The Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) System warns the driver when any one or all of the vehicles tire pressures have become significantly under, or over inflated. The system also allows the individual tire pressures to be displayed on the driver information center (DIC).

The system uses the rear window antenna grid, antenna module, dash integration module (DIM), DIC, instrument panel cluster (IPC), a radio frequency (RF) transmitting pressure sensor inside each wheel/tire assembly, and the serial data circuit to perform the system functions.

When the vehicle is stationary for 30 seconds the sensors go into stationary mode. In this mode the sensors sample tire pressure once every 20 seconds and transmit in stationary mode once every 60. As vehicle speed increases, centrifugal force close the sensors internal roll switches causing the sensors to go into drive mode. In this mode the sensor sample tire pressure once every 30 seconds and transmit in drive mode once every 60 seconds. The antenna module receives and translates the data contained in each sensor RF transmission into sensor presence, sensor mode, and tire pressure. The antenna module then sends the tire pressure data to the DIC via the serial data circuit where the tire pressures are displayed as in an overhead view of the vehicle with the respective tire pressures in each corner.

The sensors compare their current pressure sample with their last transmitted pressure and will transmit in re-measure mode whenever a 7 kPa (1 psi) change in tire pressure has occurred. When the TPM System detects a significantly under or over inflated tire pressure, both the CHECK TIRE PRESSURE message and the low tire pressure indicator are displayed on the DIC. Both the message and indicator can be cleared by adjusting tire pressures to the recommended kPa/psi, refer to Tire Inflation Pressure Specifications in Maintenance and Lubrication, or to Tire Placard in General Information. The sensors pressure accuracy from -10 to +70°C (+14 to +158°F) is plus or minus 7 kPa (1 psi).

The antenna module has the ability to detect malfunctions within the TPM System. Any malfunctions detected will cause the DIC to display the SERVICE TIRE MONITOR message. For more information on other functions of the antenna module, refer to Radio/Audio System Description and Operation in Entertainment, and to Keyless Entry System Description and Operation in Keyless Entry.