Tire Pressure Sensor
#1
Tire Pressure Sensor
I have the OEM 17" run-flats and I'm considering switching to cushy-er non-run-flats. The pressure inflation sticker near the door states the tires should be inflated to 38psi, which I'm also assuming is "programmed" into the tire pressure sensors. Since most regular tires don't normally run pressures quite this high (32-34), does this mean that I will need to also inflate replacement tires at this level to avoid the low-tire warning from lighting up? I'm just wondering what others have done and if this is an issue?
#3
I have the OEM 17" run-flats and I'm considering switching to cushy-er non-run-flats. The pressure inflation sticker near the door states the tires should be inflated to 38psi, which I'm also assuming is "programmed" into the tire pressure sensors. Since most regular tires don't normally run pressures quite this high (32-34), does this mean that I will need to also inflate replacement tires at this level to avoid the low-tire warning from lighting up? I'm just wondering what others have done and if this is an issue?
#4
#5
Dave is correct - as I just found out doing the same thing OP is doing.
The TPMS sensors in MINI wheels communicate through the ABS circuit, alerting you if one (or more) of the wheels is rotating faster than the others (lower pressure tire will roll quicker).
So, you can set your tire pressures wherever you like - just sync 'em all up, then the TPMS will keep track if one gets out of whack.
It's a really simple system, considering how much the individual sensors are when you're buying a new set (for new wheels and tires)!
The TPMS sensors in MINI wheels communicate through the ABS circuit, alerting you if one (or more) of the wheels is rotating faster than the others (lower pressure tire will roll quicker).
So, you can set your tire pressures wherever you like - just sync 'em all up, then the TPMS will keep track if one gets out of whack.
It's a really simple system, considering how much the individual sensors are when you're buying a new set (for new wheels and tires)!
#6
Dave is correct - as I just found out doing the same thing OP is doing.
The TPMS sensors in MINI wheels communicate through the ABS circuit, alerting you if one (or more) of the wheels is rotating faster than the others (lower pressure tire will roll quicker).
So, you can set your tire pressures wherever you like - just sync 'em all up, then the TPMS will keep track if one gets out of whack.
It's a really simple system, considering how much the individual sensors are when you're buying a new set (for new wheels and tires)!
The TPMS sensors in MINI wheels communicate through the ABS circuit, alerting you if one (or more) of the wheels is rotating faster than the others (lower pressure tire will roll quicker).
So, you can set your tire pressures wherever you like - just sync 'em all up, then the TPMS will keep track if one gets out of whack.
It's a really simple system, considering how much the individual sensors are when you're buying a new set (for new wheels and tires)!
What you described is true for the older cars, R53 etc.
#7
The TPMS sensors in the wheels are measuring pressure and will alert for a pressure difference.
The whole reason automakers are going with the in-wheel system is because the "old" method of counting wheel revolutions doesn't meet the new TPMS requirements. The ABS-based systems can't reliably detect small-enough pressure losses, and it also can't sense a pressure loss if both tires on the same axle are losing pressure at the same rate.
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#8
Sorry guys, the new MINI's use an acutal sensor in each tire and do not use the ABS speed sensor rotational values that earlier MINI's used, pre R56. In fact, correct me if I'm wrong, but I think some early 07's used ABS signals before the actual tire sensors were implemented. It is really easy to tell what system you have just by looking at the valve stem on each tire. If you have a metal stem, you have the newer sensor system. If you have a black rubber stem, it is the ABS speed sensor system since there are no internal sensors.
There are 4 sensors, one in each wheel that send information to the TPMS computer via radio frequency. This information is tire pressure and temperature. The tire pressure is set based on the values you have your tires set to. Once you set your tire pressures, you will reset or in other words, have the TPMS system learn the tire pressure values in each tire. Once learned this is the target the TPMS bases any discrepancies from.
Later 2007,2008 & 2009 MINI's have internal sensors and a transmitter/receiver in each wheel well. In 2010 MINI went to a cheaper system that still has internal pressures sensors in each wheel, but the transmitter/receivers were deleted and only one antenna reads all 4 now. I know this because when I bought my 2010 in Colorado, I bought a set of 2009 16" Bridge Spokes with TPMS sensor already so I could mount my snow tires on them. When I tried to learn the new sensor values my MINI would not learn them. I found out from MINI new sensors were used in 2010's so I had to buy 4 new ones. They look totally different than the 07,08 & 09 versions.
I took a picture of the sensor a while ago. I'll see if I can find it and place it in my gallery.
There are 4 sensors, one in each wheel that send information to the TPMS computer via radio frequency. This information is tire pressure and temperature. The tire pressure is set based on the values you have your tires set to. Once you set your tire pressures, you will reset or in other words, have the TPMS system learn the tire pressure values in each tire. Once learned this is the target the TPMS bases any discrepancies from.
Later 2007,2008 & 2009 MINI's have internal sensors and a transmitter/receiver in each wheel well. In 2010 MINI went to a cheaper system that still has internal pressures sensors in each wheel, but the transmitter/receivers were deleted and only one antenna reads all 4 now. I know this because when I bought my 2010 in Colorado, I bought a set of 2009 16" Bridge Spokes with TPMS sensor already so I could mount my snow tires on them. When I tried to learn the new sensor values my MINI would not learn them. I found out from MINI new sensors were used in 2010's so I had to buy 4 new ones. They look totally different than the 07,08 & 09 versions.
I took a picture of the sensor a while ago. I'll see if I can find it and place it in my gallery.
#11
#12
For first generation MINIs (those that the ABS system monitors tire pressure), start the car. Press and hold the TPMS button (near the E brake, seatwarmers, mirror adjusters, etc.) until the TPMS comes on. In my MINI with the Chrono package this is in the center display area, not sure if it is in the same place if you have the center speedometer. In any case, if you have a convertible and have the top dropped it is pretty hard to see when stuff is illuminated so it might be easier to start the process in a darker garage or at night so you can see if the light comes on. Start driving the car. Continue driving the car until the TPMS light goes off. It wasnt long for me...5 minutes maybe. The TPMS is now re-set. Hope this helps.
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There seems to be a lot of misinformation out there about the TPMS. I bought used Mini crown spokes from a guy for winter tires for my R50, mainly because they 'had the TPMS sensors in them' according to the seller. I didn't discover the wheels didn't have the sensors until the tires came off a few weeks ago. Luckily, and thanks to this thread, I learn that my car doesn't use them, it has the ABS sensor system. I could have used a aftermarket wheel instead. Buyer beware! No big deal, I like the crown spokes so I'm happy with my purchase anyway.
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