TPMS Fault & ForScan

[Ecto1]

I got a "TPMS Fault" a few weeks ago. It pops up a message at start up now and illuminates the TPMS idiot light on the Tach. I took the car to the Dealer to get it resolved but I didn't get very far. The claim is that all 4 TPMS Sensors died at EXACTLY the same time and that's why the Fault occurred. The solution was to replace all 4 TPMS Sensors to the tune of $1000. I won't be doing that...

Anyway, I found that via ForScan you can disable the TPMS ... something. Maybe the TPMS System or maybe just the TPMS Fault Message and idiot light. So I got a copy of ForScan (free download) and a Free 2 month extended license. The 2 month free license is all that's available until the Ukraine invasion ends. With ForScan and a suitable OBD II cable I was able to disable the TPMS "something" in both the Body Control Module & the IPC.

I no longer get the Fault Message or the idiot light. The ForScan tool seems like a great solution for a LOT of issues & mods for these cars. I'm disappointed I didn't know about it before the Ukraine invasion prohibited sales of the licenses. The licenses aren't very expensive and the software is free. For the cost of a cable and a license you'll spend less than $50 for a professional quality scan tool. It allows you to run diagnostics and re-program features in the various electronics modules in the car just like the professional (aka Snap On) scan tools.

FYI.

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[Brigadir]

Regarding the TPMS sensors, it’s pretty cheap fix through Aliexpress: you just need the sensors and the activation tool. Each item for $5-10. I did it for my car a year ago and it works without any issues. The rest of $1000 from the dealer’s bill may be spent on leisure

 

[Ecto1]

Regarding the TPMS sensors, it’s pretty cheap fix through Aliexpress: you just need the sensors and the activation tool. Each item for $5-10. I did it for my car a year ago and it works without any issues. The rest of $1000 from the dealer’s bill may be spent on leisure

Thanks for the info. Are the 'stangs popular in Mexico? Where abouts in Mexico are you driving yours?

It's not so much the sensors but the dismounting & remounting & balancing the tires that I'm unwilling to do at this time. The tires have a lot of years left so I don't want to replace the sensors until I NEED to replace the tires again.

To make matters worse I don't believe the Dealer's story that all 4 TPMS sensors failed simultaneously. It just doesn't make sense. I've been going through the TPMS section of the Service Manual but I haven't been able to isolate what's REALLY wrong yet. While I have the 2 month ForScan license I need to mess around with some of the tests and see if I can figure out if it's the sensors or the RTM Module. I'm betting on the RTM module.

 

[G.T.]

The tires do not have to be fully dismounted to replace the sensors. The tire tech presses the tire sidewall inward enough to access the stem and sensors for R and R.

You can get away with not balancing them IMO with this method.

Sensors are available anywhere from Aliexpress to Amazon to Rockauto. IIRC Motorcraft sensors were around $30 each on Rockauto if you feel like splurging.

Some say the new sensors will learn eventually as you use the car but I opted to use a generic TPMS tool and followed the learn procedure in a CJ Ponyparts Youtube vid.

EDIT: Yeah, I dont think they would fail all at once. Mine went one at a time.

 

[Skye]

Different vehicle, but I had all four of my TPMS sensors replaced at Discount Tire for like $250 total. Toyota wanted $800+ for factory units and install.

Ford Performance sells four-packs of sensors for $150+.

I would not buy any sensors from eBay or third parties. Counterfeits and old stock (weak batteries) are the primary concern.

Regarding FORScan, I can see that. The software is developed by Russian coders.

Long-term, I think it's a good idea to maintain TPMS, especially if traveling. Each person would have to decide if a spare tire is also worthwhile.

YMMV.

 

[Brigadir]

Thanks for the info. Are the 'stangs popular in Mexico? Where abouts in Mexico are you driving yours?

It's not so much the sensors but the dismounting & remounting & balancing the tires that I'm unwilling to do at this time. The tires have a lot of years left so I don't want to replace the sensors until I NEED to replace the tires again.

To make matters worse I don't believe the Dealer's story that all 4 TPMS sensors failed simultaneously. It just doesn't make sense. I've been going through the TPMS section of the Service Manual but I haven't been able to isolate what's REALLY wrong yet. While I have the 2 month ForScan license I need to mess around with some of the tests and see if I can figure out if it's the sensors or the RTM Module. I'm betting on the RTM module.

Interesting what error Forscan shows in DTC. As I recall my issue it showed exactly which sensor failed, so hopefully in your case you’ll see if it’s a sensor or the control unit.

Mexico is cool A lot of mustangs here. There are clubs in all major cities. They aren’t very into engineering stuff but on the other hand very friendly and enthusiastic
I’m in central Mexico, in Puebla.

 

[G.T.]

Different vehicle, but I had all four of my TPMS sensors replaced at Discount Tire for like $250 total. Toyota wanted $800+ for factory units and install.

Ford Performance sells four-packs of sensors for $150+.

I would not buy any sensors from eBay or third parties. Counterfeits and old stock (weak batteries) are the primary concern.

Regarding FORScan, I can see that. The software is developed by Russian coders.

Long-term, I think it's a good idea to maintain TPMS, especially if traveling. Each person would have to decide if a spare tire is also worthwhile.

YMMV.

I personally agree, I think it's a really good idea to have the capability to check pressures real time. I've even retrofitted this capability on my older vehicles that never came with it.

Personally I get a spare tire also, full size if possible. I've passed on one vehicle purchase for the sole reason that there was no way to put a proper diameter spare under the trunk floor, even a space saver one.

OP, It's a chore to get the sensors on so do try to get from a reputable source as suggested.

 

[Ecto1]

Interesting what error Forscan shows in DTC. As I recall my issue it showed exactly which sensor failed, so hopefully in your case you’ll see if it’s a sensor or the control unit.

Mexico is cool A lot of mustangs here. There are clubs in all major cities. They aren’t very into engineering stuff but on the other hand very friendly and enthusiastic
I’m in central Mexico, in Puebla.

Very cool. Didn't expect 'stangs in mexico.

For some reason the car doesn't report any DTC when I scan the car. With my old scan tool or with ForScan. They both say No Faults. So I'm kinda stumped as to what's going on. I definitely get the TMPS Fault Message and the idiot light so somethings wrong. It's just a matter of what.

I need to spend more quality time with ForScan to see what kind of tests I can run and what responses I get. I'm trying to use the Service Manual to help isolate but I haven't worked with ForScan enough to know if I can find and run the tests the Manual indicates. Since I only have 2 months I'll have to make it a higher priority. When I got the Message and idiot light to go out it was a step in the right direction but I need to do more work.

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