What is Ford TPMS?
Ford Direct TPMS (tire pressure monitoring sensor) is a warning system that warns a vehicle's operator of an unsafe change in the air pressure in one or more of the tires. Ford TPMS readings are provided by pressure-sensing transmitters (TPMS) that are mounted inside each tire and sent to a central computer (ECU) for display on the dashboard. A warning indicator light on the instrument panel and a Ford trouble warning notify the driver if a 25% drop in pressure occurs.
How do I know if my Ford vehicle is equipped with TPMS?
In the U.S., if you purchased a car or light-duty vehicle under 10,000 lbs. manufactured after September 1, 2007, you have TPMS. If your model was manufactured after October 5, 2005, you might have TPMS but will need to verify. Also, prior to the legislation, some higher-end vehicles also came equipped with TPMS as a premium option.
What To Do When You See the Ford TPMS Tire Pressure Alert
When your Ford TPMS warning light comes on, please exercise caution. This means that one or more of your tires may be at least 25% below recommended inflation pressure.
Find a safe place to pull out of traffic so you can stop to check your tires. NOTE: If you are driving at higher speeds (highway), immediately take firm hold of the steering wheel with both hands, because in the event that you experience a blowout (rapid deflation), you'll need to be prepared to handle your vehicle. Then slowly decelerate and move out of traffic.
Once you have checked to ensure you are not having a blowout, use a tire gauge to check the pressure of each tire against your manufacturer's recommended pressure level. (A tire gauge should be a standard component within your set of emergency items in your vehicle.) The recommended pressure level can be found on the tire placard, a label located just inside the driver's side door on Ford vehicles.
If you are not comfortable checking the tire pressure on your Ford, proceed with caution to have your tire pressure checked by a professional tire technician.*
Fill your tires to the proper placard tire pressure, either with the help of your nearest tire service center or by using a tire air supply at a nearby filling station.
If necessary, have any damaged tires, as well as the Ford TPMS system, serviced at your nearest tire service center.
The TPMS light should turn off within several minutes after reinflating the tires to their recommended pressure.
*Checking tire pressure before you've driven on the tires, i.e., when the tire is "cold," is always the best way to get the most accurate reading.
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