Tire Pressure Monitor

[Johnny O]

Been getting a "Tire Monitor Fault" message about once a day for a year and a half. Got new tires yesterday and I had been pecking away at buying new tire pressure monitors at NAPA for $50 each. Ford dealer wanted $300. The OE monitors are attached with a band around the middle of the rim and the NAPA units are under a metal valve stem. NAPA double and triple checks the part number because they're my buds and they know I'm picky. New tires go on and first I had a "Low Tire Pressure" warning. Tire shop says drive it about 30 miles and it should go away. Got about that much on and now it's back to "Tire Monitor Fault" which may or may not be an improvement. Anybody else have experience with this problem? Disconnect the battery for a while maybe? Trying to avoid getting hosed at the Ford dealer. Thanks. :haveabeer:

 

[Allan Reed]

If you find a fix let me know, I have been getting " Tire Sensor Fault" and " Tire Monitor Fault" for about 3 to 4 years now on my 2008. They usually come on after about 20 minutes of driving. I have been to several FORD dealers and they will rest sensors the same as tire shop but they actually know less about the system than I do and I know nothing. Many time after another 10 minutes of driving the warning disappears by itself.

TPMS were legislated to be installed on all new vehicles but legislation says nothing about maintaining them

Strange part is when when I had a low tire the system still worked properly.

I have gotten used to the orange warning light on dash, now it is just part of the scenery.

 

[Peter V]

OP, I cant remember where I read the info, but the valve stem sensors will not work correctly. You have to use the band style and have it "programmed" to work correctly.



I am currently enjoying the warning dash lights but am getting sick of it. Eventually I'll man-up and by the complete let of 4-bands and sensors for my new rims.

 

[Johnny O]

I get the exact same thing as Allan. I am the LAST person in the world who needs a tire pressure monitor. I check the tires and oil every few hours. You can't be too careful. :grin:

If it weren't for the friggen' beep I'd fix it with a piece of black tape on the dash.

Mine did actually work properly when we were on vacation in FL a couple years ago. Apparently I hit a spilled piece of rebar on I-75 and put a perfectly round 1/2" hole in the middle of my tire and the warning light came on.

 

[scott degroot]

The valve stem type sensors will work. The new sensors need to be programmed into the vehicles computer..this is tires 101 and the tire shop should have known this.

 

[Johnny O]

I'll have to get it to the dealer apparently. Shop's computer wouldn't fix it when I had it inspected. For now it is fixed with a piece of black electrical tape over the light. :supercool: