SUBJECT VEHICLES: Honda Pilot and Ridgeline, 2005-2016
RELEARN PROCEDURE? Yes.
SPECIAL TOOLS NEEDED? Yes, you must use the Honda Diagnostic System (HDS) or an OBD-II compatible scan tool.
MODEL COVERAGE: 2005-16 Honda Pilot and 2006-14 Honda Ridgeline
Whenever the engine is running, the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) control unit continuously monitors all four tires and the system. If it detects less than 24 psi (168 kPa) in a tire, it alerts the driver by turning on the low pressure indicator, turning on the appropriate tire(s) indicator on the multi-information display, and setting a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) in the control unit.
When the tire pressure is increased to more than 29 psi (198 kPa), the control unit will turn off the indicators and store the DTC(s). When two or more tire pressures are low, the low pressure indicator comes on about five seconds before the appropriate tire indicator. Once low pressure is detected, the system scans all four pressure sensors to ensure that it turns on the correct tire indicator. If a problem is detected in the system, the TPMS indicator will come on. If low tire pressure and a problem in the system are detected, only the TPMS indicator comes on.
When the system detects a problem, the TPMS control unit sets a code, but shifts to fail-safe mode, and does not alert the driver to low tire pressures. If the TPMS control unit loses power or fails, the TPMS indicator will come on, but no DTC will be set.
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 IDs, the control unit receives only those specific signals. An ID can be memorized manually or automatically. An initiator for each wheel (located in the wheel housing) is hardwired to the control unit. Every time the ignition is turned ON (II), the control unit asks each initiator for a sensor ID. The initiators then transmit the sensor IDs, and the control unit receives and memorizes them. The control unit then knows which ID belongs to each tire location. This recurring ID confirmation prevents any confusion in the system as a result of normal tire rotation.
Tire pressure monitor warning indicators
NOTE: Tire pressures will increase slightly as the temperature in the tires rises during driving at highway speeds. Pressures also will increase or decrease slightly with changes in outside air temperature. A temperature change of about 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) will change tire pressure by about 1.5 psi (10 kPa). If the temperature drops and then rises, tire pressure could decrease just enough to turn on the low pressure and tire(s) indicators, but later increase enough to turn them off. To resolve a complaint of such intermittent indications, confirm and clear the stored DTC(s) 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 at around 24-32 psi (168-220 kPa).NOTE: If the outside temperature is at or below -40 degrees F (-40 degrees C), the system may not function properly.If low tire pressure indicator and multi-information display indicator(s) are lit continuously due to low pressure in one or more tires, adjust tire inflation to proper pressure as indicated on the tire and loading information placard. The light will remain on until tire pressure is properly set. If the warning light is still lit or the TPMS indicator is lit continuously, there is a problem in the TPMS. See appropriate manufacturer service information.
If a problem is detected in the system, the TPMS indicator will come on. If low tire pressure and a problem in the system are detected, only the TPMS indicator comes on. When the system detects a problem, the TPMS control unit sets a code, but shifts to fail-safe mode, and does not alert the driver to low tire pressures. If the TPMS control unit loses power or fails, the TPMS indicator will come on, but no DTC will be set.
Reset procedures
NOTE: When a tire pressure sensor is replaced or tires are rotated, the sensor ID must be memorized by the TPMS control unit. See “Memorizing sensor ID (automatically).” If the TPMS control unit has also been replaced, the Honda Diagnostic System (HDS) or an OBD-II compatible scan tool must be used to program information into the new TPMS control unit. See “Memorizing sensor ID (using HDS).”
NOTE: If a flat tire is replaced with the spare tire, and the flat tire is stored in the cargo area, the low pressure indicator will stay on but the appropriate tire indicator will go off. This prevents the customer from thinking there is a problem with the spare tire. When the flat tire is taken out of the vehicle for repair, the TPMS indicator will come on because the system is no longer receiving the signal from the tire’s transmitter.
NOTE: Misalignment of the control unit and initiators could interfere with sending and receiving signals. Ensure the brackets on the TPMS control unit and front initiators are not bent.
If the low tire pressure indicator and multi-information display indicator(s) are 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, after driving the vehicle at a speed of 15 mph (24 km/h) or more.Tire pressure sensor registration
NOTE: To ensure the control unit memorizes the correct ID, the vehicle with the new sensor must be at least 10 ft. (3 m) from any other TPMS pressure sensor not installed on that vehicle.
Memorizing sensor ID (automatically)
1) After rotating the tires or replacing a tire pressure sensor, drive the vehicle for at least 40 seconds at a speed of 15 mph (24 km/h) or more, and all of the sensor IDs will be memorized automatically.
2) After the IDs are memorized, reduce the pressure in all four tires to less than the appropriate specification, and check to see that the four tire indicators come on.Memorizing sensor ID (using HDS)
1) With the ignition switch in the OFF position, connect the HDS to the 16-pin Data Link Connector (DLC) located under the left side of the dashboard.
