SUBJECT VEHICLE: 2005-2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee
RELEARN PROCEDURE? Yes.
SPECIAL TOOLS NEEDED? Sensor IDs can be programmed using a TPMS-RKE analyzer tool.
The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) in the 2005-2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee monitors air pressure in the four road tires and the spare tire (if the vehicle is equipped with a full-size spare).
The TPMS uses radio and sensor technology to monitor tire air pressure levels. Sensors, mounted to each road wheel as part of the valve stem, monitor tire pressure, air temperature inside the tire, wheel acceleration and the sensor internal battery status for all four active road tires (and the spare tire, if applicable).
There are two tire pressure monitoring systems available, a base system and a premium system.
The base system does not specify how many tires are low or where they are located.
The premium system does indicate which tire is low. The sensor will broadcast this information, along with a unique 32-bit ID, to a central receiver circuit located inside the wireless control module (WCM).
On premium models, sensor transponders are mounted in wheel housings (two in front, and one in rear). If a warning or fault condition exists, the WCM will send a bus message request to illuminate the low pressure warning light and to sound a chime.
On some models, the instrument cluster will display warning messages.
The TPMS remains active even if no tire pressure-related message is displayed. The sensors lay dormant (Park mode), then wake and start transmitting (Drive mode) when the vehicle first reaches speeds over 20 mph (32 km/h). Once the wheels stop rotating for a period of approximately 20 minutes, the sensors shut down until again awakened.
Although not transmitting as when in Drive mode, while in Park mode, the sensors still transmit approximately once every 13 hours to let the receiver know air pressure status at that time.
Tire pressure monitor warning indicators
If the TPMS module detects that the tire pressure in any road tire is going low, a chime will sound and the indicator lamp will turn on. In addition to the chime and lamp, if equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), a graphic display of the pressure value(s) and the position of the low tire(s) will flash.
Once pressure in the suspect tire(s) raises above the Low Pressure OFF Threshold, and the TPMS module receives a valid transmission from the sensor the lamp will go out. If a system fault is detected due to a missing sensor signal, in addition to a chime and an indicator lamp flashing, a “Check TPM System” text message will be displayed in the EVIC (if equipped), and the tire pressure graphic display will display “ – -” in place of the pressure value.
After the flash sequence the TPMS indicator lamp will remain illuminated. The system will return to normal once the TPMS module receives a valid transmission from that sensor location.
If a system fault is detected, the indicator light will flash on/off for 10 to 60 seconds, once every 10 minutes. See appropriate manufacturer service information.
NOTE: On some models, if one of the vehicle’s active tires has been replaced by the spare or a wheel rim not equipped with a TPMS sensor, the indicator light will flash for approximately three seconds every 10 minutes.
Reset procedures
NOTE: If a tire pressure sensor has been replaced, the TPMS needs to relearn tire pressure sensor IDs.
If the warning light is lit continuously due to low pressure in one or more tires, adjust tire inflation to specification. The light will remain on until tire pressure is properly set. After adjusting air pressure in a tire, allow approximately two minutes for the message or indicator lamp to go out.
Tire pressure sensor retraining
The TPMS automatically learns and stores the sensor’s ID while driving after a sensor has been replaced. There is no formal retraining procedure necessary. Drive the vehicle for a minimum of 10 minutes while maintaining a continuous speed above 20 mph (32 km/h). During this time, the system will learn the new sensor ID code and will clear any DTCs automatically.
If a sensor cannot be trained, see appropriate manufacturer service information. The sensor IDs also can be programmed using the TPMS-RKE analyzer tool. Scan each TPM sensor at each road wheel, and store each Sensor ID in the correct location (left front, left rear, right front and right rear). Connect the TPM-RKE analyzer tool to the scan tool. Then follow the programming steps outlined in the diagnostic scan tool for “Program Tire Pressure Sensor ID w/ TPM Tool.”
Once the new sensor ID has been programmed, the vehicle will need to be driven above 20 mph until the fault is no longer active (lamp extinguishes) and display is updated (for up to 20 minutes).
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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.
CAUTION: The TPMS has been optimized for the original equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures have been established for the tire size equipped on the vehicle. Undesirable operation or sensor damage may result when using replacement equipment that is not of the same size, type and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause sensor damage.
NOTE: If a tire pressure sensor has been replaced, the tire pressure sensors must be retrained. See Reset procedures.
NOTE: Wheels and tires are match-mounted at the factory. Before demounting a tire from its wheel, a reference mark should be placed on the tire at the valve stem location, to ensure that it is remounted in the original position on the wheel.
For match-mounting procedures, refer to appropriate manufacturer service information.
