The Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) System warns the driver when any one or all of the vehicles tire pressures have become significantly under inflated. The system uses the passenger door module (PDM), body control module (BCM), driver information center (DIC), instrument panel cluster (IPC), 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 the sensors go into a stationary mode. In this mode the sensors sample tire pressure once every 20 seconds 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 30 seconds and transmits in drive mode once every 60 seconds. The PDM receives and translates the data contained in each sensor RF transmission into sensor presence, sensor mode and tire pressure. The sensors compare their current pressure sample with their last transmitted pressure and will transmit in re-measure mode whenever an 11 kPa (1.6 psi) change in tire pressure has occurred.

When the TPM system detects a significantly under inflated tire pressure, the CHECK TIRE PRESSURE message is displayed on the DIC and the low tire pressure indicator is displayed on the IPC. Both the message and indicator can be cleared by adjusting tire pressures to the recommended kPa/psi. Refer to Vehicle Certification Label in General Information. The system does not display the individual tire pressures, or their location on the DIC, nor will it indicate to the driver which tire pressure is low. The sensors pressure range is 0-351 kPa (0-51 psi). The sensors pressure accuracy from -10 to +70°C (+14 to +158°F) is plus or minus 7 kPa (1 psi).

The PDM has the ability to detect malfunctions within the TPM System. Any malfunctions detected will cause the DIC to display the SERVICE TIRE MONITOR message. For more information on other functions of the PDM, refer to the following: