Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems

[Luke@tirerack]

CHRYSLER/DODGE

An Update on Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems and Aftermarket Wheels

A direct tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) will be standard equipment on every vehicle sold in the U.S. after September, 2007. The criteria for TPMS standardization is that the vehicle must have only four wheels (no dual-wheeled trucks or motorcycles), and weigh less than 10,000 lbs.

Chrysler and Dodge are keeping up with the new TPMS law. Many of the cars and vans already have direct TPMS (see TPMS facts below), as do the 2007 SUVs, but the pickup trucks do not have the option yet. Chrysler and Dodge currently use several sensors from Siemens and Schrader. The Tire Rack carries all sensors for vehicles up to the 2007 model year. The size of the sensor shouldn’t be a problem for many wheels, but if the valve hole is in the middle of the wheel’s barrel, the sensor will not fit properly. Wheel manufacturers are aware of the issue and are rushing to get most of their wheels TPMS-compatible.

The Tire Rack's fitment specialists have carefully determined which wheels that are currently available will be compatible with the system installed on your vehicle.


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If you have any questions about the wheel you're considering, call or post your question for confirmation that it will be compatible with your TPMS.

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TPMS Facts

Direct TPMS use a sensor in the wheel/tire to wirelessly relay pressure back to the driver via a display inside the vehicle. Some vehicles have a digital screen that continuously shows all four tire pressures (five if spare has sensor). Others simply flash a "low tire pressure" light on the dash. Additionally, there are two different styles of sensors for a direct system: a valve sensor and a strap/band sensor. Only valve sensors are used on Chrysler/Dodge direct system-equipped vehicles. If you bought an aftermarket SmarTire TPMS, its sensors are held on by a strap around the barrel of the wheel.


Indirect systems work in conjunction with the ABS wheel speed sensors that “count” the number of revolutions of each tire. If the right front tire is low (25psi) it will spin faster than the left front tire (35psi). The ABS system will recognize this change and alert the driver with a flashing light and possibly a loud chime. Although no current model Chrysler or Dodge has an indirect TPMS, it is helpful to understand this important difference -- indirect systems do not affect the fitment of aftermarket wheels.

 

[97 GTS BL/WH]

Can you give me some comparisons on the models you carry. I notice you carry both the Smartire and WTPMS.
The WTPMS head unit looks better than the Smartire, but which one works better for the Viper?

 

[ILLSMOQ]

Do you guys have the straps to mount the sensor inside the barrel of the wheel. I had a strap fail on one of my HRE's.

 

[Randy]

The WTPMS head unit looks better than the Smartire, but which one works better for the Viper?

From a consumer's standpoint, I've been very satisfied with the SmarTire system; I've had it on two Vipers, works very well.

 

[BruceW]

I have had the Smartire system over a year, works great. Mine came with the sensors mounted onto the inside part of the valve stem, not banded to the inner rim.

 

[ILLSMOQ]

I have had the Smartire system over a year, works great. Mine came with the sensors mounted onto the inside part of the valve stem, not banded to the inner rim.

540R style valve stem? Any idea how to get that hardware?

 

[Luke@tirerack]

while I really like both systems we are currently in negotiations for a better / more informative system which we should have by early next month

 

[KepRght]

any word on the new system?

 

[Racer Robbie]

Luke,

Is there a way to get the dash read out on 2003 and up SRT-10 vipers to show the true pressures of the 4 tires instead of just a low reading?

 

[KepRght]

Luke, i need to order tires for my new wheels tomorrow. i want to order a TPMS that displays the pressures of each tire. do you have such an animal, or can you point me at a good system? thanks.

 

[Randy]

while I really like both systems we are currently in negotiations for a better / more informative system which we should have by early next month

The SmartTire system give pressure and temperature for each wheel, and attempts to map the pressure/temperature curve to give appropriate alerts, so I'm intrigued, what "more informative" additional data are you looking at?

