External & Internal Car TPMS Installation - Troubleshooting Guide

Scenario: How do you know an external sensor is attached properly

Reason: When you screw on an external TPMS sensor in place of the valve cap, you should hear a hissing sound (sound of air going out) just before you tighten. This is when you know the sensor is properly connected with the tyre valve stem. Once tightened, the hissing sound should stop entirely.

 

Scenario: Sensor is displaying zero or widely low readings

Reason: Please check the tyre valve stem or the opening to the external sensor. If there is dust or debris, it could be blocking the sensor or the tyre valve stem. To resolve, clean out the sensor and tyre valve stem.

 

Scenario: External sensor leaking air

Reason: The O-ring is a small rubber seal that prevents air leaking. It goes inside the external sensor and may be worn, damaged or deteriorated over time. This can prevent the sensor from forming a proper airtight seal - causing air to leak. Remove the external sensor and inspect the O-ring inside. If it appears worn, cracked, flattened or damaged, replace it with a new O-ring. Ensure the replacement is properly seated inside the sensor before screwing it back onto the tyre valve.

 

Scenario: External sensor won’t screw on

Reason: There may be an extra O-ring inside the sensor, preventing it from screwing onto the tyre valve correctly. Carefully inspect the inside of the sensor for any additional O-rings. If you find one, gently remove it using a pair of small tweezers or a needle. Take care not to damage the sensor's internal components or the remaining O-ring. Once removed, try screwing the sensor onto the tyre valve again. Each sensor should only have one O-ring fitted to ensure a proper connection.

 

Scenario: How to apply lock nuts

Reason: The video tutorial below shows how to apply lock nuts. They are easy to do using our supplied proprietary TPMS tool:

  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-HFqXRVcno

 

Scenario: How hard should the external sensors be tightened.

Reason: External sensors should be tightened to approximately 0.2–0.3 Nm (Newton metres) of torque. In practical terms, this is equivalent to gently tightening them by hand. Screw the sensor onto the tyre valve until it feels snug and secure. Once you feel resistance and the sensor is firmly in place, stop tightening. There is no need to apply excessive force or use tools to tighten it further. Over-tightening can damage the sensor's internal components, the O-ring seal or the tyre valve. Hand tightening is sufficient to ensure a secure fit and proper seal.

Close-up of a car wheel with Promata external TPMS car sensor.

 

Scenario: Internal sensors not displaying, incorrect tyre positions after a tyre swap, or sensors accidentally deleted

Reason: The internal sensors may have lost their pairing with the display monitor, been assigned to the wrong tyre positions following a tyre rotation or swap, or been accidentally deleted from the system. You will need to re-pair the affected internal sensors with your display monitor using EZsync. This allows the display to recognise the sensors again and ensures each sensor is assigned to the correct tyre position.
Please follow the relevant video tutorial below for step-by-step instructions:

  • Mata 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Mdrkduhv2s
  • Mata 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzvyYiK0SJs