TPMS DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION – Ford Explorer, 2002-2019
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 Ford Explorer 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 one or more sensors are replaced in a Ford Explorer, a TPMS relearn is recommended to write the ID’s to the vehicle’s ECU to turn the TPMS light off.
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.
A TPMS relearn is recommended when replacing a sensor. All OE and aftermarket TPMS part numbers and service kit replacement options for the Ford Focus can be found in the VT56,VT55, VT46 brands and VT36TPMS Tools in “Service TPMS”.
Type of TPMS frequency:
433 MHz, years 2002-2005
315 MHz, years 2006-2019
Type of Relearn procedures:
Manual, two types, standard ignition, and push-button start
Bonus OBD relearn procedure coverage as an option on the VT56 for years 2016-2019, requires OBD module
Type of TPMS tool required for TPMS reset:
TPMS Diagnostic tool (VT56 or VT46 brands), step by step relearn procedures are written in the tool.
TPMS activation tool (VT56,VT55, VT15, VT31, VT36 and VT46 brands) for a manual (stationary) relearn, step by step relearn procedures are written in the tool for the VT56, VT55 or VT46 brands and are available to complete a TPMS reset in the owners manual for the VT36, VT31 or VT15 tools.
Manual relearn procedure (standard ignition, years 2002-2019):
Engage the parking brake and inflate all tires
Turn ignition to the OFF position
Press and release the brake pedal
Quickly turn the ignition from OFF to RUN (engine OFF) three times, stop in RUN position
Press and release brake pedal
Turn ignition OFF
Quickly turn the ignition from OFF to RUN (engine OFF) three times, stop in RUN position
NOTE: All the steps for this process must be performed within 10 seconds
A single horn chirp will indicate the relearn mode is active
Use your TPMS tool to activate the left front sensor
A single horn sounds to indicate sensor learning successful
Repeat for the right front, right rear and left rear sensors
TRAINING MODE COMPLETE will display on the message center when relearn is finished
The video shows a Ford Focus, but the same procedure will work on a Ford Explorer
Important note, some models require the start button to be pressed twice (without pressing the brake) to enter RUN mode (Ignition ON/Engine OFF). If this is the case, modify steps 3 and 5 as noted.
Engage the parking brake and inflate all tires
With the vehicle OFF, push and release the brake pedal
Push START button 5 times (NOTE: 8 times if 2x-to-RUN)
Press and release the brake pedal
Push START button 6 times (NOTE: 9 times if 2x-to-RUN)
A single horn chirp will indicate the relearn mode is active
Use the tool to activate the left front sensor
A single horn sounds to indicate sensor learning successful
Repeat for right front, right rear and left rear tires
TRAINING MODE COMPLETE will display on the message center when relearn is finished
Auto relearn procedure (years 2016-2019):
Confirm TPM sensors are properly installed
Adjust tire pressures to placard value
Drive vehicle for up to 20 minutes about 15 MPH or until TPMS light is off
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
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
The video shows a Ford Fusion, but the same procedure will work on a Ford Explorer
Troubleshooting tips
Lowering the driver’s side window may help to complete this process on larger vehicles.
Ford Explorer vehicles, years 2016-2019, can be reset via an OBD relearn procedure, as a “bonus” relearn using the VT56 or VT46 brands with OBD module. The OBD bonus relearn, known as Sync ID technology, eliminates having to perform a manual, relearn procedure or auto relearn, which requires either many steps or long driving time to turn off the TPMS light. If “OBD RELEARN” is an option, the sensor ID’s can be transferred through the OBD port. ATEQ expects to increase the bonus OBD coverage in time for Ford.
After the OBD relearn is completed, you may be required to activate the sensors again to turn the TPMS light off to avoid driving the vehicle to turn the TPMS light off.
Ford Explorer vehicles may require the start button to be pressed twice during the relearn (without pressing the brake) to enter into RUN mode during the relearn (Ignition ON/Engine OFF). If this is the case, modify steps the manual steps for the push-button start relearn, 3 and 5, as noted in the relearn procedure.
