How TPMS Works ('08 Model)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Acura TL and 2007 Acura TL. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) has many indicators; four tire indicators (on the multi-information display), a low tire pressure indicator (LED indicator), the message indicator (LED indicator), and a TPMS indicator (on the multi-information display). When the TPMS control unit detects low pressure in a tire, or a problem in the system, it turns on, or blinks the appropriate indicator(s), as well as the message indicator.

If low tire pressure is detected, the low tire pressure indicator and the appropriate tire indicator come on, as well as the message indicator.
If a problem in the system is detected, the TPMS indicator comes on, as well as the message indicator, and the low tire pressure indicator comes on after blinking for about 75 seconds.
If low tire pressure and a problem in the system are detected, the TPMS indicator comes on, as well as the message indicator, and the low tire pressure indicator comes on after blinking for about 75 seconds. In this case the low tire pressure indicator will be warning of a system failure.

If the system is OK, the low tire pressure indicator and the message indicator should come on when you turn the ignition switch ON (II), and then go off 2 seconds later. If they don't, there is a problem with the system.

If the system detects low pressure in any of the four tires, the low tire pressure indicator and the appropriate tire(s) indicator will show on the multi-information display, the message indicator will come on, and the control unit will set one or more of these codes: DTC 11, 13, 15, 17. When the tire pressure returns to normal, the control unit will turn off the indicators and store the DTC(s). However, if the control unit detects a problem in the system during an indication of low tire pressure, it will turn off the tire(s) indicator, store the DTC(s), and turn on the TPMS indicator and the low tire pressure indicator after blinking.

NOTE: Tire pressures will increase slightly as the temperature in the tires rises during driving at highway speeds. Pressures will also increase or decrease slightly with changes in outside air temperature. A temperature change of about 18°F (10°C) will change tire pressure by about 10 kPa (0.1 kgf/cm² ,1.5 psi). If the temperature drops, tire pressure could decrease just enough to turn on the low tire pressure indicator, but later, the tire temperature could increase enough to turn the indicator 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 client how temperature changes can affect the system, especially when tire pressures are near the low end of the TPMS normal range - 168 to 220 kPa (1.7 to 2.2 kgf/cm² , 24 to 32 psi).

If a problem is detected in the system, the message indicator, the TPMS indicator, and the low tire pressure indicator (starts blinking) will come on and stay on until the system returns to normal with most DTCs. If DTC 45, 81, 83, or 85 is set, the TPMS indicator and the low tire pressure indicator will go off only when the ignition switch is turned off.

If a flat tire is replaced with the spare tire, and the flat tire is stored in the trunk area or the cabin, the low tire pressure indicator will stay on but the appropriate tire indicator will go off. This prevents the client 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 and the low tire pressure indicator (starts blinking) will come on (DTC 32, 34, 36, or 38) because the system is no longer receiving the signal from the tire's transmitter.