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DATE: September 18 2015

TO: Olya Grozina, Director of Human Resources (BMW of Perth)

FROM: Collin Joy, Service Manager Administrator

SUBJECT: TIRE ASSYST specialist, TPMS Installation and RESET

Purpose

Considering, the vast expansion of our service fleet, we need to hire a certified Tire

ASSYST technician. To fill the requirement of this position, the candidate should know

the essentials of Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and how to reset FTM (Flat

Tire Monitor). I believe, you will find everything you need to interview the candidates

below.

Discussion

The TPMS system is designed to monitor tire pressure and alert the driver when a tire is

significantly underinflated. TPMS report real-time tire-pressure information to the driver

of the vehicle; BMW vehicles feature 2 types of systems termed “High-Line” and “Low-

Line”. High-Line systems are able to display a low-pressure condition for each tire

position, while Low-Line systems do not indicate which tire is under inflated. However,

Low-line system directly alerts the driver by a preset warning tone.

TPMS can physically be found as a solid aluminum stem inside the rim structure and

installed in the tire along with Schrader valve. The majority of these sensors are powered

by batteries, which limit their useful life. Some sensors utilize a wireless power system

similar to that used in RFID tag reading, which solves the problem of limited battery life
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by electromagnetic induction. This also increases the frequency of data transmission up

to 40 Hz and reduces the sensor weight, which can be important in motorsport

applications.
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Fig. 1 from BMW Testberichte und technische Daten, 2003

The

Real-time display of tire pressure data on board

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-The low tire pressure warning light will

illuminate when there is a significant low-pressure condition within a tire, or if a rapid

loss of air pressure is detected.

-TPMS Failure light means the sensors

have encountered some serious technical faults.

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Every time when you replace the tires, you are recommended to reset the TPMS system

for an accurate and diligent air pressure data feed. Below is a sample procedure of

resetting TPMS from the driver’s position. NO TOOLS required!

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The tire and system status is indicated by the color of the tires. TPM takes the fact that

the tire pressure changes during driving into account. A correction is only required if the

color of the TPM display indicates that it is necessary.

• Green: The tire pressure matches the learned set state. “Status: TPM active” is displayed

on the Control Display.

• One wheel is yellow: There is a flat tire or a major drop in inflation pressure in the

indicated tire. A message appears on the Control Display.

• All wheels are yellow: There is a flat tire or a major drop in inflation pressure in several

tires. A message appears on the Control Display.

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• Gray: The system cannot detect a flat tire. Reasons for this can include: TPM is being

reset; temporary interference due to systems or devices that use the same radio frequency;

and system malfunction.

Action

Below you will find a series of question with answers that will help you interview the

candidate.

1. What does it mean, if one tire is displayed YELLOW on the display?

This means there is a flat tire among all four detected.

2. Is there a Schrader valve or Presta Valve involved in TPMS component

system?

Yes, it’s a Schrader valve.

3. What is the typical frequency under TPMS communicated?

40Hz

If you have any questions regarding the information presented here, feel free to

contact me at cj99@gmail.com or call 620-875-9903

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REFERENCE

Phillips, Sean. "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems: An Overview." 4 May 2008.

Web. 18 Sept. 2015.

Schillin, Jonas. "RDKS / TPMS Service-Satz Für Reifendruck-Kontrollsysteme

30." -149.1030. 6 May 2009. Web. 18 Sept. 2015.