TPMS - wheel unit auto registration

[jjjxlr8]

Does anyone know if this Mazda procedure works on the 2008 Mazdaspeed 3?

See page 6 for the "Wheel Unit Auto Registration" procedure.

http://www.finishlineperformance.com/pdf/rx8/bulletin/02-004-04-1374a.pdf

 

[MikeHTally]

That's the procedure that is in my manual. Interestingly, I didn't need to do that on a recent new tire/wheel installation. The TPMS was happy at startup and didn't complain about not "seeing" the sensors. I wonder if that's because they never got more than ten feet from the car.

I followed the procedure anyway, but I don't think I had to endure that long fifteen minute wait.

 

[jjjxlr8]

Did you change your sensors? There shouldn't be any problem if you are still using the same four sensors.

Edit:

Also, if the systems gets no signal from any of the wheels, it will not display a problem for about 100 miles.

The reason (I think) is so that if someone were to let the car sit for a period of time, say on the dealer lot or in transport from Japan, the batteries in the wheels sensors will discharge. The sensor batteries are charged by the rotational motion during driving. It must take about 100 miles to fully charge the batteries. To avoid having the warning light, from this scenario, if the computer sees that ALL four sensors are not communicating, it may allow a period of time for charging. If no sensors are present after this period, the warning light comes on.

 

[MikeHTally]

No, I didn't change the sensors. Here's an excerpt from the O/M:

When changing tires yourself
If you or someone else changes tires, you
or someone else can also undertake the
steps for the TPMS to complete the ID
signal code registration.
1. After tires have been changed, turn the
ignition switch to the ON position, then
turn it back to the ACC or LOCK
position.
2. Wait for about 15 minutes.
3. After about 15 minutes, drive the
vehicle at a speed of at least 25 km/h
(16 mph) for 10 minutes and the tire
pressure sensor ID signal code will be registered automatically.

I followed the manual, but apparently I didn't need to. My guess is still that the sensors never got far from the ECU.

Sorry, Lithium Ion batteries are NOT charged by the rotation.

 

[jjjxlr8]

...
Sorry, Lithium Ion batteries are NOT charged by the rotation.

Thanks for the information.

If they don't require charging by rotation, then I suppose I can install the sensors in a pressurized PCV pipe and throw it in the back! Excellent.

 

[MikeHTally]

A TPMS pipe bomb? That might raise an eyebrow somewhere.

 

[Nliiitend1]

I believe the sensors still require motion to operate properly. When I had my inflated wheel/tire combo in the back of my car the light came on...

 

[Young Roids]

how long do the batteries last?

 

[MikeHTally]

how long do the batteries last?

I saw some reference to ten years, but an article on "How it Works" said three years for a Lithium-Ion battery.

I believe the sensors still require motion to operate properly. When I had my inflated wheel/tire combo in the back of my car the light came on...

I believe you're right: there needs to be motion in the wheels. I wonder if that's why the car must be driven more than sixteen mph to register the sensors.

(Hope I did those quotes right).

 

[jjjxlr8]

OK...found out some more information.

The sensors are fitted with a "long life" battery (Lithium-Ion) and have electronics designed to maximize battery life. This means that the sensors go into a "standby" mode when not in motion and require the rotational motion to "wake" them up periodically.

Oh, well. The "TPMS pipe bomb" isn't going to work.

 

[MikeHTally]

Just shake it 'fore you throw it.