October 18, 2011
No substituting Dodge Ram valve stems
Retain the nickel-plated brass valve stem core for reinstallation
By: Information provided by Mitchell 1
Figure 1
SUBJECT VEHICLE: 2008-09 Dodge Ram Cab & Chassis 4500 & 5500.
RESET PROCEDURE? Yes. Directions follow.
SPECIAL TOOLS NEEDED? No.
If the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) on 2008-09 Dodge Ram Cab & Chassis 4500 & 5500s detects low tire pressure, the system will continuously illuminate an indicator lamp. If the Wireless Control Module (WCM) detects a “Warning” or “Fault” condition at ignition key “ON,” it will wait 10 seconds before sending the first request.
The TPMS will continue to warn the driver of low tire pressure as long as the condition exists, and will not turn off the indicator lamp until the tire pressure is at or above the Low Pressure lamp OFF threshold. The system will automatically update, and the TPMS warning lamp will extinguish, once the updated tire pressures have been received.
If a system “Fault” is detected, the indicator lamp will flash ON/OFF for 75 second and then remain on solid. To remove a faulty sensor and install a new one, follow these steps.
1. Remove the tire and wheel assembly from the vehicle. CAUTION: Any time a sensor is to be installed in a wheel, a new seal, the cap and the valve core must be installed on the stem to ensure airtight sealing (see Figure 1).
2. Demount the tire from the wheel following the tire changer manufacturer’s instructions. Pay special attention to the following to avoid damaging the pressure sensor:
a. When breaking the tire bead loose from the wheel rim, avoid using the bead breaker in the area of the sensor. That includes both front and rear beads of the tire.
b. When preparing to demount the tire from the wheel, carefully insert the mounting/demounting tool 280 degrees from the valve stem +/ – 10 degrees, then proceed to demount the tire from the wheel. Use this process on both the upper and lower tire beads.
CAUTION: The valve stem used on this vehicle is made from aluminum, and the core is nickel-plated brass. Retain the original valve stem core for reinstallation. Do not substitute a valve stem made of a different material, as the different metals will cause corrosion.
3. Using a thin-walled socket, remove the special nut retaining the sensor to the wheel.
While removing the nut, hold pressure against the rear of the metal valve stem to keep the valve stem from pushing rearward, which could damage the antenna strap (see Figure 2).
4. Remove the sensor from the wheel.
Before reinstalling an existing tire pressure sensor, replace the seal and metal washer at the base of the valve stem to ensure proper sealing (see Figure 1).
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