 

[KepRght]

randy, i dont see the system you are talking about on the tire rack site

http://www.tirerack.com/accessories/tpms.jsp

 

[KepRght]

ya, its not listed on tirerack

here it is
http://www.smartire.com/automotive

For drivers wanting more detailed tire monitoring data, SmarTire offers either a Full Function Display or a Full Function Remote Display. These products offer digital pressure and temperature information through a fully programmable LCD display. The Full Function Displays automatically identify the nature and location of pressure or temperature irregularities and allows the driver to read the tire temperature and pressure status by scrolling through each tire position.

Three levels of warnings are provided including an audible and visual indication of a deviation from required pressure, a significant drop in tire pressure levels and, excessively high temperature. The Full Function Remote Display offers the same important information and alerts, but allows for a number of installation options.

 

[Randy]

ya, its not listed on tirerack

Yah, I was asking Luke what extra information that the system they were considering was going to give. (I was not meaning to imply nor say that TireRack carried SmarTire, although TireRack *used* to carry SmarTire a few years ago).

I've got the SmarTire full function display built into the middle vent of my Viper, looks very professional with the bezel that a friend made.

 

[Dave Moore]

I have the smart tire system with the full function display an it is great. temps and pressures at all 4 tires. The display unit is a small rectangular piece (still searching for a permanent mounting location). I have even had good responses from their technical support prople.
I think parts rack still sells this unit.
Dave

 

[Luke@tirerack]

You must be registered for see images

Hella's TC-400 Tire Pressure Monitor System allows for permanent monitoring of tire pressure and temperature in vehicles not originally equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system. Sensors on the tire valves transmit pressure and temperature via radio signal to the central unit, which in turn forwards this data to the display mounted inside the vehicle.

The system includes one LCD display, one control unit w/antenna, four tire valve sensors and installation instructions and hardware. Once installed, the system can monitor up to seven tires. Extra sensors are available.

Alerts

* • System shows cause of alert, affected tire position, temperature and pressure
* • Display changes color when alert is given
o Yellow display: 25% pressure loss
o Orange display: 50% pressure loss)
* • Temperature alert (185`F +)
* • Overpressure alert (50% overpressure)
* • All alerts and settings can be customized

Upon ignition, the system will immediately display a warning if an alert is present. Otherwise, the maximum time between a sensed change in temperature or pressure and notification via an alert to the display is 3 seconds. In case of alert, the system transmits every 0.9 seconds. When normal temperatures and pressures are found, the system will transmit settings every 4 seconds.

Additional Features

* • Adjustable display background color customizable to match vehicle's instrument lighting (blue, red, green, orange, light orange, white, light blue)
* • Large symbols depict tire condition and position
* • Simple, two button display
* • Pressure reading accurately guaranteed to 76.8 psi
* • Tested at speeds of up to 245 mph
* • Guaranteed at speeds of up to 155 mph while at 185`F
* • Sensor battery life approximately 7-10 years

NOTE: Each sensor is labeled LF, LR, RF, RR, but the system can be programmed to new locations after tire rotation, etc. Sensors cannot be more than 32 feet away from control unit's antenna.

 

[Randy]

The Hella system looks nice, although I don't see anything it offers that SmarTire doesn't, other than perhaps the "change in color", where the SmarTire has the "big red light". Were you thinking of something in particular that the Hella system offered that SmarTire did not?

 

[Luke@tirerack]

the Hella system has proven to be slightly more accurite and more stable at high speeds ... as far as addition info .... that statement was a little mis-leading I should have said more accurite info

 

[Randy]

the Hella system has proven to be slightly more accurite and more stable at high speeds ... as far as addition info .... that statement was a little mis-leading I should have said more accurite info

Ah, cool, OK, no problem - thats useful.

From the size of the valve stem modules, I'm guessing (hoping) that they mount inside the wheel, and thus the tire has to be unmounted to install the Hella system, also, correct?

 

[Luke@tirerack]

correct

 

[KepRght]

do they have another monitor for in wheel, like the smart tire? owners of HRE cant use the hella as it is here