VDO Overview / Installation Service Tips



The following TPMS overview and service tips is brought to you by Continental Corporation. For complete VDO catalog information, please visit: www.vdo.com/usa

TPMS is for professional installation only

1. In combination with electronic stability control and/or anti-lock brake systems, indirect TPMS works by monitoring tire/wheel rotation speeds (versus properly inflated tires, lower pressure tires have a smaller diameter and therefore rotate faster). Indirect TPMS does not contain tire pressure sensors inside the tires.

2. Direct TPMS contains tire pressure sensors inside the tires, and offers many service opportunities for the automotive technician. This catalog only covers direct TPMS replacement parts.

3. Be aware that there are many varieties of direct TPM systems. Valve-type includes clamp-in sensors (threaded metal valve stem with hex nut) and snap-in sensors (rubber valve stem with sensor). Valveless sensors are typically banded (metal wheel band), but other styles are being developed. Attempting to visually identify a TPMS-equipped vehicle by the exposed valve stem alone can be misleading due to these sensor varieties.

4. Valve-type sensors are mounted to the valve stem hole of the wheel. Valveless (specifically banded) sensors are mounted 180 degrees from the valve stem hole of the wheel.

5. Identify if a vehicle is or is not equipped with direct TPMS, and if the system is working properly prior to bringing the vehicle into your shop. Check the dash telltale lights and use an electronic TPMS scan tool to verify direct TPMS/verify system functionality status. If the system is not working properly, identify this to your customer before beginning service on a vehicle to avoid potentially being blamed for damage.

6. Purchase a quality electronic TPMS scan tool that offers wide application coverage to help identify if a vehicle is direct TPMS-equipped, diagnose problems, and to trigger replacement sensors/perform

7. Be sure to check the spare tire for a direct TPMS sensor. Many vehicles with direct TPMS have a sensor in full size spares.

8. Direct TPMS sensors only need replacement if the battery fails or if the sensor is damaged.

9. Replace the TPMS sensor seal, attachment nut, valve core, cap, and washer (service kit) during tire service. Depending on the application, these serviceable parts can vary. However, the idea remains the same – replacing these parts is preventive maintenance for the TPM system, and the profits help recoup those lost from standard tire valve/stem sales that typically no longer come on direct TPMS equipped vehicles.

10. Once a TPMS service kit part has had torque applied, do not loosen and reuse these parts. Service kit parts that have been previously torqued must be replaced with new parts.

11. Do not use plain brass valve cores with TPMS sensor valves, as the valve core can easily corrode inside the valve stem leading to frozen/seized parts.

12. It is highly recommended to only use OE-validated TPMS parts. TPMS is a mandated safety system in the USA and should not be compromised with copy-cat parts. The use of OE-validated parts helps protect your customer and your business.

13. Use a torque tool to verify that the proper torque has been applied when installing the TPMS sensor attachment nut, valve core, and other torqued parts. The guesswork without a torque tool can lead to serious problems, including tire air loss and damaged TPMS parts.

14. For items in this TPMS Replacement Parts Catalog, be sure to follow all instructions and relearn procedures included with the replacement parts and online at www.vdo.com/usa

15. Some tire sealants and balancing compounds may interfere with the performance or reduce the longevity of TPMS sensors.

16. If necessary, most TPMS sensors can be cleaned in water.

17. When cleaning a TPMS sensor, be careful to not clog or damage the tire air pressure inlet hole (typically on the hard plastic side of the sensor, and is different from the inflating hole). A cleaning instrument should never be inserted directly into the tire air pressure inlet hole for risk of damage.

18. Pure nitrogen inflation is not required; however it is perfectly acceptable for use with TPMS sensors.

19. TPMS is a supplemental tire safety system, and is not a replacement for regularly-scheduled tire pressure checks and maintenance.

20. Colder temperatures will reduce the pressure in a vehicle's tires, thereby potentially triggering the TPMS low tire pressure warning lamp. Always be sure to maintain the recommended tire pressure in a vehicle year-round.

21. Changing to non-OE wheels and/or tires that have a different recommended inflation pressure will not change the low tire inflation warning threshold of the TPMS. If OE wheels and/or tires are not used, refer to the OE manufacturer's vehicle service guide for instructions including the warning threshold reset procedure and seek the assistance of an authorized vehicle dealer to ensure the TPM system, including system compatibility with the non-OE wheels and/or tires, is working properly.

22. Most TPMS sensors have lithium perchlorate or lithium manganese-based batteries and should be properly disposed of when the usable life has expired.

23. Some types of window film (tinting) can cause interference with the TPMS.

24. Proper tire inflation can help to maximize tire life and MPG, improve handling, reduce stopping distance and help avoid hydroplaning.