The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) requires all models of cars and light trucks newer than 2008 to be equipped with a tire pressure sensor system. This law was enacted due to the high accident and mortality rate of cars and trucks with overinflated or underinflated tires being involved in tire blowouts or rollover accidents.
Direct or Indirect Monitoring System
There are two types of tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS): direct and indirect. Each tire pressure system monitors the tire pressure within each of the tires and alerts the driver of low tire pressure (25 percent or more below or above recommended inflation pressure); however, the two systems monitor that pressure in two different ways.
The direct TPMS is used more often in the United States. The sensors are located in the tire pressure valve, which acts as an antenna, or are wrapped around the rim of the wheel with a band clamp. These devices transmit the information to an on-board computer. However, these devices can throw off the balance of a tire and can corrode in severe weather conditions.
The indirect TPMS is used more often in Europe. The sensors are located within the ABS braking system and/or the speed sensors of each wheel. They monitor the speed of the rotations of the wheels for any change since underinflated tires are smaller and rotate faster. Though they do not affect tire balance nor corrode, they must be reset with a scanning tool whenever tires are replaced or rotated.
Resetting Tire Pressure Sensor
- Determine the type of TPMS system. If your 2018 Jeep Renegade uses a direct system, resetting the tire pressure sensors may be as simple as pushing a reset button on the dash or following a menu as indicated in your owner's manual. If your 2018 Jeep Renegade uses an indirect system, the system must be reset using a magnet or scanning tool by either a dealer or one you have bought yourself. Some systems have a reset button inside the glove box that needs to be pressed and held down for three seconds with the ignition on.
- Inflate the tires. Make sure all tires are properly inflated. Remember you are setting the sensors back to "zero" so all tires must be properly inflated otherwise the sensors will not be calibrated properly and their readings will be incorrect.
- Check the battery. If your 2018 Jeep Renegade uses a battery to power the sensor, be sure that it is not dead. It is a good idea to replace the battery every five years. Sometimes this requires replacing the entire sensor unit since the battery is built-in.
- Recalibrate the transponders. Each wheel has its own transponder. Rotating the wheels changes the location of each responder and the TPMS must learn their new locations. This relearning procedure differs from vehicle to vehicle but may be found in the TPMS chart in your manual or online. It is a good idea to change valve stems when getting new tires if the valve stems are also the tire pressure sensors.
- Use the magnet method. With the key on but the engine off, press both the lock and unlock buttons on the key fob. After an initial chirp, place a magnet over each of the valve stems until the horn chips for each one in this order: left front, right front, right rear and left rear. Verify that the pressure readings are displayed on the driver information center.
- Use the scan tool method. If no sensors are being replaced, you can follow the menu prompts for TPMS Reprogramming Procedure listed in the owner's manual.
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 Jeep Renegade 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 in one or more tires of a Jeep Renegade, an OBD TPMS relearn is recommended to write the IDs to the vehicle’s ECU.
Type of TPMS system:
- Direct TPMS, sensors are installed in the wheel
- All OE and aftermarket TPMS part numbers and service kit replacement options for the Jeep Renegade can be found in the VT56, VT55, and VT36 TPMS Tools in “Service TPMS”.
Type of TPMS frequency:
- 433 MHz
Type of Relearn procedures:
- Bonus OBD relearn procedure coverage as an option on the VT56 requires OBD module (for years 2015-2017)
- Auto relearn (for years 2015-2020)
Type of TPMS tool required for TPMS reset
- TPMS scan tool with OBD module (VT56, VT46 brands)
- TPMS activation tool combined with a Diagnostic Scan Tool (VT15, VT31, VT36, VT46 branded tools)
OBD relearn procedure, years 2015-2017:
- OBDII dongle is required
- Confirm TPMS sensors are properly installed
- Adjust tire pressures to placard value
- Hold TPMS tool on left front tire sidewall next to the valve stem
- Repeat for the right front, right rear and left rear tires
- Apply OBD module to the DLC
- Turn ignition ON
- Press OK on TPMS tool to transfer sensor data to the ECU
- Disconnect OBD module from DLC
- Turn ignition OFF, then ON
- Drive for at least 5 minutes at 28mph
Auto relearn procedure, years 2015-2020:
- OBDII connector is not required
- Confirm TPMS sensors are properly installed
- Adjust tire pressures to placard value
- Activate sensors with TPMS Tool
- Drive vehicle for up to 20 minutes about 15 mph or until TPMS light is off
Troubleshooting tips
System Fault Issues
If a system fault is detected, the TPM Telltale Light will flash on and off for 75 seconds and then remain on solid. The system fault will also sound a chime. If the ignition switch is cycled, this sequence will repeat, providing the system fault still exists. The TPM Telltale Light will turn off when the fault condition no longer exists. A system fault can occur due to any of the following:
- Signal interference due to electronic devices or driving next to facilities emitting the same radio frequencies as the TPM sensors.
- Installing aftermarket window tinting that contains materials that may block radio wave signals.
- Accumulation of snow or ice around the wheels or wheel housings.
- Using tire chains on the vehicle.
- Using wheels/tires not equipped with TPM sensors.
Placard Pressure Adjustment
Use the VT56 or VT46 branded tools to change placard pressure for the Jeep Renegade if upsizing tires/wheels, also when replacing with off-road tires or low-profile tires.
Please note: to determine appropriate placard pressure, always follow the tire load and inflation standards. Maintain the overall circumference to +/-3% of the original size, and the required load rating located on the manufacturing placard. Always refer to the vehicle’s owner’s manual for any specific safety advice regarding the application of replacement tires.
TPMS DTC code information
Use the VT56 to retrieve Jeep TPMS DTC codes by selecting the “Service” icon. After selecting the Make, Model, and Year, select the DTC code icon. Use the OBDII module to retrieve the Nissan DTC TPMS information to diagnose and service the TPMS issues determined.