Technical Service Bulletins - Tire Review Magazine

Here’s a rundown of the top technical service bulletins related to TPMS. These TSBs should be analyzed by every technician that services TPMS.

Audi

TSB Number: 4413382034445/1

Models: 2010-14 A4/S4, A5/S5 and Q5

Summary: This TSB addresses TPMS MIL lights that are not related to a loss of pressure. The TPMS light may illuminate if there is a problem with the ABS, ESP or EPB modules. The TSB also discusses how to diagnose a 03159 DTC.

BMW

TSB Number: SI B36 02 15

Models: All

Summary: In May 2014, BMW issued bulletin SI B36 02 15 to address slow leaks after tire or TPMS sensor replacement. The source of the problem is that technicians were not replacing the valve stem after the nut on the stem was loosened. The seals on the valve stem conform to the surface of the wheel and develop memory to the surface.

TSB Number: SI 36 01 15

Models: F55 and F56 MINI

Summary: This TSB issued in June discusses failure of the key remote and antenna that can lead to a fault message being displayed in the driver information center. This bulletin outlines the diagnostic procedures to find the defective parts and resolve the codes.

Ford

TSB Number: 12-6-2

Models: 2009-11 Ford Edge and Mercury MKX

Condition: Corrosion on the lip of 22-inch wheels and whiskers/vents on the tire’s bead seat may cause the TPMS to illuminate.

Solution: Disassemble the rim and tire and clean the rim flange and tire bead with a Scotch-Brite pad.

GM

TSB Number: 00-00-90-002K

Models: All GM vehicles with direct TPMS systems

Summary: This TSB is an advisory stating that adjustment of tire pressures is not a warranty procedure. It also defines a cold tire as one sitting for at least three hours and advises against the use of non-GM tire sealants.

Infiniti

TSB Number: ITB13-034

Models: 2014 Q50 (hybrid)

Summary: This lengthy TSB outlines the TPMS sensor registration process that is required for the Q50. The Q50 requires the use of a scan tool, dedicated TPMS tool and the newer J-45295A activation tool.

TSB Number: ITB13-039

Models: All Infiniti vehicles with TPMS

Summary: This superseded bulletin discusses every detail about servicing Infiniti vehicles that have TPMS. This seven-page TSB discusses everything from aftermarket wheels to sensor leaks.

TSB Number: 12-29 (Also Nissan TSB Number 10114B)

Models: All Infiniti (Nissan) models with TPMS

Subject: Damage to TPMS sensors.

Infiniti pulls no punches here! The luxury brand of Nissan tackles two of the leading causes of sensor damage. Infiniti tells technicians that deep well, long-reach air chucks can break and bend stems on TPMS sensors. It even advises against the use of locking chucks. The TSB recommends the use of shallow chucks without extensions. While some automakers have stated that some sealants are compatible with their TPMS sensors, Infiniti states that some sealants and propellants can crack the housing of its sensors. The photos in the TSB are hard to dispute.

TSB Number: 12-046A

Models: 2013 JX35

Subject: A TPMS registration procedure.

This TSB is of little consequence to technicians who use an aftermarket scan tool to register IDs with the TPMS module. The procedures discussed concern new hardware and software for the Consult III scan tool.

Jaguar

TSB Number: JTB-00297NAS1

Models: 2014 F-Type, 2010- XJ Range

Summary: This TSB contains 12 tips about servicing Jaguar TPMS.

1. Using a scan tool to observe tire PIDS.

2. How to use service kits.

3. The use of incorrect sensors.

4. The TG1B sensor non-serviceable valve stem on the F-Type.

5. The TG1B service kit.

6. TG1C sensor availability.

7. The TG1C service kit.

8. TG1C valve stem service.

9. Tire mounting and dismounting procedures.

10. Valve core replacement.

11. Dealing with excessive loads on stems.

12. TSB JTB-00224 diagnostic procedures.

TSB Number: JTB-001654

Subject: Loss of pressure during inflation.

Jaguar issued this TSB to advise technicians to be careful with valve stems during inflation or valve cap removal. The TSB advises strongly against metal valve stem caps that can cause galvanic corrosion. It also advises that if the customer has used non-approved valve caps, all four or five sensors should be replaced.

Kia

TSB Number: SC119

Models: 2010 Soul, 2010 Forte and 2011 Sorento

Summary: SC119 is a voluntary service campaign on 2010 Soul/Forte and 2011 Sorento models to address a gradual loss of air issue. The grommets on the valve stem and nut are the cause of the leaks. Over time, the OE gaskets could develop cracks and leaks. The recommended repair is to install a new service kit.

Land Rover

TSB Number: LTB-00542NAS1

Models: 2008 – current

Summary: This is the end-all and be-all TSB for Land Rover TPMS. The seven-page TSB discusses diagnostics, sensors and service.

Lexus

TSB Numbers: L-SB0026-13, L-SB0052-13, L-SB0033-13

Models: 2014 IS250

Summary: While these TSBs fall under the pre-delivery category, these do include some of the best explanations on how late-model Toyota TPMS work and how to reprogram them. Lexus has been doing this for the past three years.

Mazda

TSB Number: 02-003/13

Models: 2013-14 CX-5, Mazda3 and Mazda6

Summary: This TSB explains the logic behind the TPMS light. It goes deeper to show how the different modules share the information on a serial data bus. This TSB explains several scenarios that could cause the TPMS light to illuminate.

TSB Number: 02003-12

Model: 2013 CX-5

Subject: Activation of sensors.

This TSB describes how the TPMS operates and how to service the system. The TSB instructs technicians on how to relearn sensor positions and diagnose possible symptoms of a problem.

Mercedes-Benz

TSB Number: L140, 1-P-056178

Models: SL models with the 231 chassis

Summary: Mercedes outlines how to solve fault code C158100 for rear wheel localization failure.

Mitsubishi

TSB Number: 12-31-001

Models: All models with direct TPMS from 2004-12

Subject: TPMS general service procedures.

This 11-page TSB outlines how to service and diagnose Mitsubishi vehicles equipped with TPMS. This is one of the most complete TSBs ever published. This is a must-read that should be printed out and shared with your entire tire service team.

Nissan

TSB Number: WT 13-005

Models: All Nissan vehicles with TPMS

Summary: This superseded bulletin discusses every detail about servicing Nissan vehicles that have TPMS. This 11-page TSB discusses everything from aftermarket wheels to sensor leaks.

Toyota Scion

TSB Number: SB0001-12

Subject: Inflation pressure temperature compensation.

Scion released this TSB to inform technicians how ambient temperatures can influence tire pressure. The release includes a chart that plots temperature and pressure. This TSB will help you determine the correct tire pressure in all seasons. SB0001-12 is another “must print” TSB for technicians.

Toyota

TSB Number: T-SB-0005-15

Model: 2012 Camry

Summary: In February, Toyota discovered some 2012 Camry models received the wrong door control module that may cause the tire pressures to be displayed in kPA instead of PSI. The only solution is to replace the Door Control Receiver.

Volkswagen

TSB Number: 4412-02

Models: 2012-13 CC

Summary: This TSB informs technicians that some CC models may experience a loss of signal from a single or multiple TPMS sensors. The only solution is to replace all four sensors with updated sensors from HUF.