TPMS Sensor

Replace or install a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensor in a wheel assembly, including sensor programming and system relearn.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• TPMS sensor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification or aftermarket equivalent compatible with 315 MHz system
• TPMS sensor valve stem nut × 1 — Typically included with sensor
• TPMS valve core (if reusing sensor) × 1 — Metal nickel-plated valve core

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake.
2. Identify which wheel requires TPMS sensor replacement.
3. If wheel is on vehicle, loosen lug nuts before raising vehicle.
4. Raise vehicle with jack and support on jack stands if removing wheel from vehicle.
5. Remove wheel and tire assembly from vehicle.
6. Deflate tire completely by removing valve core.

Procedure

1. 1

   Break tire bead
   Using a TPMS-safe tire mounting machine, break both tire beads away from the wheel rim. Position the bead breaker blade away from the valve stem area (approximately 180 degrees opposite) to avoid damaging the existing TPMS sensor during initial bead break. Work around the circumference of the tire on both sides.
2. 2

   Remove tire from wheel
   Mount the wheel on the tire machine turntable. Using tire levers with plastic or rubber coating, carefully pry the top bead over the rim edge, working away from the valve stem side initially. Once the top bead is over, remove the bottom bead. Take care not to strike or pinch the TPMS sensor during removal.
3. 3

   Remove old TPMS sensor
   Locate the TPMS sensor attached to the valve stem on the inside of the wheel. Remove the valve stem retaining nut from the outside of the wheel (torque spec is manufacturer-specific and should be verified against factory documentation for this vehicle). Pull the sensor and valve stem assembly through the wheel rim hole from the inside. Inspect the valve stem hole in the wheel for damage or corrosion.
4. 4

   Prepare new TPMS sensor
   Unpack the new TPMS sensor assembly. Verify the sensor operating frequency matches the vehicle's original equipment (confirm actual OEM frequency for this specific vehicle before ordering) if this Viper is in fact equipped with TPMS. If the sensor has a removable valve core, ensure it is installed. Apply a small amount of anti-seize compound to the valve stem threads (avoid getting any on the sensor body or electronics).
5. 5

   Install new TPMS sensor
   Insert the new sensor valve stem through the wheel rim hole from the inside, positioning the sensor body so it will sit in the drop center of the wheel when the tire is mounted. Thread the valve stem nut onto the stem from the outside and tighten to the sensor manufacturer's specified torque (verify against factory/sensor documentation for this vehicle before final tightening). Ensure the sensor sits flat against the inner wheel surface without being forced or angled.
6. 6

   Mount tire onto wheel
   Lubricate both tire beads with tire mounting lubricant. Position the tire onto the wheel with the sensor located in the drop center area. Mount the bottom bead first, then the top bead, using tire levers to work the rubber over the rim edge. Keep tools and hands away from the sensor location during mounting. Ensure the tire is properly seated in the drop center before inflating.
7. 7

   Inflate and seat tire beads
   Install the valve core if it was removed. Inflate the tire gradually, listening for both beads to pop into their seats on the rim flanges. For the 2005 Viper, inflate to the vehicle's specified tire pressure as listed on the driver's door placard or in the owner's manual (do not assume a value; the Viper's staggered high-performance tires may have specific front/rear pressures). Check that both beads are evenly seated around the entire circumference.
8. 8

   Program TPMS sensor
   Using a TPMS scan tool with programming capability, activate the programming mode. Follow the tool manufacturer's instructions to program the new sensor ID into the tool. For OEM sensors, the ID may be pre-programmed. For aftermarket sensors, you may need to clone the old sensor ID or program a new ID. Record the sensor ID for future reference.
9. 9

   Install wheel and perform TPMS relearn
   Install the wheel onto the vehicle hub, thread lug nuts by hand, then torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle. With the ignition on (engine off), use the TPMS scan tool to initiate the vehicle's relearn procedure. For the 2005 Viper (if equipped with factory TPMS), follow the vehicle-specific relearn procedure and sensor sequence as documented in the factory service information or your scan tool's coverage for this vehicle. Follow the scan tool prompts until the system confirms successful relearn.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all lug nuts are torqued to specification in a star pattern.
2. Verify tire pressure in all four tires matches vehicle specifications.
3. Test drive vehicle for 5-10 minutes at speeds above 15 mph to allow TPMS system to fully initialize.

Verification

• Confirm TPMS warning light extinguishes after driving for several minutes.
• Use TPMS scan tool to verify all four sensors are reporting pressure data to the vehicle's receiver module.
• Check that the newly installed sensor is transmitting at the correct frequency and the pressure reading is accurate.
• Visually inspect wheel for proper tire seating and no air leaks around the valve stem.

More procedures for this vehicle