TPMS: 2011-2015 Chrysler Ram Pickups

June 21, 2016

SUBJECT VEHICLES: 2011-2015 Chrysler Ram pickups.

RELEARN PROCEDURE? Yes.

SPECIAL TOOLS NEEDED? No, just a standard valve stem installation tool.

The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) in 2011-2015 Chrysler Ram pickups will consist of sensors attached to each wheel through the valve stem mounting hole, a wireless control module (WCM) and a yellow TPMS telltale lamp.

NOTE: If equipped, some vehicles also will have a “Light Load” Reset Switch (located on the instrument panel center stack), and two wheel sensor transponders in the front wheel wells. This will allow the driver to switch between the max load inflation pressure (cold) low pressure warning threshold and the light load inflation pressure (cold) low pressure warning threshold depending on the vehicle’s load condition.

The Tire and Loading Information label defines the recommended front and rear cold tire inflation pressures for the vehicle when operating in the Max Load condition. A Supplemental Tire Pressure Information label also is available defining Tire Light Load Inflation pressures when operating in the light load condition.

When the “Tire Light Load Inflation” reset switch LED is ON (only the words (LIGHT LOAD will illuminate), the TPMS is using the light load inflation pressure (cold) low inflation warning thresholds.

The TPMS monitors air pressure in the four road tires and the spare tire (if equipped with a full-size spare).

TPMS sensors, mounted to each road wheel as part of the valve stem, transmit an RF signal indicating their individual pressure to a receiver located in the WCM, commonly referred to as the sentry key remote entry module (SKREEM).

These transmissions occur approximately once every minute at speeds over 15 mph (24 km/h).The TPMS will warn the driver of a low tire pressure based on the vehicle recommended cold tire inflation placard pressure. The placard pressure is defined on the Tire and Loading Information label.

The Tire and Loading Information label is located on the driver’s side B-pillar. Vehicles equipped to be operated in either the “max load inflation pressure” condition described on the Tire and Loading Information label or the alternative “light load inflation pressure” condition described on the Supplemental Tire Pressure Information label, may also be equipped with a reset switch to choose the appropriate TPMS low pressure warning threshold levels based upon the vehicle load condition.

The Supplemental Tire Pressure Information label is located on the rear face of the driver door.

TPMS warning indicators

NOTE: When the “Tire Light Load Inflation” reset switch LED is ON (only the words “LIGHT LOAD” will illuminate), the TPMS is using the light load inflation pressure (cold) low inflation warning thresholds. If the TPMS detects that the tire pressure in any road tire is going low, beyond the Low Pressure (lamp) ON threshold, the TPMS will continuously illuminate an indicator lamp, and (if equipped) a graphic display of the pressure value(s) and position of the low tire(s) will flash in the electronic vehicle information center (EVIC).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. If the TPMS detects a “Warning” or “Fault” condition at ignition key “ON” it will wait 10 seconds before sending the first request to illuminate the yellow telltale. This will assure that the display module has concluded its bulb check period.

The display module will request a chime once per ignition cycle for each “Warning” or “Fault” condition detected. A “Warning” or “Fault” condition will remain enabled until the problem causing the condition is corrected and removed/reset. If a warning light is flashing ON/OFF for 75 seconds, and (if equipped with EVIC) a “Check TPM System” text message is displayed in the instrument cluster and the tire pressure graphic displays “ – -” in place of the pressure value, there is a problem in the TPMS. See the appropriate manufacturer service information.

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

Using an RF signal, each sensor transmits tire pressure data approximately once every minute. Each sensor’s (transmitter) broadcast is uniquely coded so that the WCM can monitor the state of each of the sensors on the four rotating road wheels. The WCM 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 15 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.

A new sensor ID also can be programmed directly into the WIN or TPMS module by using a RKE-TPM analyzer in conjunction with a scan tool. Once the new sensor ID has been programmed, the vehicle will need to be driven above 15 mph until the fault is no longer active (lamp extinguishes) and display is updated (for up to 20 minutes).

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 your 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

CAUTION: To prevent moisture and contamination from entering the valve stem, the cap used on this valve stem contains an “O” ring seal. Retain 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: Any time a sensor is to be reinstalled in a wheel, a new valve stem assembly must be installed to ensure 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 the 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.When preparing to demount the tire from the wheel, carefully insert the mounting/demounting tool 280 degrees +/-10 degrees from the valve stem, and then proceed to demount the tire from the wheel. Use this process on both the upper and lower tire beads.

3) Remove the sensor to valve stem retainer screw and then remove the sensor from the valve stem (see Figure 2).

4) Remove the valve stem from the wheel (see Figure 2).

Installation

NOTE: If replacing the tire pressure sensor, a new valve stem may be pre-mounted to the sensor as an assembly. When reusing the tire pressure sensor, the new valve stem may come with a mounting screw.

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.

2) Insert the new valve stem into the rim and pull through with a standard valve stem installation tool.

3) If replacing the valve stem only, verify that the flat sides of the brass extension on the bottom of the valve stem are at a 90 degree angle with the wheel (see Figure 1).

4) Position the pressure sensor over the brass extension.

5) Install the retainer screw and torque to 12 in.-lbs. (1.4 N.m).

6) Mount the tire on the wheel following the tire changer manufacturer’s instructions, paying special attention to the following to avoid damaging tire pressure sensor:

  • Rotating wheel tire changers

Once the wheel is mounted to the changer, position the sensor valve stem approximately 280 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 3).

  • 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 4). Make sure the sensor is clear of the lower bead breaker area to avoid damaging the sensor when the breaker rises. Rotate the tool in a counterclockwise direction to mount the tire. Use this procedure on both the upper and lower tire beads.7) Adjust the 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.

8) Drive the vehicle for a minimum of five 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.  

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

Component                                             Ft.-lbs. (N.m)

Lug nut M14 (1500)                                  135 (183)

Lug nut M14 (2500, 3500 – SRW)          150 (203)

Lug nut M14 with flat washer

   3500, 4500, 5500 – DRW)                   145 (196)

Spare tire winch (1500)                             15 (20)

Spare tire winch (2500, 3500)                 38 (51)

                                                                   In.-lbs. (N.m)

TORX screw                                              12 (1.4)

Information for this column comes from Mitchell 1’s “Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems Guide” for domestic and import vehicles. For more information, visit www.mitchell1.com. For archived TPMS articles, visit www.moderntiredealer.com.

To read more TPMS columns, click:

Hyundai Sante Fe and Sante Fe Sport 2010-2016

Mercedes-Benz M Class 2006-2011

Nissan Pathfinder 2004-2012

2007-2013 Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia

2011-2013 Chrysler 200