Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) FAQ

[xtrons]

1. Why do I need a TPMS?

Vehicles are equipped with a TPMS sensor to warn drivers when a tire is significantly underinflated. In 2000, after Firestone recalled more than 6.5 million vehicles due to tread separation, the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) issued the first version of the TREAD Act which required Tire Pressure Warning Systems to be implemented on all vehicles sold in the United States by the year 2008 including all passenger vehicles and light trucks with GVWR of 10,000 lbs. and less.

Advantages of TPMS:

Warns user of underinflated tire

Reduces the risks of accidents due to a tire failing

Optimizes the fuel consumption as well as the tire life

Reduces the risk of a slow puncture



2. How do I know if my vehicle is equipped with TPMS?

In the U.S., if you purchased a car or light duty vehicle under 10,000 lbs, manufactured after September 1, 2007, you have TPMS. If your model was manufactured after October 5, 2005, you may have TPMS. Also, prior to the legislation, some higher-end vehicles also came equipped with TPMS as a premium option. Among other matters, within TREAD Act of 2000, the U.S. federal government mandated the required implementation of TPMS on all new vehicles in the following phased rollout:

20% of new vehicles from Oct 5, 2005–Aug 31, 2006

70% of new vehicles from Sept 1, 2006–Aug 31, 2007

100% of new vehicles from Sept 1, 2007 and beyond.

According to the EU regulation 661/2009, all vehicles that have received type approval after November 2012, as well as all new vehicles sold after November 2014, must have a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The regulation does not apply to the owners of old vehicles, which means that if a vehicle did not have a pressure monitoring system when it was registered for use in traffic, you do not need to install such a system later.

There are several ways to determine if your vehicle is equipped with TPMS. The easiest include checking the owner's manual and watching the dashboard indicator lights at startup. Turn the vehicle ignition switch to the "ON" or "AUX" position, or simply start the vehicle. If a separate TPMS symbol shows on the dashboard the vehicle most likely has the TPMS.



3. What kind of TPMS are the XTRONS TPMS?

There are two types of tire pressure monitoring systems on the market today, Direct TPMS and Indirect TPMS.

Indirect TPMS do not use physical pressure sensors but measure air pressures by monitoring individual wheel rotational speeds and other signals available outside of the tire itself.

Direct TPMS uses tire pressure sensors installed in each wheel to measure pressure in each of the four tires. These sensors transmit pressure data via a wireless transmitter to a central receiver unit. The receiver unit then interprets the data and relays the information to the driver. Some vehicles are equipped with systems that are able to display individual pressure read outs for each tire, while other vehicles only display the tire pressure warning light when one or more tires are under or overinflated. The XTRONS TPMS are the direct version.



4. Can I install Direct TPMS myself?

Yes, of course you can do it yourself. Just follow the user manual and do it.



5. Do I need to rebalance my tires after install?

Since the XTRONS sensors weigh only 0.29 oz. (1/3 oz.), they do not have any balancing effect on your tire. There is no need to perform a tyre balancing.



6. Does this system have an anti-theft feature?

As XTRONS sensors are externally fitted, the nut in each sensor has an anti-theft design. There is no possibility to remove the sensors from tire without professional tools.



7. Is the TPMS sensor water resistant?

The sensor is fully water resistant. The locking collar and housing are stainless steel and are designed for use in Salt Water applications.



8. How long will the sensor’s battery last?

The working life of the battery is 1 years.



9. Can the sensor batteries be replaced?

The sensor uses a standard CR1632 button cell which is readily available to find.



10. Which type of chip is built into the sensor?

XTRONS TPMS sensor is using Infineon SP37 chips. Infineon is one of largest TPMS chips suppliers, providing chips to Schrader, Smartire, TRW Lear and some other big TPMS companies. The SP37 is the most mainstream chip at the time this was written.



11. How is a sensor matched to a wheel?

Every sensor has its unique ID number to pairing TPMS monitor. XTRONS sensor has already paired before dispatch, there is a mark on each sensor (RF, LF, RR, LR), you just need install them in corresponding wheels.



12. When I rotated the tire, do I need exchange the sensor also?

There is a mark on each sensor's cap, you just need remove and re-install the sensor according its marks (RF, LF, RR, LR) after having rotated the tyres. Another solution is to reset the sensors' location in the system.



13. If one of sensors broken, can I replace it individually?

Yes, you just need buy a new one sensor in the same model from the same brand, install it and do the pairing.



14. Can I adjust the system of pre-loaded values about pressure and temperature?

The system has been pre-set with alert figures for pressure and temperature. These figures are suitable for most cars. If a professional tire technician suggests you to change these figure, you can follow the user manual to reset them.



15. Do I need an extra monitor to display TPMS data?

Most of TPMS are equipped with a small black and white monitor of about 3 inches, which is typically inserted into the cigarette lighter and is charging all the time.

The XTRONS TPMS does not have a monitor with it, you just need link the XTRONS TPMS's receiver to your XTRONS Android head unit. XTRONS Android head unit uses a full colourful and touchable high definition digital screen so the data will be displayed clearly.



16. Can XTRONS TPMS monitor the tire even if the vehicle is stationary?

Yes, the XTRONS TPMS can display real time tire pressures at each location monitored, whether the vehicle is moving or parked. The XTRONS TPMS transmitters only activates when the pressure changes ±1psi (0.07bar), and transmits the data to the system then. This can reduce the transmission time but ensures tyre status is monitored at all times, hence extending the working life of the battery.



17. Can the TPMS still transmit data to system under high speed?

Yes, the XTRONS TPMS can transmit correct data to the system with a vehicle speed of up to 185m/h (295km/h).



18. Will the TPMS drain my car's battery?

No, it won’t. Because the XTRONS TPMS is linked to your XTRONS head unit, and if correctly installed, when you switch the ignition off, your head unit will automatically be turned off and so does the TPMS.



19. How does XTRONS TPMS work?

After you have correctly installed the XTRONS TPMS with the XTRONS Android head unit, the sensors will automatically monitor pressures and temperatures and transmit real-time statistics to the receiver. When there is any abnormal pressure (under or over inflated) and/or temperature of tire detected, the XTRONS Android head unit will prompt a warning immediately.


Important Information: Please keep in mind that the following XTRONS head units support TPMS, and you need to order XTRONS TPMS01 to use the TPMS function on the units: PF75FSFAP-B, PF75FSFAP-S, PF75QSFAP-S, PF75QSFAP-B, PF7546BAP, PF7553BAP, PF7590BAP, PF75AA3AP, PF75AA4AP, PF75ATTAP, PF75AA3ARP, PF75AA4ARP, PF75ATTARP, PF75JCCAP, PF75FFFAP, PF7539BAP, PF75HGTAP, PF75MTWAP, PF85MTVAP, PF75M203AP, PF75M211AP, PF75M245AP, PF75M164AP, PF9LMTVAP, PF75M209AP, PF75M220AP, PF75TRVAP, TL702AP, PF7581BAP, TL702AP, PL91MTVAP.