Home, Auto Repair Library, Auto Parts, Accessories, Tools, Manuals & Books, Car BLOG, Links, Index
The Tire Pressure Monitoring system (TPMS) on the 2007 & 2008 Ford F150 is similar to that used on many other late model Ford models. The TPMS system has pressure sensors inside each tire. The sensors are mounted in the drop center area of the wheel and are located 180 degrees opposite the valve stem. The sensors are held in place with a steel band that wraps around the inside of the wheel. The sensors generate a radio frequency signal every 60 seconds when the vehicle is traveling faster than 20 mph. The sensors do not transmit a signal if the vehicle is not moving, and they go into "sleep mode" when the vehicle is stopped for 30 minutes or more to conserve battery life.
The signal from the tire pressure sensors is received by the Vehicle Security Module (VMS). If a tire is low, the VMS turns on a "Low Tire Pressure" warning lamp and/or displays a "Low Tire Pressure" message on the instrument cluster message center (if equipped).
The TPMS system on Ford F150s with the same tires front and rear is not affected by wheel and tire rotation. But on models with different sized tires front and rear (and different tire pressures), the system must be given a relearn procedure if the tires are rotated.
If the TPMS warning light comes on, it could indicate one of the following:
If the TPMS warning light flashes for 70 seconds, then remains on steady:
If you have a scan tool that can read body codes, plug the scan tool into the diagnostic connector under the steering column. Any of the following are TPMS codes:
B106A - Faulty Pressure Sensor Signal (range bit)
B106B - Low tire pressure sensor battery
B2477 - Vehicle Security Module not configured correctly
B2868 - Left Front Tire Pressure Sensor Not Found (requires VSM relearn procedure)
B2869 - Right Front Tire Pressure Sensor Not Found (requires VSM relearn procedure)
B2870 - Right Rear Tire Pressure Sensor Not Found (requires VSM relearn procedure)
B2871 - Left Rear Tire Pressure Sensor Not Found (requires VSM relearn procedure)
B2872 - Tire Pressure Sensor Fault (activate sensors with tool and do VSM relearn procedure)
C2780 - ECU in manufacturing mode (requires VSM relearn procedure)
An electronic tool is needed to activate the individual TPMS sensors. This requires the Ford 204-363 TPMS tire sensor activation monitor, or similar aftermarket TPMS activation tool. The tool is positioned near the tire 180 degrees across from the valve stem. Pressing a button on the tool sends out a signal that wakes up the sensor and causes the sensor to broadcast a pressure signal. The sensor may take up to 6 or 7 seconds to wake up once it has been activated.
The VMS training procedure has a time limit of two minutes between sensor inputs. If the VSM does not recognize any of the four TPMS sensors during the procedure, the horn will beep twice and the message center (if equipped) will display TIRE NOT TRAINED REPEAT. You will then have to repeat the entire training procedure.
To enter the TPMS/VMS training mode:
NOTE: The horn will sound once and the TPMS indicator will flash if the training mode has been entered successfully. If equipped, the message center will display TRAIN LF TIRE.
When the training procedure is complete, the message center (if equipped) will display TIRE TRAINING COMPLETE. If your truck does not have a message center, successful completion of the training procedure will be verified by turning the ignition switch to the OFF position without the horn sounding. If the horn sounds twice when the switch is turned to the OFF position, the training procedure was not successful. You will have to do it again.
Related Articles:
Click Here to See More Carley Automotive Technical Articles