TPMS Without the Sensor in the Tire

As of 2007 federal law required that vehicles be equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Most vehicles have a TPMS sensor located in tire that senses and reports the pressure of each tire. However, Honda has done away with this system on some of their models. Let’s take a look at this other system and what we need to know about it.

The newer system eliminates the sensors inside of the tire, and instead uses an already existing wheel speed sensor to monitor the tires pressure. Changes in tire pressure are determined by differences in wheel speed. The diameter of the tire shrinks as the pressure lowers, causing wheel speed to increase. This change in wheel speed is notices by the wheel speed sensor which turns on the low tire pressure light.

For this system to work properly, the vehicle needs to learn a starting point. The vehicle needs to know what a tire, that is properly inflated, feels like when driving. So, calibration needs to be completed to teach the vehicle. Calibration also needs to be done any time the tire pressures are adjusted, or when the tires are rotated, or replaced. The calibration procedure requires that the tires be inflated to the proper pressure and then the vehicle be driven for a period of time at a specified speed. Depending on the model there may be additional events that will require a calibration to be completed.

Honda/Acura vehicle-specific body repair manuals can be found at: www.techinfo.honda.com

For additional Honda/Acura information, check out the following pages:
Honda OEM Information
Acura OEM Information


Related I-CAR Courses

  • Film Thickness Gauge For Plastic Parts - Is It Worth The Investment? Friday, 26 April 2024

    Film thickness gauges continue to be a valuable tool in the collision industry. Most shops have gauges that work with both ferrous and non-ferrous substrates. So, should shops invest in a film...

  • Body Shop Business: EV Intake Process Wednesday, 24 April 2024

    Body Shop Business has released an article highlighting the importance of the electric vehicle (EV) intake process.

  • Repairer Driven News: Matte Clearcoat Challenges Monday, 22 April 2024

    Repairer Driven News (RDN) has released an article highlighting the challenges of matte and semi-gloss clearcoat.

  • I-CAR Just In Time: EV Repair Tips Wednesday, 17 April 2024

    Sometimes seeing is understanding, that’s why I-CAR's technical team created the Just in Time video series to guide you through a variety of collision repair topics from ADAS and EVs to repair tips...

  • I-CAR RTS App Monday, 15 April 2024

    Looking for another tool for your toolbox? An informational guide at your fingertips? Well, the I-CAR Repairability Technical Support (RTS) app is what you are looking for!

  • Repairer Driven News: ADAS Radar Optimized Paint Color Resources Friday, 12 April 2024

    Changes in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) radar technology are introducing new refinishing considerations. Paint film thickness not only may affect the performance of ADAS radars, color...

  • Back-To-Basics: Window Tab Retractor Thursday, 11 April 2024

    Sometimes going back-to-basics can make the difference between a quality repair and a failed repair. Window regulators have evolved over the years, most now using a clip type retaining method. With...

  • High-Voltage Vehicle Paint Booth Quick Reference Tuesday, 9 April 2024

    When refinishing high-voltage (HV) vehicles, it is important to check for OEM paint booth temperature recommendations so that HV components do not get damaged in the heat.

  • Ford On Target 2024: Volume 1 Friday, 5 April 2024

    Ford has released the first installment of their On Target publication for 2024.

  • 3M Offers SOP And Process Hands-On Training and Skill Development Thursday, 4 April 2024

    The 3M Skills Development Center is a 15,000 sq ft facility where technicians can take a Body Repair Course or Paint Prep and Refinish Course. Both courses are majority hands-on of standard...