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TPMS Service Guide

Service TPMS wheels right: replace the grommet, nut, core and cap every time, torque them to the kit spec, and relearn the sensors.

Exploded view of a clamp-in TPMS sensor: sensor body, metal stem, grommet, rim, nut, valve core and cap Sensor GrommetRimNutStemCoreCap Clamp-in (metal stem) Snap-in sensors use a rubber stem instead

Step 1 of 6

Know the Sensor

Most direct TPMS sensors mount on the valve stem inside the wheel. There are two common types.

  • Clamp-in: a metal (usually aluminum) stem held by a nut, sealed by a grommet against the rim. Its service kit has a grommet, nut, valve core and cap.
  • Snap-in: a rubber stem that snaps into the rim hole like a standard valve. Replace it with an OE validated rubber snap-in stem.
A TPMS tool held next to the valve stem, reading the sensor ID, pressure and battery status ID 1A2B3C4D35 PSIBattery OK

Step 2 of 6

Check Before You Start

  1. Trigger each sensor with a TPMS tool before you touch the tires. It confirms each one works and records its ID, so a bad sensor isn't blamed on your service.
  2. Note where each sensor sits and follow the tire changer and sensor maker's instructions so the bead breaker and mount head stay clear of it.
  3. Deflate fully with the core out before you break the beads.
A TPMS service kit laid out: grommet, nut, nickel plated valve core and cap GrommetNutNickel coreCap New every time the tire comes off

Step 3 of 6

Replace the Service Kit

Schrader recommends replacing the sealing parts every time the tire is removed from the wheel. They are one time use parts.

  • Grommet: the main seal between the stem and the rim. Heat and clamping squeeze it to the shape of the rim, so a used one won't seal properly.
  • Nut: anodized aluminum to avoid corrosion between different metals. Re-torquing an old nut can damage its threads, and a new nut torques accurately.
  • Valve core: heat and pressure wear its seals. A new core prevents slow leaks. Use nickel-plated cores in aluminum stems, never brass, or the core can corrode and seize.
  • Cap: its seal keeps moisture and grit out of the core. Replace it with the kit.
A preset torque driver on the TPMS nut, with the setting shown in inch pounds in-lb, not ft-lb Nut and core each have their own spec

Step 4 of 6

Torque to the Kit Spec

The nut and the core each have a torque spec in inch pounds, and it changes from one sensor to the next. Use the value for your kit, with a preset TPMS torque tool.

Example Schrader kitsNut torqueCore torque
SB-20032, SB-200124 N-m (35 in-lb)0.5 N-m (4 in-lb)
SB-20005, SB-200075.5 N-m (49 in-lb)0.5 N-m (4 in-lb)
SB-20006, SB-200157 N-m (62 in-lb)0.5 N-m (4 in-lb)
Schrader 200498 N-m (71 in-lb)See kit

These show how much specs vary. They are not a chart to use: always torque to the spec printed for the kit you install.

Over-tightening can damage the stem and nut threads, and too loose can leak. An ordinary torque wrench set in foot pounds is far too coarse for these parts.

A door jamb tire placard showing the cold pressure to set TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION FrontRearSpare 35 PSI35 PSI60 PSI Set cold pressure from the vehicle placard

Step 5 of 6

Mount and Inflate

  1. Mount the tire following our mounting and seating guide, keeping tools clear of the sensor. Never go over 40 psi to seat the beads.
  2. Set the cold pressure to the vehicle's tire placard, usually on the driver's door jamb.
  3. Check for leaks at the stem, nut and core.
Three relearn types: driving for auto relearn, a TPMS tool at the wheel for stationary relearn, and a tool on the OBD port Auto Stationary OBD The vehicle maker sets which one to use

Step 6 of 6

Relearn the Sensors

After a sensor replacement, a wheel change or some TPMS repairs, the vehicle has to learn the sensor IDs, and on many vehicles which wheel each one is on. The vehicle maker decides the method.

  • Auto relearn: inflate all tires to the placard and drive. The sensors report in on their own; the vehicle maker sets how fast and how long. About 38% of direct TPMS vehicles.
  • Stationary relearn: put the vehicle in relearn mode, then trigger each sensor with a TPMS tool in the set wheel order. About 35%.
  • OBD relearn: a TPMS tool reads the sensor IDs and writes them to the vehicle through the OBD port. About 27%.

Some vehicles need a combination, like an OBD relearn followed by a short drive. Your TPMS tool gives the steps for the exact make, model and year.

Shop TPMS parts

Need kits, sensors or tools?

Service kits, sensors and TPMS tools are in stock. Call 800-328-7400 to match a kit to a vehicle.

Shop TPMSValve tools
  • Sources: Schrader TPMS Solutions, Service Kit Overview; Schrader service kit specifications (RockAuto, All Tire Supply listings); Brake and Front End, TPMS Sensor Service Kits; Tire Review, TPMS Service Basics and Reset TPMS System (AMRA relearn split); USTMA TISB Vol. 46 No. 4.