TT459: TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM
(TPMS)
2020-02-03
Electrical

APPLIES TO

SYMPTOMS

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

• Literature Updates or Corrections

Reason for Revision
Refer to Table 1.
Table 1. Document History
Date
2020-02-03
2018-06-12
2017-02-22

Revision Description
Update for models and new procedures
Updated Purpose for Technical Tip, Air Temperature Impact on Tire
*
Pressure : Table 4, Tire Remove and Install
* Added Guide, TPMS Remove and Install
Title change
* Updated Title
Initial release

Guide
Table 2. Technical Tip Guide
Purpose for Technical Tip
Vehicle Affected
Markets Affected
System Overview
Tire Pressure Sensor Mode Information

Sensor Communication
Air Temperature Impact on Tire Pressure
TPMS Diagnosis Help
Tire Remove and Install
TPMS Remove and Install

Purpose for Technical Tip
To inform dealers of the use and operations of vehicles equipped with TPMS (Tire Pressure
Monitoring System). This system offers convenient monitoring of air pressure within each tire,
and alerts the rider if tire pressures fall below specification.
Both dealers and customers have raised questions regarding TPMS and how the system works.
The intention of this bulletin is to answer some questions, and improve the general knowledge
of:
• Functioning tire pressure sensors
• Installation practices
All testing of the TPMS is done by using the TPMS diagnostics and diagnostic tips in the service
manual or its supplement of that year and model vehicle or using DIGITAL TECHNICIAN II (PART
NUMBER: HD-48650).

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Vehicle Affected
Refer to Table 3.
Table 3. Vehicles With TPMS
Years
2016-2019
2020

Models
CVO Touring
Touring, CVO Touring, Touring Police, CVO
(1)
Trike

(1) All vehicles except Trike equipped with RDRS (Reflex™ Defensive Rider Systems) .

Markets Affected
All markets are affected.

System Overview
Tire Pressure Sensor: Monitors tire pressure and sends data to RF antenna at predetermined
intervals based on sensor mode.
RF antenna: The antenna is wired into the main wiring harness. The RF antenna acts as the
antenna for both the security fob and tire pressure sensors. The signal from the tire pressure
sensors is provided to the BCM (Body Control Module).
BCM: Processes the signal from tire pressure sensor. Then communicates that data to the
infotainment system, odometer display and fault lamps through the CAN (Controller Area Network)
system.
Infotainment system display/Odometer: The infotainment system and odometer are used to
display tire pressure, warn of low pressure, sensor failure and sensor battery life concerns.

Tire Pressure Sensor Mode Information
Test Mode: This mode is used for new sensors before installation to help conserve battery life.
No transmission of data occurs in Test Mode. Test Mode is only seen when a new replacement
sensor is installed. After sensor installation and tire pressure is applied, approximately 103.4 kPa
(15 psi) for four minutes, the sensor will automatically enter Park Mode. The sensor cannot change
back into the Test Mode.
Park Mode: The sensor is in Park Mode when the vehicle is at rest. Normal data collection is
less frequent, and normal data transmissions occur at approximately 4-hour intervals. Park Mode
is entered from Drive Mode when a vehicle is at rest for seven minutes or more.
Drive Mode: The sensor enters drive mode when the vehicle is ridden. In drive mode, normal
data collection is accelerated and normal data transmissions occurs at approximately 64-second
intervals. Drive Mode is entered from Park Mode automatically when the sensor detects vehicle
movement of approximately 40.2 km/h (25 mph) for about 20 seconds.

Sensor Communication
The TPMS ACTIVATION TOOL (PART NUMBER: HD-51794) is used to force the sensor to
transmit data immediately. It does NOT force the sensor to change mode. Additionally this tool
is used with DIGITAL TECHNICIAN II (PART NUMBER: HD-48650) to pair a new sensor with
the proper wheel location.

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When pressure changes inside the tire by approximately 20.7 kPa (3 psi), the sensor transmits
the updated information to maintain current pressure data and possible alerts. Pressure changes
of less than 20.7 kPa (3 psi) does not register immediately, but does once the next transmission
is sent.
All sensor transmissions require the vehicle to have the vehicle battery connected and main fuse
installed. When the sensor sends data and vehicle battery is not within specs (below 9.6 V), the
BCM cannot receive it.
The tire pressure sensor accurately reads tire pressure to approximately 358.5 kPa (52 psi)
(depending on altitude). Any pressure above 358.5 kPa (52 psi), the sensor cannot track and the
radio or odometer display does not display accurate readings. Do not replace if the sensor is
exhibiting this behavior, it is a normal condition.
The BCM uses programmed thresholds to turn on a low-pressure alert. These thresholds are
different between front and rear tires. The pressure threshold to turn on an alert is different than
the pressure to turn it off.

Air Temperature Impact on Tire Pressure
“Cold” tire pressure is defined as the tire pressure at 20 °C (68 °F) outside air temperature, and
the vehicle has not been ridden for 3-4 hours. Tire pressure changes as the outside temperature
changes. The rule is to add 6.9 kPa (1 psi) for each 5.6 °C or 10 °F increase in outside air
temperature. Temperatures at or below 20 °C (68 °F) the tire pressure is maintained at the cold
pressure shown in the owner’s manual.
The air inside the tire heats up as the vehicle is ridden, pressure increases while riding and
decreases again upon being parked.
See Table 4 and Table 5. Example- Tire pressure chart in the owner’s manual states the rear
tire pressure is 275.8 kPa (40 psi) cold, and the vehicle has not been ridden for several hours.
With a current outside temperature of 36.7 °C (98 °F), adjust the “cold” tire pressure to 296.5 kPa
(43 psi). The formula would be 275.8 kPa (40 psi) per the chart plus 20.7 kPa (3 psi) per the
graph.
Table 4 can be used to reference how to adjust tire pressure when tires or temperatures are
warm or hot.