2) Turn the ignition switch to the ON position, and memorize the ID of the tire pressure sensor by following the screen prompts on the HDS. If all IDs are memorized properly, go to step 4. If the TPMS control unit fails to memorize one or more sensor IDs during the learning process, go to the next step.
3) If one or more IDs fail to learn, causing DTCs to set, the HDS will provide a procedure to fix this that involves raising the vehicle. To solve this problem much faster, perform the following:
- Using HDS, clear all DTCs.
- Using an assistant, start the learning process while driving the vehicle under 10 mph.
- The TPMS control unit should now learn all four sensor IDs. If the TPMS control unit is still having trouble learning IDs, refer to appropriate service information.
4) After the IDs are memorized, reduce the pressure in all four tires to less than the appropriate specification, and check to see that the four tire indicators come on.
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 or tires are rotated, the sensor ID must be memorized by the TPMS control unit. See “Reset procedures.”
NOTE: Vehicles equipped with TPMS must use wheels made for the system, or the system will not work.
On the Pilot, the TPMS wheel is marked with the letters “TPMS,” and a counterweight is cast into the opposite side of the spoke to balance the weight of the sensor.
On the Ridgeline, aluminum wheels will have counterweights on two spokes, and steel wheels will have a “SJC” stamp.
Tire pressure sensor
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.
CAUTION: On some earlier models, valve stem nuts are made of aluminum. These caps can corrode and become difficult to remove, especially in areas of the country where road salt is commonly used in winter.
Aluminum valve stem nuts should be replaced with plastic tire valve caps available from the manufacturer (Acura Service Bulletin 05-045; Nov. 11, 2005).Removal
1) Raise the vehicle, and support it with safety stands in the proper locations.
2) Remove the wheel with the faulty sensor.
3) Remove tire valve cap and valve core, and let the tire deflate.
4) Remove any balance weights, and then remove the tire from the wheel.
Note these items to avoid damaging the tire pressure sensor:
- Do the outside of the wheel first.
Position the wheel as shown in Figure 1 so the valve stem is 90 degrees from the bead breaker.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 and discard the valve stem nut, and then remove the tire pressure sensor and valve stem from the wheel and go to step 7.
If the valve stem nut cannot be removed by hand, spray the valve stem with rust penetrant, and then carefully remove the cap with pliers. If the valve stem nut is seized on the valve stem, go to the next step.
6) Slowly turn the valve stem counterclockwise until the tire pressure sensor drops off the end of the valve stem. Discard the screw, but keep the sensor. Ensure the valve stem grommet is removed. Being careful not to damage the wheel, use a power drill with an 11 mm drill bit to drill out the hole in the valve stem ball just enough to remove valve stem from wheel (see Figure 3). NOTE: The valve stem grommet might stay in the wheel; make sure to remove it.
7) Remove and discard the valve stem and screw from the tire pressure sensor (see Figure 4).Installation
NOTE: Use a new nut, valve stem and screw.
1) Assemble the new valve stem, new screw, and the sensor-transmitter (see Figure 4).
2) Before installing tire pressure sensor, clean the mating surfaces on the sensor and the wheel.
3) Install the tire pressure sensor to the wheel, and tighten the valve nut finger tight. Make sure the sensor is resting on the wheel (see Figure 5).
4) Tighten the valve nut to 35 in.-lbs. (4 N.m) while holding the tire pressure sensor toward the wheel and taking the following precautions:
- Do not reuse any nuts that have been tightened (even one time) to the specified torque, as they are deformed inside.
- Do not use air or electric impact tools to tighten a valve stem nut.
- Tightening the nut beyond the specified torque can damage the nut.
- You may hear a snap or pop as you tighten the nut. This is normal.
- Make sure that there is no space between the sensor and the wheel.
5) 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.
6) 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.
7) Check and adjust the wheel balance, then install the wheels to the vehicle.
8) Remove the safety stands, and lower the vehicle.
9) Memorize the pressure sensor ID(s). See “Reset procedures.” ■
Torque specifications
Component Ft.-lbs. (N.m)
Wheel nut 2005-08 Pilot 80 (108)
All other models 94 (127)
In.-lbs (N.m)
Tire pressure sensor nut* 1 35 (4)
* Do not reuse any nuts that have been tightened (even one time) to the specified torque, as they are deformed inside. Do not use air or electric impact tools to tighten a valve stem nut. Tightening the nut beyond the specified torque can damage the nut. You may hear a snap or pop as you tighten the nut (this is normal). Make sure that there is no space between the sensor and the wheel.
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.
To read more TPMS columns, see:
TPMS: Acura ILX, MDX, RDX, TL, TLX, TSX and ZDX -- 2007 - 2016
GM/Cadillac Escalade Series: 2007-16
Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator 2011-2016
