked, where the part is running at too high a temperature and other diagnostic information which might be included in the specific sensor (e.g. if there is a low battery condition on the TPMS).

The direct TPMS will be attached to the back of the tire valve.

If a sensor proves faulty or is damaged then it will need to be replaced. This requires a new sensor to be fitted and the EVIC/WCM to be reprogrammed with its unique ID and its position on the vehicle. The procedures for all vehicles including Chrysler vehicles are illustrated in the Bartec Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems Guide which shows service requirements, reset procedures, dismounting/mounting instructions, torque specifications etc for all makes/models and years. The relearning process will also be required in the event of wheel rotation. The relearn process is different across the Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep family of vehicles and also varies from the early vehicles with TPMS fitted. The different techniques are set out from information provided by the manufacturer in the Bartec Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems Guide. On most models the static relearn process requires 'RETRAIN TIRE SENSORS_YES' to be selected on the EVIC followed by activating each TPMS in turn (LF, RF, RR, LR) enabling each of the TPMS unique ID numbers to be loaded into the WCM. Remember that the TPMS tool should be held on the tire adjacent to the valve stem and not directly over the TPMS when activating the sensor. Each time a code has been successfully loaded the horn acknowledges. Repeat the procedure until all TPMS have been programmed into the WCM as displayed on the EVIC which should now display 'TRAINING COMPLETE'. Exit the training procedure.

The technician should always: refer to manufacturer's specifications for proper torque requirements when replacing nuts and valve cores; use new grommets, nuts, plastic or nickel-plated valve caps and electro-less, nickel-plated valve cores when performing any tire service; never use a brass valve core or un-plated brass cap with an aluminium TPMS sensor stem. Contact between dissimilar metals can cause galvanic corrosion, which can lead to loss of air pressure.

Note: The technician should avoid the use of any liquid or tire sealant injected into tires equipped with TPMS as this may block the pressure port and cause malfunction. If evidence of the use of tire sealant is noted upon dismounting the tire, it is highly recommended that the TPMS are replaced. It is also very important to remove all residual sealant from the inside of the tire and rim surfaces prior to re-installing the tire.

Following reprogramming of the WCM a further audit of the car is recommended to produce evidence of the work carried out.

The Bartec Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems Guide contains comprehensive information on the mechanical and electrical procedure for TPMS replacement for all makes/models/year types going back to the year of their introduction including:

• TPMS Service Requirements
• Special tools reference guide

Model articles referencing all makes/models/years and including:

• Description and operation of vehicle TPMS system
• Warning indicator reset procedure
• System Retrain/Relearn procedure
• Dismounting/mounting cautions & Notes
• Tire Pressure Sensor Replacement procedure
• Wheel Nut torques
• Tire Pressure Sensor Nut torques
  

Bartec are world leaders in the implementation of TPMS systems for the wheel and tire assembly plant and the car plant with over 70 installations worldwide.

As a result of this activity the company also leads the aftermarket with the most comprehensive range of TPMS dealer tools for the dealer, the tire shop and even the end user.

The market desperately needs information and training on TPMS, diagnosing faults and repairing/replacing, TPMS tools and support. Bartec has sought to answer some of the many questions by putting together a series of training videos which can be viewed by visiting www.bartecusa.com

Customers have told us our help desk guys are the best because of their wealth of information and experience; that they care about helping; and that they try that bit harder to sort out problems.

When you buy a Wheelrite TECH400 TPMS tool you get a free copy of the Bartec 'Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems Guide' and also gain access to the Bartec TPMS technical support for advice on replacement of TPMS and the use of TPMS tools on all vehicles not just Chrysler.

The team has a wealth of experience with TPMS. These guys have worked in the car plants and also in the aftermarket solving the problems you are addressing.

Please browse our website for more information about Bartec USA LLC and our range of TPMS Tools and our professional support for Tire Pressure Monitor Sensors, then call toll free (866) 407-TPMS and speak to one of our team or e-mail us on sales@bartecusa.com.