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Table 4. Specified Tires
MOUNT

SIZE

APPROVED TIRE

PRESSURE
(COLD 20 °C (68 °F))

17 in
18 in

Dunlop D408F 130/80B17 M/C 65H
Dunlop D408F 130/70B18 63H BW
Front
Dunlop D408F 130/60B19 61H BW
248 kPa (36 psi)
19 in
Dunlop D408F 130/60B19 61H
21 in
Dunlop D408F 130/60B21 M/C 63H
Dunlop D407T 180/65B16 M/C 81H
16 in
Dunlop D407T 180/65B16 81H BW
276 kPa (40 psi)
Rear
Dunlop D407T 180/55B18 80H BW
18 in
Dunlop D407 180/55B18 M/C80H
Dunlop TK100 P215/45 R18 83T
179 kPa (26 psi)
• Tire pressures vary with changes in ambient and tire temperature. Check pressure with tires
cold (20 °C (68 °F)). Increase tire pressure by 6.9 kPa (1 psi) for every 5.6 °C or 10 °F in ambient air temperature above this point.
• Do not use the TPMS as a pressure gauge when adding or removing air from a tire. Sensor
data is sent to the TPMS at varying intervals which does not refresh immediately when adding
or removing air from the tire. Over-inflation or under-inflation can result.
• The TPMS sensor will not communicate pressures above 345–414 kPa (50.0–60.0 psi) depending on altitude.
• Air is used to calibrate the TPMS. Use of 100% nitrogen does affect the accuracy of the system.
• Do not rotate TPMS assemblies from their properly installed position. Can affect the valve
stem seal and result in a leak.
• Verify TPMS assemblies are properly seated in the rims (pocket, receiver, integrated feature).
• Do not use liquid tire balancers or sealing agents in wheels with a TPMS sensor. Damage to
the sensor can result.

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Table 5. Tire Pressure Adjustment
Tire pressure
adjustment
above published cold
pressure (PSI)

3
2
1

1
2
3

Air Temperature °F
Vehicle cold (not ridden for three or more hours)
Vehicle warm (ridden within 1-2 hours)
Vehicle hot (ridden over one hour recently)

TPMS Diagnosis Help
Testing has been done on returned warranty sensors. Some of these sensors were determined
to be “No Trouble Found” (NTF). Based on the warranty claim notes, it would seem that many
tires are not being properly inflated after delivery. With the information in this bulletin, technicians
are now better able to diagnose and resolve tire pressure-related concerns without needless
replacement of sensors.

General tips
• Use the TPMS activation tool to force a data update once the pressure has been properly
adjusted.
• If a low-pressure lamp is illuminated, adding 34.5 kPa (5 psi) to that tire forces a data
transmission to update the displayed pressure. The low-pressure lamp shuts off when adequate
pressure is achieved.
• Watch temperature influence on tire pressure, and consider that when determining the target
pressure.
• Tire pressure gauges are often inaccurate. Verify gauge accuracy before assuming that the
TPMS system is malfunctioning.
• Clear all DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) after adjusting tire pressure.

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• TPMS sensor does not read pressures above the operating range of (358.5 kPa (52 psi). The
sensor is not defective, do not replace sensor. Use correct tire pressure.

Tire Remove and Install
The service manual or supplement contains information related to proper tire removal and
installation procedures for TPMS wheels. It is important to follow these procedures or sensor
damage can occur.

Remove
NOTE
• Wheels equipped with tire pressure sensors require special tire mounting and dismounting
procedures. Sensor damage occurs if procedures are not followed.
• Never allow tire machine spoon, tire iron or tire bead to contact sensor. Sensor damage can
occur.
1. Break the bead of the tire, careful not to damage tire pressure sensor.
2. See Figure 1. Engage tire machine spoon (1) 30° (4) from the valve stem (2) in the direction
of tire machine rotation (3).
3. While rotating wheel away from the valve stem, remove the first bead.
4. Repeat with remaining bead. Remove tire

Install
1. Install tire on wheel. Start the first bead opposite from the valve stem.
2. Install first bead.
3. Engage the second bead 30° from the valve stem in the direction of machine rotation.
4. While rotating away from the valve stem, install the second bead.
5. Inflate to the correct pressure.

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sm08492

1

2
3
4

1.
2.
3.
4.

Tire machine spoon
Valve stem
Tire machine rotation
30°
Figure 1. Tire Machine Operation

TPMS Remove and Install
The service manual or supplement contains information related to proper sensor removal an
installation procedures for TPMS wheels. It is important to follow these procedures or sensor
damage can occur.
See Figure 2. Verify that the TPMS sensor (1) is fully seated in the valve stem bore. Check
position of sensor by attempting to insert a 1.25 mm (0.05 in) feeler gauge between the sensor
body and the machined slot in the wheel. If the sensor is fully seated, insertion of the shim should
be prevented.

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1432751

2

1

3

4

5

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Tire pressure sensor
Screw
O-ring
Orientation slot
Valve stem
Figure 2. Tire TPMS Valve

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