Resetting "Low Tire Pressure" Sensors on Ford

[DocHeb]

Resetting \"Low Tire Pressure\" Sensors on Ford

I just got four new tires for my wife's 2000 Continental. Even though the tires are properly inflated, after the car is driven 15 minutes she gets a "Low Tire Pressure" warning. If she pulls over and shuts the car off, the warning goes away and will re-appear in 15 minutes. This makes me think that the message is not really related to low pressure, but there is a system check occuring and it fails at 15 minutes.

My BIL works for GM, and he says that GM products have a system reset that has to be done when new tires are installed. For the GM products it is some kind of pedal contacts (such as pressing the gas pedal three times within five seconds with the engine not running and the key in "Run" position - done every time the oil is changed). You then drive and the system "relearns" what the proper pressure is. He also said some cars have a reset button for this system.

I've searched the entire owner's manual and can't find anything mentioning something similiar for the Continental. The manual just says "take to the nearest Lincoln Dealer for Authorized Service." Does anybody have a better suggestion?

 

[Bird]

Re: Resetting \"Low Tire Pressure\" Sensors on Ford

Chris, there may (or may not) be a considerable difference in our 2001 Windstar and your Lincoln, but to quote from the "Maintenance and Care" Chapter in my manual:

"The low tire warning system should be reset whenever new tires are installed, rotated or tire pressures are changed.

To reset the system, turn the ignition to the ON position, press and hold the "TIRE RESET" switch for three seconds. The low tire warning indicator light will flash three times as the low tire warning system begins to initialize. The initial adjustment is completed after driving over 65 km/h (40 mph) for 15 to 20 minutes."

The switch is simply a button on the dash on the Windstar. I'd be inclined to think you have a button somewhere to push in to reset yours, but sure don't know that to be a fact. Does your manual have a "Maintenance and Care" chapter that includes a section on the tires? That's where our instructions are found.

 

[DocHeb]

Re: Resetting \"Low Tire Pressure\" Sensors on Ford

Our cars must have different systems - I went through the whole manual page-by-page and there are no "reset instuctions." There is no reset button on the dash. If I don't get any more specific advice it looks like I'll have to go to the dealer. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[Bird]

Re: Resetting \"Low Tire Pressure\" Sensors on Ford

The reset button on my Windstar is just left of the steering column, where you can't see it without looking around the steering wheel. But I figure those Lincolns cost so much that they figure the owners wouldn't want to reset it themselves, but would want the dealer to do it, so they probably hid the button. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[DocHeb]

Re: Resetting \"Low Tire Pressure\" Sensors on Ford

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( But I figure those Lincolns cost so much that they figure the owners wouldn't want to reset it themselves, but would want the dealer to do it, so they probably hid the button. )</font>


That's what I was thinking /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif! My wife got the Continental, I got the NH TC40D /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif. However, I also got a nice manual for my tractor, but there's nothing of substance for the Lincoln.

 

[Rowski]

Re: Resetting \"Low Tire Pressure\" Sensors on Ford

Your car has either an indirect or direct method for monitoring tire pressure. Indirect method uses abs wheel speed sensors. Basically it look for speed difference between wheels, it a little more involved than that but basically that how it works. The direct method uses sensors mounted in the rims that transmit frequency to a module. If pressures are different or under a preset limit the light will set.

The feds are trying to make low pressure warning standard equipment on cars, kind of like air bags. Ever since the Firestone troubles its been more pressing.

I'm not at work right now but tomorrow I can look it up on my info system and let you know. It would let me know if it can be reset simply or needs a factory grade scan tool (which I doubt).

I have a funny feeling it has sensors in the wheel and one got broken during the tire switch.

 

[ronjhall]

Re: Resetting \"Low Tire Pressure\" Sensors on Ford

Ford used 2 types of sensors. One is clamped to the inside of rim with what looks like hose clamps. The other is part of the valve stem. I believe you have the valve stem type. They are easily damaged when removing and installing tires.
Derek is probably right, one or more of the sensors are bad.

 

[phxraptor]

Re: Resetting \"Low Tire Pressure\" Sensors on Ford

There is also a possibility that the sensors became magnetized. Ford/Lincoln/Mercury dealers have a tool that looks like a circular wand that they place over the sensors at the valve stem to demagnatize the sensors. But knowing tire shops they most probably damaged broke one of the valve stem/sensors.

