SUBJECT VEHICLE: Honda Accord and Crosstour, 2008-2013.
RELEARN PROCEDURE? Yes. When a tire pressure sensor or control unit is replaced, or a known good wheel is substituted, the ID(s) of all four tires’ sensors must be memorized by the TPMS control unit. After memorizing the sensor ID(s) or doing a tire rotation, the mounting location of sensors 1, 2, 3 and 4 must be determined.
SPECIAL TOOLS NEEDED? Yes – scan and TPMS sensor tools. NOTE: The Honda Diagnostic System (HDS) or an OBD-II compatible scan tool and a TPMS sensor tool must be used to program information into the new TPMS control unit.
The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) on the 2008-2013 Honda Accord and Crosstour consists of a low tire pressure indicator, TPMS indicator, and TPMS control unit. The TPMS control unit monitors all four tires, the system, and alerts the driver if there is a large change in the tire pressure or a system problem by illuminating the appropriate indicator.
When the vehicle speed exceeds 28 mph (45 km/h), the tire pressure sensor begins to transmit. The tire pressure sensor transmits its ID and tire pressure, using a RF (radio frequency) signal, to the TPMS control unit once every 60 seconds. In this stage the tire pressure sensors enter into “normal function mode.”
When the vehicle is stationary for five minutes or more, the tire pressure sensors enter into “sleep mode” to reserve the battery life. Each sensor is an integrated unit made up of the tire valve stem, a pressure sensor, and a transmitter. The unit is attached to the inside of the wheel, around the valve stem. Each low pressure sensor has its own ID to prevent jamming by similar systems on other vehicles. After memorizing all of the sensor ID(s), the control unit receives only those specific signals.
NOTE: Tire pressure sensor ID memorizing is required if the TPMS control unit or sensor is replaced.
Tire pressure monitor warning indicators
NOTE: Tire pressures will increase slightly as the temperature in the tires rises during driving at highway speeds. Pressures will also increase or decrease slightly with changes in outside air temperature.
A temperature change of about 18 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) will change tire pressure by about 1.5 psi (10 kPa). If the outside temperature drops, the tire pressure could decrease just enough to turn on the low tire pressure indicator. After the outside temperature increases the low tire pressure indicator will turn off.
To resolve a complaint of such intermittent indications, confirm and clear the stored diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)and check the tire pressures. Then explain to the customer how temperature changes can affect the system, especially when tire pressures are near the low end of the TPMS normal range between 24 and 32 psi (168 to 220 kPa). NOTE: If the outside temperature is at or below -40 degrees F (-40 degrees C), the system may not function properly.
If the TPMS control unit detects less than 24 psi (168 kPa) in a 16-inch tire or 25 psi (175 kPa) in a 17-inch tire, it alerts the driver by turning on the low pressure indicator and setting a DTC in the control unit. When the tire pressure is increased to more than 28 psi (190 kPa) in a 16-inch tire or 29 psi (200 kPa) in a 17-inch tire, and the vehicle is driven above 28 mph, the control unit will turn off the indicators and store the DTC(s) after the transmitter has sent the tire pressure signal to it. The TPMS indicator will come on if the following has occurred.
- If a problem is detected in the system.
- If low tire pressure and a problem in the system is detected
- If the TPMS control unit loses power or fails.
NOTE: If a flat tire is replaced with the spare tire, the TPMS indicator will come on, and DTC(s) will be set, because the system is no longer receiving the signal from the flat tire’s transmitter. This does not indicate a problem with the spare tire.
Reset procedures
NOTE: When a tire pressure sensor or control unit is replaced, or a known good wheel is substituted, the ID(s) of all four tires’ sensors must be memorized by the TPMS control unit (see memorizing sensor ID). After memorizing the sensor ID(s) or doing a tire rotation, the mounting location of sensors 1, 2, 3 and 4 must be determined. When the “activate sensor” signal is sent to each wheel using the required tool, or the TPMS sensor tool in sequence, the tire pressure sensors can be located by the reaction sensor number (see sensor location).
NOTE: The Honda Diagnostic System (HDS) or an OBD-II compatible scan tool and a sensor tool must be used to program information into the new TPMS control unit with both of the reset procedures.
If the low tire pressure indicator is lit continuously due to low pressure in one or more tires, adjust tire inflation to the proper pressure as indicated on the tire and loading information placard. The light will go out once the tire pressure is properly set, and the vehicle is driven above 28 mph.
Tire pressure sensor memorization
NOTE: To ensure the control unit memorizes the correct ID, the vehicle with the new sensor must be at least 3 m (10 ft.) from any other TPMS pressure sensor not installed on that vehicle.
1) Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position and wait five minutes for the tire pressure sensor to enter into “sleep mode.”
2) Connect the HDS to the Data Link Connector (DLC) located under the left side of the dashboard.
3) Turn the ignition switch to ON position, and verify that HDS is communicating with the TPMS control unit.
4) Select “Sensor ID Learning” on the HDS tool.
