TPMS Sensor

Replace or program a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensor on a 2008 Dodge Viper, including wheel removal, tire dismounting, sensor replacement, and relearning procedure.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• TPMS sensor × 1 — Mopar 56029398AB or aftermarket equivalent
• TPMS valve stem service kit × 1 — Includes grommet, nut, and valve cap
• Valve core × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake.
2. Place wheel chocks behind the wheels that will remain on the ground.
3. Loosen lug nuts on the wheel with the faulty TPMS sensor approximately 1 turn while the wheel is still on the ground.
4. Verify you have the TPMS sensor ID or programming tool capable of writing new sensor IDs to the vehicle's system.

Procedure

1. 1

   Raise and support vehicle
   Position floor jack under a manufacturer-designated jacking point as specified in the 2008 Viper service manual. Do not lift under the differential housing or non-reinforced suspension components. Raise the vehicle until the wheel is off the ground. Place a jack stand under the frame rail or designated support point. Lower the vehicle onto the jack stand while keeping the jack in place as a backup.
2. 2

   Remove wheel
   Remove the 5 lug nuts completely and set aside. Remove the wheel from the hub and place it on a clean work surface with the valve stem accessible. Keep the lug nuts organized for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Deflate tire completely
   Remove the valve cap from the valve stem. Use a valve core removal tool to remove the valve core completely, allowing the tire to deflate fully. Ensure all air pressure is released before proceeding with tire dismounting.
4. 4

   Dismount tire from wheel
   Mount the wheel on a tire mounting machine. Break both beads (inner and outer) from the wheel rim using the bead breaker. Apply water-based tire lubricant to both beads. Use the tire machine's dismounting arm to carefully lift the tire over the rim, working around the circumference. Remove the tire completely from the wheel, taking care not to damage the wheel finish or tire bead.
5. 5

   Remove old TPMS sensor
   Locate the TPMS sensor mounted to the valve stem hole on the inside of the wheel. Remove the hex nut securing the sensor valve stem to the wheel (verify wrench size against the specific TPMS sensor). Push the sensor and valve stem through the wheel rim from the inside, removing it completely. Inspect the sensor mounting hole in the wheel for damage or corrosion.
6. 6

   Install new TPMS sensor
   Install the new rubber grommet or seal from the service kit onto the new TPMS sensor valve stem. Insert the sensor valve stem through the wheel rim hole from the inside, ensuring the sensor body is positioned correctly (sensor antenna typically points toward the center of the wheel). Thread the hex nut onto the valve stem from the outside and hand-tighten. Torque the nut to the value specified by the TPMS sensor/service kit manufacturer (verify exact spec) to secure the sensor without over-tightening. Install a new valve core into the valve stem and tighten snugly.
7. 7

   Mount tire onto wheel
   Apply water-based tire lubricant to both tire beads. Position the tire onto the wheel, aligning the tire's directional marking if applicable. Use the tire machine to work the lower bead over the rim, then the upper bead, taking care to keep the mounting arm away from the TPMS sensor location. Ensure the sensor is not damaged during mounting.
8. 8

   Inflate and seat tire beads
   Inflate the tire to approximately 40 psi to seat both beads onto the rim. Listen and watch for both beads to pop into place. Once seated, adjust tire pressure to the vehicle's specified cold pressure as listed on the door placard for the 2008 Viper (verify exact front and rear values; front and rear may differ). Install a new valve cap onto the valve stem.
9. 9

   Balance wheel assembly
   Mount the wheel assembly on a wheel balancer and spin-balance the wheel. Add wheel weights as necessary to achieve proper balance. This step is critical for the Viper's high-speed capability and to prevent vibration.
10. 10

    Reinstall wheel
    Lift the wheel onto the hub, aligning the lug bolt holes. Install all 5 lug nuts by hand, threading them on in a star pattern. Tighten the lug nuts snugly by hand. Raise the vehicle slightly with the floor jack to remove the jack stand. Lower the vehicle until the wheel contacts the ground but does not bear full weight. Torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer-specified value for the 2008 Viper (verify exact spec in service manual) in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle completely and remove the jack.
11. 11

    Program TPMS sensor to vehicle
    Verify the correct TPMS relearn method for the 2008 Viper (OBD-II tool programming, magnet-activated relearn, or automatic drive-cycle relearn). If OBD-II programming is required, connect the TPMS scan tool to the OBD-II port (under the driver's side dashboard), turn the ignition to ON without starting the engine, enter programming mode per the tool manufacturer's instructions, and trigger each sensor in the sequence specified by the tool. The tool will read the new sensor's ID and program it into the vehicle's TPMS module.ar). The tool will read the new sensor's ID and program it into the vehicle's TPMS module. Wait for confirmation that the programming is complete.
12. 12

    Clear TPMS fault codes
    With the TPMS tool still connected, clear any stored TPMS diagnostic trouble codes from the vehicle's system. Cycle the ignition off, then back to the ON position. Verify that the TPMS warning light on the instrument cluster illuminates briefly during startup and then extinguishes, indicating successful programming.

Reassembly

1. Verify all lug nuts are torqued to specification after driving 50-100 miles.
2. Recheck tire pressure after the tires have cooled to ambient temperature (cold pressure).

Verification

• Turn the ignition to the ON position and verify the TPMS warning light illuminates briefly during bulb check, then extinguishes within a few seconds.
• Use the TPMS scan tool to verify the new sensor is communicating properly and transmitting pressure data.
• Drive the vehicle at speeds above 20 mph for at least 10 minutes to allow the TPMS system to fully recognize all sensors.
• Verify that the tire pressure display (if equipped) shows the correct pressure reading for the newly installed sensor.
• Confirm no TPMS warning light remains illuminated on the instrument cluster after the drive cycle.

More procedures for this vehicle