Experiencing tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) issues on your 4th Gen Ram after a tire change? You’re not alone. Many Ram owners encounter TPMS problems, especially after switching to new tires, even when retaining the factory wheels. The frustration of a persistent warning light or inaccurate readings can lead some to search for ways to disable the system, and OBD2 tools often come up in that context. Let’s explore diagnosing these issues and why simply disabling your TPMS via OBD2 might not be the best first step.
The good news is that the TPMS on your 4th Gen Ram is designed to be self-learning. In theory, after a tire rotation or change, the system should automatically recognize the sensors in their new positions within a short drive – typically around 20 miles, sometimes sooner depending on speed. There isn’t a manual reset procedure accessible through the dashboard settings. However, when problems arise, it often points to a sensor malfunction.
One common culprit after tire changes is sensor damage. TPMS sensors are somewhat delicate, and the process of removing and remounting tires can sometimes lead to accidental damage during handling. If a sensor was bumped or stressed during the tire installation, it might stop transmitting its pressure reading. This is a likely scenario if the issue appeared immediately after your tire swap.
While some might look into OBD2 tools with the idea of disabling the TPMS to bypass the warning light, a more effective approach is to use OBD2 diagnostics to pinpoint the problem. A capable TPMS scanner, especially one with OBD2 connectivity like Autel models, can be invaluable. These scanners can read the signals from each individual sensor, confirming if they are transmitting and displaying their IDs and pressure readings. If a sensor isn’t transmitting, it confirms a sensor issue, likely requiring replacement.
Consider this real-world example: one Ram owner faced a “0” reading on their display after a tire change. Using a scanner, they discovered the sensor that had originally been in the right rear was now non-responsive, even though the display incorrectly indicated the right rear as the problem. This highlights that the system might misinterpret sensor location initially after changes until it fully relearns. Swapping in a new sensor quickly resolved the problem.
While advanced OBD2 tools can offer functionalities beyond basic scanning, including TPMS system programming and configuration, for most common post-tire change issues, focusing on diagnosing sensor health is key. Disabling the TPMS through OBD2 should be considered a last resort, as it compromises a crucial safety system. Instead, leverage OBD2 tools to accurately identify faulty sensors and restore your TPMS to proper working order, ensuring accurate tire pressure monitoring and driving safety in your 4th Gen Ram.
