The Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) System warns the driver when any one, or all of the vehicle’s tire pressures have become significantly under, or over inflated. The system also allows the driver to display the individual tire pressure on the driver information center (DIC).

The system uses the remote control door lock receiver (RCDLR), DIC, dash integration module (DIM), powertrain control module (PCM), a radio frequency (RF) transmitting pressure sensor inside each wheel/tire assembly, and the serial data circuit to perform the system functions.

When the vehicle is stationary for more then 15 minutes the sensors go into a stationary mode. In this mode the sensors sample tire pressure once every 15 minutes and transmit in stationary mode once every 60 minutes. As vehicle speed increases, centrifugal force closes the sensors internal roll switches, causing the sensors to go into drive mode. In this mode the sensors sample tire pressure once every 10 seconds and transmits in drive mode once every 60 seconds. The RCDLR receives and translates the data contained in each sensors RF transmission into sensor presence, sensor mode and tire pressure. The RCDLR then sends the tire pressure and tire location data to the DIC via the serial data circuit where they are displayed as follows:

The sensors compare their current pressure sample with their last transmitted pressure and will transmit in re-measure mode whenever an 8.2 kPa (1.2 psi) change in tire pressure has occurred. When the TPM system detects a significantly under, or over inflated tire, the CHECK TIRE PRESSURE message is displayed on the DIC. And, when selected, displays the suspect individual tire pressure as HIGH, or LOW. These DIC messages can be cleared by adjusting tire pressures to the recommended kPa/psi. Refer to Tire Inflation Pressure Specifications in Maintenance and Lubrication, or to Tire Placard in General Information. The sensors pressure accuracy from -10 to +70°C (+14° to +158°F) is plus or minus 14 kPa (2 psi). The TPM system can also compensates for different barometric pressures at high and low altitudes using the PCMs manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor input via the serial data circuit.

The RCDLR has the ability to detect malfunctions with in the TPM system. Any malfunctions detected will cause the DIC to display the SERVICE TIRE MONITOR warning message. For more information on other functions of the RCDLR, refer to Keyless Entry System Description and Operation in Keyless Entry.