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

The system uses the driver antenna module, dash integration module (DIM), DIC, instrument panel cluster (IPC), RFA antenna grid, 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 a stationary mode. In this mode the sensors sample tire pressure once every 20 seconds and transmit in stationary mode once every 60 minutes. As vehicle speed increases, centrifugal force close the sensors internal roll switches causing the sensors to go into drive mode. In this mode the sensors sample tire pressure once every 30 seconds and transmit in drive mode once every 60 seconds. The driver antenna module receives and translates the data contained in each sensors RF transmission into sensor presence, sensor mode, and tire pressure. The driver antenna module then sends the tire pressure data to the DIC via the serial data circuit where they are displayed as follows:

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 inflated tire pressure, the CHECK TIRE PRESSURE message is displayed on the DIC and the low tire pressure indicator is displayed on the IPC. 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 sensor's pressure accuracy from -10 to +70°C (+14 to +158°F) is plus or minus 7 kPa (1 psi).

The driver 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 warning message. For more information on other functions of the driver antenna module, refer to Keyless Entry System Description and Operation in Keyless Entry.