 

[Bird]

Re: Resetting \"Low Tire Pressure\" Sensors on Ford

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Indirect method uses abs wheel speed sensors. )</font>

IF I understand my owner's manual (not bettin' on anything), that's what our 2001 Windstar has. At least it mentions something about a relationship with the ABS. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[DocHeb]

Re: Resetting \"Low Tire Pressure\" Sensors on Ford

I feel like I'm being scammed. I took it back to Discount Tire and they said "we must have damaged one of the sensors, let us order them and I'll call you back". Of course they never called, so I called them today and they said "the tires you bought are "too good" for that car and cause too much rolling resistance and make the light come on". They offered to take the tires back and put Michelins on, since Michelins "don't grip as well and don't cause as much rolling resistance". What is the real story on this?

 

[Soundguy]

Re: Resetting \"Low Tire Pressure\" Sensors on Ford

I'm no 'tire' engineer.. but that sounds bogus to me...

Soundguy

 

[hazmat]

Re: Resetting \"Low Tire Pressure\" Sensors on Ford

<font color="blue">I'm no 'tire' engineer.. but that sounds bogus to me... </font>

Sure doesn't pass the "sniff test" - ie it smells fishy to me... Maybe you should call your car dealership for some background information to use when you next contact the tire place.

I'm not a tire engineer either - nor did I sleep in a Holiday Inn last night, but I did drive by one on the way to work. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[DocHeb]

Re: Resetting \"Low Tire Pressure\" Sensors on Ford

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Maybe you should call your car dealership for some background information to use when you next contact the tire place. )</font>

I tried calling - "you'll have to make an appointment and bring the car in to be checked out. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[buckle97]

Re: Resetting \"Low Tire Pressure\" Sensors on Ford

<font color="blue"> "you'll have to make an appointment and bring the car in to be checked out." </font>

Unfortunately, I have heard that line in the past over the phone. Never a good sign, especially when the vehicle is a 2000 model and the warranty is up /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

Lawrence

 

[bgott]

Re: Resetting \"Low Tire Pressure\" Sensors on Ford

That has to be one of the biggest lines of BS I've ever heard!!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif I bet their next line will be that your hubcap gaskets are leaking. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif I'd call Discount Tire's head office and tell them the story and see what they have to say about it. Does your local TV station have a consumer advocate? They might think their viewers would find this line of poo poo amusing, also. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

 

[bgott]

Re: Resetting \"Low Tire Pressure\" Sensors on Ford

I posted your problem over here . This a website of primarily Ford dealer techs, I figure that one of them ought to know how that system works. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[DocHeb]

Re: Resetting \"Low Tire Pressure\" Sensors on Ford

Thanks for your posting on the other site - there is one reply that was helpful. I'll continue to monitor that site while I await Discount Tire's Regional Manager's input. I had "googled" around a bit looking for a Ford Forum, and the one you posted in looks pretty thorough.

Thanks again,

 

[bgott]

Re: Resetting \"Low Tire Pressure\" Sensors on Ford

This is the reply..."That system uses sensors in the wheels. they are on a strap in the center of the rim and are color coded.
If one is replaced it has to be replaced with the same color. It does not matter where on the car they are.
My guess is one got damaged when the tires were replaced. This happens very often at tire shops when they break the beads on the tires."

 

[Rowski]

Re: Resetting \"Low Tire Pressure\" Sensors on Ford

I looked in my info system at work. The diagnostic procedure is to under inflate one tire at a time and watch the low tire presure light. After lowing the pressure in the tire the car needs to be driven for a few miles. The low pressure light will only come on after the car has been moving. No where did it mention anything about using a NGS (dealer scan tool) to aid in diagnosis. If you like I can fax you the repair procedure. If you do send me a PM with a fax number.

 

[DocHeb]

Re: Resetting \"Low Tire Pressure\" Sensors on Ford

Sorry about digging up an old post, but I just wanted to describe the final outcome for this problem.

I searched out the regional manager for Discount Tire Co. (also d.b.a. America's Tire Co.) and described my problems. He admitted that he really didn't know offhand what the problem was, but told me to take it to the Lincoln Dealer to have it fixed. This guy knew customer service.

The first visit to the Lincoln Dealer cost me $32.50 to have them tell me one tire was 4 pounds overinflated. Of course the "low tire pressure" light flashed on the way home. During the second visit they finally pulled off all four wheels, broke down all four tires, and found one of the radio sensors completely destroyed. Both visits' labor, parts ($272 sensor), rebalanced tires - $408.

I faxed the receipts to Discount Tire on Thursday - the check for $408 came on Monday. They really took care of their mistake.

I would purchase tires again from Discount, but I may stay away from one particular salesperson.