maintenance
TPMS Sensor
for 2018 Ford F-150 5.0L V8 Coyote · RWD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
42 min
Tools
10
Steps
11
This procedure covers the replacement of one or more TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) sensors in the wheels of a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 5.0L V8 engine.
Warnings
⚠TPMS sensors are fragile. Do not drop or impact the sensor during handling or installation.
⚠Tire bead breaking can cause injury if improper techniques are used. Ensure tire is fully deflated before breaking bead.
ℹ️New TPMS sensors must be programmed to the vehicle using a TPMS programming tool or through Ford IDS/FDRS software.
ℹ️The 2015-2020 F-150 uses 433MHz TPMS sensors. Do not substitute with 315MHz sensors from other vehicles.
Tools required
Floor jackEssential
Jack standsEssential
Torque wrench (100-150 lb-ft range)Essential
Tire pressure gaugeEssential
Valve core removal toolEssential
TPMS sensor programming toolEssential
Tire changing equipment or access to tire machineEssential
1/2 inch drive socket set
Tire lever or spoon
Bead breaker
Parts
- TPMS sensor × 1 — Motorcraft TPM-19 or equivalent 433MHz sensor
- TPMS valve stem nut × 1 — Use OEM specification
- TPMS service kit (valve core, cap, stem seal) × 1 — Use OEM specification
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
- Chock the wheels that will remain on the ground
- Loosen wheel lug nuts on the wheel with the faulty TPMS sensor while vehicle is still on the ground
- Identify which TPMS sensor requires replacement using TPMS diagnostic tool or fault code from instrument cluster
Procedure
- 1Raise vehicle and remove wheelRaise the vehicle using a floor jack at the appropriate jacking point for the wheel being serviced. Secure the vehicle on a jack stand rated for the vehicle weight. Remove the wheel lug nuts completely and remove the wheel from the hub.
- 2Deflate tire completelyRemove the valve cap and use a valve core removal tool to extract the valve core from the TPMS sensor valve stem. Allow the tire to deflate completely. Confirm tire is fully deflated before proceeding to bead breaking.
- 3Break tire beadUsing a bead breaker or tire machine, break the tire bead on both sides of the wheel. Work around the circumference to ensure the bead is fully separated from the wheel rim on both the outer and inner beads.⚠Keep hands and body clear of pinch points between tire and wheel during bead breaking.
- 4Remove tire from wheelMount the wheel on a tire machine or use tire spoons to carefully pry the tire over the wheel rim. Work the outer bead off first, then remove the inner bead. Take care not to damage the wheel finish or tire bead during removal.
- 5Remove old TPMS sensorLocate the TPMS sensor mounted to the valve stem hole on the inside of the wheel. Remove the retaining nut from the valve stem on the outside of the wheel. Push the sensor and valve stem assembly through the wheel rim from the outside and remove it from the wheel. Inspect the valve stem hole for damage or corrosion.
- 6Install new TPMS sensorInsert the new TPMS sensor valve stem through the valve stem hole from the inside of the wheel. Ensure the sensor body is oriented correctly (angled away from the center of the wheel). Thread the valve stem nut onto the valve stem from the outside and hand tighten. Torque the nut to specification, being careful not to over-torque and damage the sensor body.⚠Do not over-torque TPMS valve stem nut. Typical torque is 35-45 in-lb (4-5 Nm). Follow sensor manufacturer specifications.
- 7Reinstall tire on wheelPosition the tire onto the wheel, ensuring proper directional orientation if applicable. Lubricate the tire beads with approved tire mounting lubricant. Using a tire machine or tire spoons, work the inner bead over the wheel rim first, then mount the outer bead. Ensure the TPMS sensor is not contacted or damaged during tire installation.
- 8Seat tire beads and inflateInstall a new valve core into the TPMS sensor valve stem using the valve core tool. Inflate the tire slowly, monitoring to ensure both beads seat properly on the wheel rim. You should hear distinct pops as each bead seats. Inflate to the pressure specification listed on the driver door jamb placard (typically 35 psi front and rear for F-150).⚠Stand clear of tire sidewall during initial inflation. If beads do not seat by 40 psi, deflate and reposition tire.
- 9Balance wheel assemblyMount the wheel and tire assembly on a wheel balancer and balance according to balancer manufacturer instructions. Apply balance weights as needed to achieve proper balance. This step may be performed at a tire shop if balancing equipment is not available.
- 10Reinstall wheelPosition the wheel onto the hub, aligning the lug nut holes. Thread all lug nuts onto the studs by hand to prevent cross-threading. Use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.Torque specWheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
- 11Program TPMS sensorUsing a TPMS programming tool compatible with Ford vehicles, activate the new sensor and program it to the vehicle. Follow the tool manufacturer instructions for the programming sequence. For 2015-2020 F-150, this typically involves entering learn mode through the instrument cluster menu or using a scan tool, then triggering each sensor in the correct sequence (LF, RF, RR, LR).
Reassembly
- Lower vehicle from jack stand using floor jack and remove jack stand
- Lower vehicle completely to the ground
- Perform final torque check on wheel lug nuts in star pattern after vehicle is on the ground
- Install valve stem cap on TPMS sensor valve stem
Verification
- Start the vehicle and verify the TPMS warning light extinguishes after a few seconds of driving
- Use a TPMS diagnostic tool to confirm the new sensor is communicating properly and reporting correct pressure
- Check tire pressure with a manual gauge to confirm it matches the TPMS reading and vehicle specification
- Drive the vehicle for 10-15 minutes above 20 mph to ensure all sensors report to the system
- Verify no TPMS fault codes are present in the instrument cluster or body control module