RAM 1500 TPMS Diagnostics, 2008-2020 (including DT/DS/DX)

After the TREAD Act was mandated in 2007, all vehicles manufactured in the United States beginning in 2008, must be installed with direct or indirect TPMS systems.

The RAM 1500 uses a direct TPMS system, which means TPMS sensors are installed in the wheel. If one or more tires indicate low tire pressure, the TPMS sensors will transfer the information to the vehicle’s ECU. An indicator light (low-line TPMS system) or each tire pressure will show on the dash (high-line TPMS system).

When a sensor is replaced for one or more wheels of a RAM 1500 truck, a TPMS relearn is recommended to transfer the new TPMS sensor ID’s to the vehicle’s ECU.

Type of TPMS system:

• Direct TPMS, TPMS sensors are installed in the wheel, tire pressure is communicated via radio frequency (RF) technology from the sensor to the vehicle’s ECU

OE and Aftermarket (Universal, Hybrid, Programmable, Configurable, One-to-One, OE-style) options for TPMS sensor replacement:

All OE, programmable, configurable, hybrid and OE-type (one-to-one) TPMS sensor options and service kits can be found in the VT56, VT55, VT36 TPMS Tools and most Powered by ATEQ tools.

Type of TPMS frequency:

• 315MHz and 433MHz, depending on the year, see the troubleshooting tips

Type of Relearn procedures:

• Auto relearn procedure
• Bonus OBD relearn procedure coverage as an option on the VT56 for years 2008-2017, requires OBD module

Type of TPMS tool required for TPMS reset:

• TPMS activation tool such as VT15, VT31, VT36 or VT56 for auto relearn
• VT56 TPMS scan tool with OBDII module includes Sync ID technology for software versions DA1-25-04 and higher for bonus OBD relearn, available for years 2008-2017

Auto relearn procedure, years 2008-2020 (including RAM 1500 DS/DT/DX):

• Confirm TPMS sensors are properly installed
• Adjust tire pressure to placard value
• Hold TPMS tester on left front tire sidewall next to the valve stem, use TPMS tool to activate the sensor
• Repeat for the right front, right rear and left rear sensors
• Drive vehicle for up to 20 minutes above 15 mph or until TPMS light is off

Bonus coverage, OBD relearn procedure, years 2008-2017:

• OBDII module is required, attach to the tool
• Confirm TPMS sensors are properly installed
• Adjust tire pressure to placard value
• Hold TPMS tester on left front tire sidewall next to valve stem, use TPMS tool to activate the sensor
• Repeat for the right front, right rear and left rear sensors
• Apply OBD module to DLC
• Turn ignition to ON
• Press OK on TPMS tool to transfer data to ECU
• Disconnect OBD module from DLC
• Turn ignition OFF then start the engine
• Drive for at least 5 minutes at 28 mph

Troubleshooting tips

Oversized Rims

If you notice interference of your TPMS signal on the RAM 1500, it could be due to oversized rims. The RAM, in general, have very large rims, and especially if there are larger aftermarket rims on the vehicle, it can cause RF signal interference.

315MHz and 433MHz sensor replacement

Starting mid-year 2009, RAM 1500 manufactured vehicles with 433MHz TPMS sensors. Therefore, it is very important to check the TPMS sensor information before replacing the sensor to make sure you are working with the correct frequency.

Auto-relearn, the light won’t turn off?

The auto relearn procedure steps require the technician to drive for at least 5 minutes at 28 mph. Unfortunately, when you’re at the shop, it is not always easy or time-valuable to drive a vehicle around at over 28 mph for that amount of time. If the shop is in a city, it may not be possible to drive for over 28 mph unless the user drives outside of a city environment where it is possible to drive at higher speeds.

Solution? For RAM vehicles 2008-2017, the bonus OBD relearn procedure is available for the ATEQ VT56, thanks to patented Sync-ID technology. This advanced feature allows the user to perform an OBD relearn to turn the light off, with minimal to no driving time required to turn the light off, saving the technician time and the customer labor costs.