question on faulty tpms

[mikerx5]

Did a winter wheel switch and the low air pressure sensor came on, double checked psi multiple times, still perfect.

my conclusion is a tpms is faulty, problem is with our 2013 35i there is no identifier of which one it is (surprising, actually).

Am I missing something. Have owned BMW before so I understand the reset techniques, this has gone of for 3 weeks now.

How can I figure out which sensor is bad? Just take it to my local shop and having them run it on computer? It is under warranty but i bought these oem winters wheels pre-owned so I assume they won't help me unless I had the ones that came with the car (wont change back until April due to weather).

thanks!

[ArmyX5]

I having the same issue, but that is because my winter tires do not have the sensor and are not run flat. If you installed a set of tire that are not run flat and do not have sensors, you will have the faulty tpms error. I am trying to code out this feature from my X6 now.

[mikerx5]

hmm - I will have to double check but I am 99 percent that they have the tpms, they are a factory set off a 2013, not sure non rft was even an option

[ArmyX5]

Oh, I see! You may have another issue. I am using a set from my X5 which do not have TPMS. I am not 100% sure, but I read in another forum that each set of TPMS is programmed specifically to each RDC module and only one set at a time can be used. Again, if you TPMS system works with one set of tires and does not works when you install a different set, then 1) one or more sensors are faulty or 2) the new set of tires need to be re-programmed to the RDC module.

[mikerx5]

OK that helps. Both sets I have are for a 2013 x6 so I assumed they were both plug and play.

[jfoj]

Most TPMS need to be programmed in by serial number to the vehicle.

1/2 of the equation is a tool like the Autel TS401 for about $150

https://www.jbtoolsales.com/autel-au...4_IBoC3UHw_wcB

This can read the sensor serial numbers, BUT you need either a Pro level scan tool or something like Reingold software to actually enter the serial number values in the car.

One cool feature of the TS401 is you can just walk around and check the tire pressure without removing caps, effectively just turning on the TPMS sensors in the wheels.

I was able to get my TS401 for about $75 shipped about 4-5 months ago, so I jumped on it. I do have a number of Pro level scan tools that will allow me to input the TPMS serial number into the vehicle then there is no problem after that.

[mikerx5]

very helpful - only question I have is will they stay programmed after the next wheel swap? Or will the summer set need to be programmed again?

If the TPMS will have to be linked just once and each set can be swapped annually with no reprogram, that would be great.

I have a closer friend who owns a service station, I wonder if he may be able to do this for me.

Thanks

[jfoj]

I believe???? that the Max number of sensors that can be programmed is actually 5. The 5th theoretically being for a "spare".

So I would expect you would have to continue to reconfigure after each wheel swap.

I luckily have all the equipment, however, I am not swapping wheels!

Most Pro level scan tools can support TPMS programming, BUT, many shops do not have the TPMS readers. Go figure.

I do not believe these cars have the ability to put the TPMS into a "Learn" mode and then letting the air out of the tires to "force" the TPMS sensor to "talk/broadcast". Some vehicles have a simpler process where the vehicle can automatically "learn" sensors while the user deflates and inflates the tires without expensive tools or software.

But knowing BMW, why would they do this because BMW wants the vehicles brought back to the dealer so the dealers can continue to make more money than they deserve.

[mikerx5]

well said. I will take it by the shop i know and see if this is indeed the case or if there was just a faulty sensor.

considering these go on for about 10-12 weeks a year, I will most likely leave it as is so the factory setup runs true

I would have never thought different wheels for the same model/year vehicle would need separate programing.

[jfoj]

The TPMS sensors have effectively a MAC address or electronic serial number that is unique to the sensor so your vehicle does not pick up sensors on the car next to you on the road!

It is a bit more complicated than many realize.