HELP! How To Install Your TPMS Sensor: Easy Guide

July 12, 2023

Many new gadgets improve your vehicle maintenance. One of these is the TPMS sensors. One of the main goals of a TPMS is to help avoid traffic accidents and increase tire wear because of under-inflated tires.

When your tire is under-inflated, you might have noticed a yellowish light on your dashboard. You pull your vehicle into a gas station and fill your tires to the ideal pressure in this opportunity. Sometimes one sensor is insufficient, or it might fail, and you need to install a new one. This guide is here to help you with it.

What is a TPMS sensor?

Your Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) aims to warn you that one or more tires are underinflated. This can create unsafe driving conditions. For more information, you can read this article.

Components

The TPMS sensor is simple but has some components that you need to make sure to have before installing it on your tire or tires.

Types

There are two types of TPMS sensors. One of them uses a software-based system (indirect). The second type uses sensors built into the valve stem caps (direct). The latter is the type you can install by yourself.

Direct

The Direct TPMS uses sensors located in each tire or valve stem. Each wheel includes a battery-driven pressure sensor. The sensor transfers pressure information to a central control unit. As a result, the unit reports high or low tire pressure to the vehicle's information system.

Indirect

The installation process

Before starting with the installation process, you need to tick these three items:

The right amount of sensors for your tires
Somewhere to store your old stem cap (if needed)
The receiver and sensors are compatible

1. Valve stem caps

Start by removing every stem cap of all your tires (do not forget your spare tire). If you have not done this for a while, the stem cap might be hard to turn. Please do not force it; you can use hot water to soften the plastic, afterwards turn it.

Place them safely in a bucket or into a piece of cloth.

2. Check tire pressure

This step has to be done prior to installing the sensors. Check the tire pressure and ensure it is at the correct level of inflation.

Remember to check your user's manual and verify the correct tire pressure for your car. Each vehicle has a different specification.

If you need to remove an old sensor, you will need to release the air from the tire. Once you release it, clear the valve stem hole from any dirt or corrosion.

This step can also be done and is mostly recommended by removing the tire from your car.

3.Calibrate the TPMS

For your monitor to work properly it need to be calbrated. Ensure to calibrate it with each tire to the corresponding pressure. Some sensors do not allow you to do this. With GUTA sensors, you can calibrate to alert with high, low pressure, hot temperature, and fast leakage.

Make sure the alert point is precise. Even though our system shows you the PSI and Temperature, you might forget which was ideal.

4. Install the sensors

Installing direct sensors is straightforward. You do not need to have experience with cars to do this step. All you have to do is screw on the sensors in place of the valve stem caps.

Before you tighten the sensor nut, push down on the sensor housing to make it flush with the interior contour of the wheel.

While you hold the sensor in that position, tighten the sensor nut. Be cautious. Over-torquing the sensor nut a little more can result in sensor separation from the valve stem.

5. Turn tire pressure monitor on

While you are inflating your tires to their proper pressure, turn your monitor ON. Verify if it receives a signal from each tire.

If it fails to do so, check the manufacturer's manual for any troubleshooting that can occur. You have some common issues at the end of this article as well.

If your monitor can give you all the information, you are set to go!

Tips and best-practices

Carelessness can result in a broken sensor. So here are easy and short tips that will give your TPMS a longer lifespan.

Torques

Get a torque wrench that measures inch-pound torque to tighten your sensor without breaking it.

Seals and valve stems

Most technicians recommend installing new seals and valve stem nuts to ensure proper sealing around the sensor anytime a camp-on TPMS sensor is reused. This will ensure proper sealing around the sensor valve stem.

Clean the area

Ensure the area around the sensor and valve stem in the wheel is clean. As well as, the surface of the wheel is not damaged. This needs to be done properly because an old seal can cause leakage. Moreover, don't lubricate or use a sealant in this area. We do not recommend it, as the torque values can change and cause you to sap the stem.

Extra tighten is not safe

The sensor nut needs to be tightened to a specific value. Contrary to what is believed, any torque above the ideal value will cause the seal to leak. It can also cause damage to the nut or valve stem. The worst case scenario even breaks the sensor body.

Common challenges and troubleshooting

If we have to compare any other system installation of a vehicle against TPMS, the latter is straightforward. However, some challenges or troubleshooting can appear.

Most will need to remember about the spare tire. Since this tire is mounted in the truck or to the car's frame. You need to install the sensor to your spare tire as well. It is crucial for recalibration. Plus, the monitor will activate a false source of warning light.

One common trouble that can arise during the installation of your TPMS is the calibration of your sensors. A TPMS factory relearn procedure is always required whenever a TPMS sensor is serviced or a new TPMS sensor(s) is installed. This will help ensure that the entire TPMS system is fully functional.

To conclude

TPMS sensors have become indispensable to our generation. They assist in making sure your vehicle tires always have the correct pressure. Reducing the risks of car accidents and outwear of your tires.

It is highly recommended that you install your TPMS sensor with a mechanic that has knowledge about these devices. Complying with the steps as mentioned earlier, you will have a proper operating monitor.