NOTE: If the vehicle’s ignition switch is turned to the LOCK position before all sensors are memorized, the memorizing ID is canceled.
5) After turning on, hold the TPMS sensor tool near one wheel, and memorize the pressure sensor ID by following the screen prompts on the HDS. If the TPMS control unit is still having trouble learning ID(s), refer to appropriate service information.
6) Repeat step 5 for each wheel until all four sensor ID(s) are memorized. When all are memorized, the low tire pressure indicator will blink.
7) Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position and disconnect the HDS from the Data Link Connector (DLC).
8) Test-drive the vehicle at 28 mph (45 km/h) or more for at least one minute. Monitor the low pressure indicator to be certain it does not blink.
9) Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position, reduce the pressure in one tire until it is below 24 to 25 psi then turn the ignition switch ON.
10) Test-drive the vehicle at 28 mph (45 km/h) or more for at least one minute. Verify that the low pressure indicator turns on, and then re-inflate the tire.
11) Repeat steps 9 and 10 for all other tires. Clear any DTC(s) with the HDS.
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Sensor location
1) With the ignition in the LOCK position, connect the HDS to the DLC located under the left side of the dashboard.
2) Turn the ignition switch ON, and verify that the HDS is communicating with the TPMS control unit.
3) Bring up the TPMS DATA LIST, scroll down to the bottom, and locate the four tire pressure sensor ID numbers. These are the sensor ID numbers currently assigned to each tire location.
NOTE: Initialize the wheels in the following order: left front (LF), left rear (LR), right-rear (RR), right front (RF).
4) Follow the prompts on the HDS to activate the tire pressure sensors using the TPMS sensor tool. Start with the left-front (LF) wheel.
NOTE: If the tire pressure sensor does not respond to the TPMS sensor initializer, rotate the tire 1/4 turn and repeat Step 5. If the tire pressure sensor does not respond after a complete rotation with the current tire and switching the tire to a good known location, replace the tire pressure sensor.
5) Check the HDS screen, and note the active sensor reception order of tire pressure sensors 1, 2, 3 and 4.
6) Note the sensor location for future reference.
7) Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position.
Demounting/mounting procedures
CAUTION: The tire should be demounted from the wheel using the tire changer manufacturer’s instructions. Use the following information to avoid damage during the demounting/mounting procedures.
NOTE: When a tire pressure sensor is replaced, the sensor ID must be memorized by the TPMS control unit. See RESET PROCEDURES.
NOTE: Vehicles equipped with the TPMS must use wheels made for the system, or the system will not work. On all models, a “TPMS” mark is visible on the wheel, and a counterweight is cast into the opposite side of the spoke to balance the weight of the sensor.
Tire pressure sensor removal
CAUTION: Fluid sealant used to repair a punctured tire can damage the tire pressure sensor mounted on each wheel. It can prevent the system from detecting the correct tire pressure and set a DTC, even though the system is normal.
1) Raise the vehicle and support it with safety stands in the proper locations.
2) Remove wheel with faulty sensor.
3) Remove the tire valve cap and valve core, and let the tire deflate.
4) Remove any balance weights, and then remove the tire from the wheel with a tire changer.
Note these items to avoid damaging the tire pressure sensor:
- Do the outside of the wheel first. Position the wheel as shown so the valve stem is 90 degrees from the bead breaker (see Figure 1).
- DO NOT position the bead breaker of the tire changer too close to the rim. Position the wheel so the tire machine and tire iron are next to the valve stem, and will move away from it when the machine starts. Then remove the tire from the wheel (see Figure 2).
5) Remove the valve stem nut and washer, and then remove the tire pressure sensor with valve stem from the wheel.
NOTE: The valve stem grommet might stay in the wheel; make sure to remove it.
6) Remove and discard the valve stem grommet from the tire pressure sensor (see Figure 3). NOTE: Use a new nut, valve stem and screw.
1) Clean the mating surfaces on the sensor and the wheel before installing tire pressure sensor.
2) Install tire pressure sensor and washer to the wheel, and tighten valve stem nut finger tight. Make sure sensor is resting on the wheel (see Figure 4).
3) Lube the tire bead, and position the wheel so the tire machine and tire iron are next to the valve stem and will move away from it when the machine starts. Then install the tire onto the wheel (see Figure 2).
NOTE: Make sure the tire bead is seated on both sides of the rim uniformly.
4) Inflate the tire to 44 psi (300 kPa) to seat the tire bead to the rim, then adjust the tire pressure to specification as indicated on the tire and loading information placard, and install the valve stem cap.
5) Check and adjust the wheel balance, and then install the wheels on the vehicle.
6) Remove the safety stands and lower the vehicle.
7) Memorize the pressure sensor ID(s). See reset procedures. ■
Information for this column comes from Mitchell 1’s “Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems Guide” for domestic and import vehicles. Headquartered in Poway, Calif., Mitchell 1 has provided quality repair information solutions to the automotive industry for more than 80 years. For more information, visit www.mitchell1.com.
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