Kia TPMS

TPMS or Tire Pressure Monitoring System is fitted to Kia cars to provide a warning of low pressure on any one of four tires on the vehicle. A TPMS from one of two manufacturers is fitted as part of the valve assembly in all Kia cars.

The sensor measures the pressure and temperature in the tire and transmits this data along with the unique ID of the TPMS to the tire pressure monitor ECU/receiver.

If the TPMS ID is logged with the ECU then it is compared with the placard pressure and if under pressure then a warning light is lit on the dash mounted display.

Kia TPMS types and Fitment

The manufacturers of the Kia TPMS are TRW Automotive and Pacific Industrial Corp. The Kia Model range utilising TPMS technology includes the following brands:

• Rio - TPMS
• Spectra - TPMS
• Optima - TPMS
• Amanti - TPMS
• Rondo - TPMS
• Sportage - TPMS
• Sorento - TPMS
• Sedona - TPMS
• Soul - TPMS
• Forte - TPMS

Kia TPMS Fault Diagnosis

TPMS replacement is called for when the TPMS fails due to mechanical or electrical failure, broken accelerometer, low TPMS battery power or blocked pressure port. One of the most common causes of failure is inappropriate handling during wheel or tire removal or servicing. The TPMS is an electronic component fitted as part of a heavyweight mechanical process.

Before attempting to replace a Kia TPMS we advise the use of one our Bartec TPMS tools to establish the need for replacement and the nature of the fault. This may support a warranty claim but will also ensure that the dealer or tire shop is covered for liability claims. The legal position is that as soon as the dealer breaks down the wheel then he becomes liable and cannot allow the car to be driven away from his shop with the TPMS warning light still on. Many dealers have found that customers will not accept the costs for repair and may attribute any breakage to the dealer if there is no audit trail.

The Bartec tools offer the capability to carry out a TPMS audit of the car and then show the customer the audit results from the screen or download them to a PC and print the audit results to show to the customer so that a cost can be agreed and the go ahead given before work commences. It is important to have a tool which can distinguish the correct TPMS in order to avoid picking up the transmission of other TPMS sensors, key fobs etc. It is important to limit your liability for any problems which occur.

The TPMS tool should be able to decode the transmission from the sensor and display the data. This will enable the technician to establish if the sensor has failed or is not fitted, whether the pressure port on the sensor is blocked, where the part is running at too high a temperature and other diagnostic information which might be included in the specific sensor (e.g. if there is a low battery condition on the TPMS).

The direct TPMS will be attached to the back of the tire valve.

Kia TPMS Replacement

If a sensor proves faulty or is damaged then it will need to be replaced. This requires a new sensor to be fitted and the ECU to be reprogrammed with its unique ID and its position on the vehicle. The procedures for all vehicles are illustrated in the Bartec Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems Guide which shows service requirements, reset procedures, dismounting/mounting instructions, torque specifications etc for all makes/models and years.

The technician should always: refer to manufacturer's specifications for proper torque requirements when replacing nuts and valve cores; use new grommets, nuts, plastic or nickel-plated valve caps and electro-less, nickel-plated valve cores when performing any tire service; never use a brass valve core or un-plated brass cap with an aluminium TPMS sensor stem. Contact between dissimilar metals can cause galvanic corrosion, which can lead to loss of air pressure.

Note: The technician should avoid the use of any liquid or tire sealant injected into tires equipped with TPMS as this may block the pressure port and cause malfunction. If evidence of the use of tire sealant is noted upon dismounting the tire, it is highly recommended that the TPMS are replaced. It is also very important to remove all residual sealant from the inside of the tire and rim surfaces prior to re-installing the tire.

The Kia range of cars unlike most vehicles made in North America do not have an inbuilt relearn mode to enable the vehicles to relearn the TPMS IDs when a TPMS repair tool is used to activate the sensor. It is important therefore to have access to a Bartec Tech600Pro tool which is able to diagnose Kia TPMS issues and also has an extra interface to the vehicle OBDII/CANbus to communicate with the vehicle Engine Control Unit (ECU) and download the TPMS IDs and their wheel locations. The Tech600Pro has this feature.

The tool can display the OE part number for the TPMS sensor to ensure the correct part is fitted. In addition a facility is provided to initialize TRW sensors for correct operation on the vehicle as required. The tool can program the car and also turn off the TPMS warning light!

Finally when the TPMS replacement procedure is complete it is good practice to do a final audit and print the results out for the customer. This completes the circle for your liability protection (showing the job has been completed professionally) and affirms your technical reputation with the customer.

TPMS Kia Service Guide

The Bartec 'Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems Guide' contains comprehensive information on the mechanical and electrical procedure for Kia TPMS replacement for all makes/models/year types going back to the year of their introduction including:

• TPMS Service Requirements
• Special tools reference guide

Model articles referencing all makes/models/years and including:

• Description and operation of vehicle TPMS system
• Warning indicator reset procedure
• System Retrain/Relearn procedure
• Dismounting/mounting cautions & Notes
• Tire Pressure Sensor Replacement procedure
• Wheel Nut torques
• Tire Pressure Sensor Nut torques

Kia TPMS Tool Training

Bartec are world leaders in the implementation of TPMS systems for the wheel and tire assembly plant and the car plant with over 70 installations worldwide.

As a result of this activity the company also leads the aftermarket with the most comprehensive range of TPMS dealer tools for the dealer, the tire shop and even the end user.

The market desperately needs information and training on TPMS, diagnosing faults and repairing/replacing, TPMS tools and support. Bartec has sought to answer some of the many questions by putting together a series of training videos which can be viewed by visiting www.bartecusa.com/tpms-videos

Contact Your TPMS Tool Dealer

Customers have told us our help desk guys are the best because of their wealth of information and experience; that they care about helping; and that they try that bit harder to sort out problems.

When you buy a Tech600Pro TPMS tool you get a free copy of the Bartec Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems Guide and also gain access to the Bartec TPMS technical support for advice on replacement of TPMS and the use of TPMS tools on all vehicles not just Kia.

The team has a wealth of experience with TPMS. These guys have worked in the car plants and also in the aftermarket solving the problems you are addressing.

Please browse our website for more information about Bartec USA LLC and our range of Kia TPMS Tools and our professional support for Tire Pressure Monitor Sensors, then call toll free (866) 407-TPMS and speak to one of our team or e-mail us on sales@bartecusa.com