Tire pressure sensor
IMPORTANT: The vehicle uses the 315 MHz TPMS sensor. Although 315 MHz and 433 MHz sensors are identical in size and shape, they are not interchangeable. Always make sure the correct sensor is being used.
On a domestic vehicle, the TPMS sensor operates on a 315 MHz radio frequency. Export vehicle sensors operate on a 433 MHz radio frequency. The 315 MHz sensors can be easily identified by a white outline oval (black center) insignia on the sensor body.
The 433 MHz sensors can be easily identified by either a solid white oval insignia on the body or a solid white oval insignia with 433 printed in the center.
The domestic and import vehicles’ sensors are identical except for the oval insignia. The 433 MHz sensors can either have a black or grey sensor body.
CAUTION: The use of tire sealants is strictly prohibited for vehicles equipped with the TPMS. Tire sealants can clog tire pressure sensors.
CAUTION: To prevent moisture and contamination from entering the valve stem, the cap used on this valve stem contains an O-ring seal.
Retain the original valve stem cap for reuse. A regular valve stem cap cannot be used as a substitute.
After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure, always reinstall the valve stem cap. This will prevent moisture and dirt entry into the valve stem, which could damage the wheel rim sensor.
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.
CAUTION: Any time a sensor is to be installed in a wheel, a new seal and washer must be installed on the stem to ensure an air-tight sealing (see Figure 1). CAUTION: Do not reuse the sensor-to-wheel grommet. Always use a new grommet when installing a pressure sensor and properly torque the sensor nut.
Removal
1) Remove the tire and wheel assembly from the vehicle.
2) Demount the tire from the wheel following tire changer manufacturer’s instructions while paying special attention to the following to avoid damaging the pressure sensor:
- 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 (see Figure 3).
- When preparing to demount the tire from the wheel, carefully insert the mounting/demounting tool at 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.
3) Using a thin-walled socket, remove the special nut retaining the sensor to 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 (see Figure 4).
Installation
NOTE: 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).
1) Wipe the area clean around the sensor/valve stem mounting hole in the wheel. Make sure the surface of the wheel is not damaged.
CAUTION: To avoid damaging the sensor antenna strap, hold pressure against the rear of the metal valve stem while the sensor is inserted through the wheel mounting hole and the nut is installed (see Figures 2 and 4).
2) Insert the sensor through the wheel as shown keeping pressure against the rear of the metal valve stem. The potted side of the sensor is to be positioned toward the wheel.
Do not attempt to mount the sensor otherwise, or damage may occur.
Install the sensor nut (with the pressed-in washer) by hand (see Figures 4 and 5).
NOTE: Before tightening the sensor nut, push downward on the sensor housing in an attempt to make it flush with the interior contour of the wheel.
3) Using a thin-walled socket, install the sensor nut. While holding the sensor in position, tighten the sensor nut to 58 in.-lbs. (6.5 N.m).
CAUTION: Over-torquing the sensor nut by as little as 106 in.-lbs. (12 N.m) may result in sensor separation from the valve stem.
Under this condition, the sensor may still function; however, the condition should be corrected immediately.
4) Mount the tire on the wheel following the tire changer manufacturer’s instructions, paying special attention to the following to avoid damaging the tire pressure sensor:
- Rotating wheel tire changers: Once the wheel is mounted to the changer, position the sensor valve stem approximately 210 degrees from the head of the changer in a clockwise direction before rotating the wheel (also in a clockwise direction) to mount the tire. Use this procedure on both the upper and lower tire beads (see Figure 6).
- Rotating tool tire changers: Position the wheel on the changer so that the sensor valve stem is approximately 210 degrees from the head of the changer in a clockwise direction from the mounting end of the tool (see Figure 7). Make sure the sensor is clear of the lower bead breaker area to avoid damaging the sensor when the breaker rises. Always rotate the tool in a counterclockwise direction when mounting the tire. Use this procedure on both the upper and lower tire beads.
5) Adjust air pressure to specification. Make sure the original style valve stem cap is securely installed to keep moisture out of the sensor. Install the wheel and tire assembly on the vehicle.
6) Drive the vehicle for a minimum of 10 minutes while maintaining a continuous speed above 20 mph (24 km/h). During this time, the system will learn the new sensor ID code and will clear any DTCs automatically.
If a sensor cannot be trained, see appropriate manufacturer service information.
REMINDER: Do not use chrome-plated lug nuts with chrome-plated wheels. Over-torquing the sensor nut by as little as 106 in.-lbs. (12 N.m) may result in sensor separation from the valve stem. Under this condition, the sensor may still function; however, the condition should be corrected immediately. ■
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.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
Component Ft.-lbs. (N.m)
Spare tire winch................28 (39)
Wheel nut.........................85-115 (116-156)
In.-lbs. (N.m)
Tire pressure sensor nut....66 (7.5)
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