2015 Mustang GT TPMS Receiver location?

[cwebb3]

Hi guys.
New to this forum, but I had a question that I cannot find an answer to.

Trying to trace down a TPMS system error.

Replaced all 4 TPMS sensors in all 4 wheels with the correct Motorcraft part number on the correct 433 Mhz frequency (per the VIN & part # from dealer)
Dealer handheld training device "sees" the sensors, yet the car itself does not, therefore the usual "training" them does not work.
Dealer wants to replace the Body Control Module at a cost of $1200 parts/labor, yet we are not getting any error codes aside from the TPMS fault when you start the car (and can clear by hitting OK button on steering wheel).
But, in researching the BCM, I came across a 433Mhz receiver that states it is used for keyless entry as well as TPMS receiver on some cars (used on multiple Ford products 2013-2016). Part # GD9Z-15607-E This part is only about $35.

So my question is: Does anyone know where this receiver is located on the 2015 Mustang GT? One diagram points to the back part of the car but I don't know if that means inside, underneath, or buried back there? Rear bumper was removed and repainted at some point. If it is located at the back of the car behind the bumper, I am wondering if it got damaged or not plugged back in and that is the reason for my TPMS error.

If you have any insight into the TPMS system or the BCM, or if my thinking is skewed, please feel free to jump in and assist.
Thanks
Charlie

Sponsored

 

[NightmareMoon]

How are you putting the car into training mode?

were they flipping toggle switches or pumping the brake pedal and turning the car on/off? I’ve seen both methods described, and both indicated the car was in training mode, but only only one worked at all on my car (and continues to work)

 

[boki_laki]

how was this resolved?

 

[jloshotz]

That is interesting that the op’s 2015 (that i’m not directing this at, as he is long gone) sensors would be listed as 433 mhz, my 2016 is 100% 315 mhz. I wonder if that was his issue. Just interjecting in the hopes to keep others from possibly being misled. OEM sensors, and i can’t stress this enough, from a REPUTABLE source is vital in resolving any TMPS issues. Anything less, more times than not, will cause more issues/headaches than it is worth. Always start with that. Just my .02¢ 🫡

 

[Skye]

how was this resolved?

Sorry if I led you astray yesterday. I continued to deep dive throughout the day on related topics and deleted my initial post.

The OP last logged in in 2019. They didn't state why they replaced the four sensors to begin with.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensors in each wheel have a battery, an accelerometer, chip and transmitter. Once the wheel is spinning and the accelerometer detects that movement, the battery powers the unit and the sensor transmits. The batteries will fail over time, after 5-7+ years of service, sometimes longer. But they often fail one at a time. When one fails, it's best to replace all four. People will also install new units when they get new wheels or swap wheel sets.

In the most recent Model Years, Ford TPMS sensors automatically pair to the car after a short drive. Using my 2022 as an example, within 100 yards, 30m of driving, they synched to the car. Using tools, they can be manually trained to the vehicle.

When training sensors of any vehicle, it needs to be away from any like sensors. Practicing the retrain of my truck in traffic, the system was confused until I cleared everyone else for several minutes. Others have reported same, when multiple wheels and sensors are present in their garage.

TPMS was designed to report pressures being too low. But I've also confirmed if pressure/s are to high, that can cause issues. Whatever wheels are involved, tire pressures need to be close to the sticker in the vehicle's door jamb. The required pressure is programmed in the vehicle's systems.

On the S550 Mustang, there is one TPMS receiver: the Radio Transceiver Module (RTM). The RTM is located underneath the package shelf (horizontal shelf, extending from the back seat to the rear window), in a specific tray. One reference I found advised the rear seat has to come out to access the tray and replace the module. Checking my own car his morning, I agree with that. Everything is behind body panels and facades.

I attempted to locate a photo of where the RTM is and could not. Not a lot of people replace theirs or take photos. Since the RTM also acts as the receiver for the key fob signals, Ford wouldn't be open to showing where some of these bits are, to help prevent someone from developing hack or theft tricks. Further, the RTM has to be programmed by Ford; it needs specific VIN and vehicle information programmed into it, so it works with the key fobs.

So...replace four sensors but the car cannot see them.

Q: Where the previous sensors working? Why were they replaced?

Q: Motorcraft sensors were installed, but where were those sourced from?

As mentioned before, sensors have batteries. Someone selling old stock on-line, those things might have expired who knows how long ago.

If the sensors are correct and from a good source, but none of them work, I look to the key fob. I suspect the fob continued to work. The OP did not complain of that. TPMS sensors and fobs use the same antenna, same frequency. If the fob works, that clears the RTM, the wiring and the connections to the Body Control Module (BCM).

Ford Diagnostic and Repair System (FRDS) software can also check the RTM status, confirming the connection to it. While there, the tech could re-flash the BCM and RTM. Refreshing those could clear the issue, or offer tells as to what's going on.

If the problem continues, I'd then take one wheel, one old sensor, or yet another new sensor from another package (Ford dealer stock), and try that. See if the car can discover the one wheel.

If after all that there seems to be no other explanation that failing BCM, I'd pause and get a second opinion. BCMs do go bad. But I haven't read many doing so. Getting another look with a cold pair of eyes is worth it when considering a $1000+ repair.

Often, TPMS sensor problem threads are people using off-brand items, expired stock, wrong part, counterfeit pieces, they were broken on installation, etc.

Hope that gives you some ideas on what could be checked.

Good Luck.

Sponsored