Originally Posted by pizzaguy
ANyone want to explain if the TPMS things ARE the valves/stems?
I found this answer from another post.
Originally Posted by AlvinByars
wheeldealer,
I apologize for giving a long answer to your question, but it may be helpful to know how the tire pressure monitor (TPM) system works.
Each wheel contains a tire pressure sensor (TPS) module that is part of the valve stem assembly. The TPS is powered by an internal, non-replaceable battery. To save battery power, the TPS is only activated when the car reaches approximately 20 mph and a roll switch is closed. Approximately every 30 seconds the TPS monitors the internal pressure of the tire. If the internal pressure is below one of two programmed values (low pressure, or critical pressure), or if the internal pressure is more than 1 psi below the value last recorded by the TPS, then the TPS will transmit a warning radio signal approximately once every 60 seconds. This signal is transmitted through the valve stem which acts as a transmitter antenna. In addition to the warning code (low pressure, critical pressure, or 1 psi change in pressure per 30 seconds), the TPS also sends a unique wheel identification code.
The TPS signal is received by the tire pressure monitor (TPM) module which resides in the HomeLink Universal Transceiver, which also contains the garage/gate door opener. When the TPM receives a signal from one of the TPS modules, it sets a trouble code and indirectly turns on the tire pressure warning light and/or activates a chime (if the critical pressure threshold was reached) through the Body Control Module (BCM).
If the TPS units properly fit your new wheels, then they should work fine. However, since each TPS has a unique code identifying the wheel in which it resides, you need to make certain that each TPS goes back on the same corner of the car from which it came. And if you rotate your tires/wheels, then you need to have your Chrysler dealer reprogram the TPS units so that they correctly identify on which corner of the car they now reside. Also, since the TPS units are constructed from aluminum, you need to make certain that the new wheels are also constructed from aluminum. If not, corrosion in the TPS units can occur from placing dissimilar metals in contact with each other, and this corrosion can cause the TPS to fail.
I hope this helps, and again, I apologize for the long-winded answer.
how it was done at the dealer
Originally Posted by jsisabella
OK - here is my experience:
I did use stock 18" rims all the way around with TPM sensors on the new wheels and snow tires.
When installed, the TPM light was not on and did not come on if I let out some air in one of the tires as a test.
I took it to the dealer, who had to re-link the sensors to the monitor. He had to hook up the computer console to the plug under the dash and go around to each wheel with a round magnet placed on the inflator. The console would beep to indicate that the monitor had received a signal from the sensor. This whole process takes about two minutes.
When I switched back to the Michellins this spring, I had to do the reset again.
So my guess would be that if you put on tires with no sensors, the TPM light will just stay off.
Hope this helps.