Proper tire pressure is critical for the safety and performance of your Ford vehicle. If the tire pressure is too low, it can lead to increased wear, decreased fuel efficiency, and even blowouts. To avoid these issues, Ford has equipped its vehicles with a tire pressure control system that alerts the driver if the tire pressure is low. If you need to reset your Ford tire pressure control system, follow these steps.
Determine the type of tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) in your Ford vehicle
Before resetting the tire pressure control system in your Ford, you need to determine which type of TPMS your vehicle is equipped with. There are two types of TPMS in Ford vehicles:
Indirect TPMS: This type of system uses the anti-lock braking system (ABS) wheel speed sensors to determine if a tire is underinflated. If the system detects that a tire is underinflated, a warning light will illuminate on the dashboard.
Direct TPMS: This type of system uses pressure sensors inside each tire to measure the tire pressure. If the system detects that a tire is underinflated, a warning light will illuminate on the dashboard.
Resetting indirect TPMS in your Ford vehicle
If your Ford vehicle is equipped with an indirect TPMS, you can reset the system by following these steps:
Inflate all tires to the recommended pressure listed in your owner’s manual or on the tire information label located on the driver’s side door jamb.
Drive the vehicle at speeds above 20 mph for at least two minutes.
Stop the vehicle and turn off the engine.
Wait for at least 15 minutes before starting the vehicle again.
Start the vehicle and check to see if the TPMS warning light has turned off.
If the TPMS warning light does not turn off, you may need to have your vehicle serviced.
Resetting direct TPMS in your Ford vehicle
If your Ford vehicle is equipped with a direct TPMS, you can reset the system by following these steps:
Inflate all tires to the recommended pressure listed in your owner’s manual or on the tire information label located on the driver’s side door jamb.
Turn the ignition to the ON position.
Press and hold the TPMS reset button until the TPMS warning light blinks three times.
Release the TPMS reset button.
Drive the vehicle at speeds above 20 mph for at least two minutes.
Stop the vehicle and turn off the engine.
Wait for at least 15 minutes before starting the vehicle again.
Start the vehicle and check to see if the TPMS warning light has turned off.
If the TPMS warning light does not turn off, you may need to have your vehicle serviced.
Common issues with Ford TPMS and how to troubleshoot them
There are a few common issues that you may encounter with your Ford TPMS. Here are some tips to troubleshoot these issues:
TPMS warning light is illuminated: If the TPMS warning light is illuminated on your dashboard, it means that there is an issue with the system. First, check to see if any of your tires are visibly flat or low on pressure. If they are, inflate them to the recommended pressure. If all of your tires are properly inflated, you may need to have your vehicle serviced.
TPMS warning light does not turn off: If the TPMS warning light does not turn off after resetting the system, it may indicate a problem with the TPMS sensors. Take your vehicle to a Ford dealership or a trusted mechanic to have the sensors checked.
TPMS warning light blinks continuously:
If the TPMS warning light blinks continuously, it may indicate a fault in the TPMS system. This can be caused by a variety of issues, such as a faulty sensor or a problem with the wiring. In this case, it’s best to take your vehicle to a Ford dealership or a trusted mechanic to have the system diagnosed and repaired.
TPMS warning light turns on after replacing tires: If you have recently replaced your tires, you may need to reset the TPMS system. Follow the steps outlined in Topic 2 or 3 to reset the system. If the warning light does not turn off, it may indicate that the new tires are not compatible with the TPMS sensors. In this case, you may need to have the sensors replaced or have new tires installed that are compatible with the system.
Maintaining proper tire pressure in your Ford vehicle
To avoid issues with your Ford TPMS system, it’s important to maintain proper tire pressure in your vehicle. Here are some tips to help you keep your tires properly inflated:
Check tire pressure regularly: Check your tire pressure at least once a month, or more often if you notice any changes in the way your vehicle handles or if the TPMS warning light comes on.
Inflate tires to the recommended pressure: Inflate your tires to the recommended pressure listed in your owner’s manual or on the tire information label located on the driver’s side door jamb.
Check tire pressure when cold: Check your tire pressure when the tire
s are cold, as heat can cause the air inside the tires to expand and give an inaccurate reading.
Don’t overinflate tires: Overinflated tires can lead to reduced traction, uneven tire wear, and a harsh ride. Only inflate your tires to the recommended pressure.
Replace worn tires: Replace your tires when the tread wears down to the minimum depth recommended by the manufacturer. Worn tires can affect the performance of your vehicle and increase the risk of a blowout.
Conclusion:
Proper tire pressure is essential for the safety and performance of your Ford vehicle. If you need to reset your Ford TPMS system, follow the steps outlined in Topics 2 or 3, depending on the type of system your vehicle is equipped with. If you encounter any issues with your TPMS system, refer to Topic 4 for troubleshooting tips or take your vehicle to a Ford dealership or trusted mechanic for diagnosis and repair. To avoid issues with your TPMS system, maintain proper tire pressure in your vehicle by following the tips outlined in Topic 5. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure the longevity of your tires and the safety of your vehicle.
