maintenance
TPMS Sensor
for 2018 Ford F-150 3.5L V6 EcoBoost · RWD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
36 min
Tools
9
Steps
10
Replace or reprogram the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor in one wheel of a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine.
Warnings
⚠Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always use jack stands rated for the vehicle weight.
⚠Ensure tire is completely deflated before breaking bead to prevent injury.
ℹ️TPMS sensors must be programmed to the vehicle using proper scan tool. The sensor will not function until programmed.
ℹ️Each TPMS sensor has a unique ID that must be learned by the vehicle's BCM (Body Control Module).
Tools required
Floor jackEssential
Jack standsEssential
Torque wrenchEssential
21mm socket for lug nutsEssential
Tire pressure gaugeEssential
TPMS programming tool or Ford IDS scan toolEssential
Tire mounting/demounting equipment or access to tire shopEssential
Valve core removal tool
Tire iron
Parts
- TPMS sensor × 1 — Motorcraft TPMS19 or equivalent 315MHz sensor
- TPMS valve stem service kit × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Valve cap × 1 — Use OEM specification
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
- Chock wheels that will remain on ground
- Loosen wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while wheel is still on ground
- Identify which wheel has the faulty TPMS sensor using scan tool or dashboard indicator
- Ensure TPMS programming tool is charged and ready
Procedure
- 1Raise and support vehicleLift the vehicle using a floor jack at the appropriate jacking point for the wheel being serviced. Once raised, place jack stands under the frame rail for safety. Remove the wheel lug nuts completely and remove the wheel.
- 2Deflate tire completelyRemove the valve cap and use a valve core tool to remove the valve core from the TPMS sensor. Allow the tire to deflate completely. This is necessary for safe tire demounting.
- 3Demount tire from wheelUsing tire changing equipment, break both beads of the tire away from the wheel rim. Carefully demount the tire from the wheel, taking care not to damage the wheel finish or tire bead. If you do not have tire changing equipment, this step must be performed at a tire shop.⚠Use proper tire mounting equipment to avoid injury from tire bead separation. Improper technique can cause the tire to violently separate from the rim.
- 4Remove old TPMS sensorLocate the TPMS sensor attached to the valve stem inside the wheel. Remove the sensor mounting nut or hardware (typically a single nut on the valve stem). Pull the sensor and valve stem assembly through the wheel rim from the inside. Discard the old sensor and valve stem hardware.
- 5Install new TPMS sensorInstall the new TPMS sensor with the valve stem service kit components. Insert the valve stem through the wheel rim hole from inside. Install the mounting nut and tighten to secure the sensor. Ensure the sensor is properly seated and the valve stem is perpendicular to the rim surface. The rubber grommet should seal completely against the wheel.
- 6Mount tire on wheelLubricate the tire beads with approved tire mounting lubricant. Mount the tire onto the wheel, ensuring the TPMS sensor is not damaged during installation. Seat both beads onto the rim. Install the valve core into the new TPMS sensor valve stem.⚠Position the tire mounting equipment away from the TPMS sensor location to avoid crushing or damaging the sensor during bead seating.
- 7Inflate tire to specificationInflate the tire to the pressure specified on the door jamb placard (typically 35 PSI for F-150, but verify for your specific model and load). Check for leaks around the valve stem and bead seal. Install valve cap on valve stem.
- 8Install wheel on vehiclePlace the wheel onto the hub, aligning the lug nut holes. Install all lug nuts by hand, threading them on completely. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern using a torque wrench to specification.Torque specWheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
- 9Lower vehicle and final torqueRemove jack stands and lower the vehicle to the ground. With the vehicle weight on the wheel, perform a final torque check on all lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure proper torque.Torque specWheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
- 10Program TPMS sensor to vehicleUsing a Ford IDS scan tool or equivalent TPMS programming tool, enter TPMS training mode. Follow the tool's prompts to program the new sensor ID to the vehicle's Body Control Module. The programming procedure typically involves activating each sensor in a specific order (LF, RF, RR, LR) and waiting for confirmation. Complete the programming procedure and exit training mode.ℹ️The vehicle must be stationary with ignition on for TPMS programming. Follow the specific prompts from your scan tool as procedures vary by tool manufacturer.
Reassembly
- Verify all lug nuts are torqued to specification in star pattern
- Ensure valve cap is installed on valve stem
- Store all tools and dispose of old sensor properly
Verification
- Start the vehicle and verify the TPMS warning light extinguishes after 30-60 seconds of running
- Use a scan tool to verify all four TPMS sensors are reporting pressure and ID correctly
- Drive the vehicle above 20 MPH for 2-3 minutes to ensure the system recognizes all sensors
- Check tire pressure with a gauge to confirm it matches the door jamb specification
- Verify no TPMS fault codes are present in the Body Control Module