Replace a Faulty Mitsubishi TPMS Sensor

Replacing a faulty Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor requires specific tools and careful execution, as it involves removing the tire from the wheel. If you are not comfortable performing this procedure, it is recommended to seek professional assistance.

Tools and Materials Needed:

• New Mitsubishi-compatible TPMS sensor
• Vehicle jack and jack stands
• Lug wrench
• Tire bead breaker and tire changing tools (or access to a tire machine)
• Valve stem tool
• Torque wrench
• Air compressor and tire pressure gauge
• Safety glasses and gloves

Safety Precautions:

• Always wear safety glasses and gloves.
• Ensure the vehicle is on a flat, stable surface before jacking.
• Always use jack stands to support the vehicle after lifting; never rely solely on the jack.
• Be cautious when handling tires and wheels, as they can be heavy.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vehicle: Park the vehicle on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and place wheel chocks on the wheels that will remain on the ground.
2. Loosen Lug Nuts: Slightly loosen the lug nuts on the wheel with the faulty sensor while the wheel is still on the ground.
3. Lift and Secure: Jack up the vehicle and place jack stands securely under the vehicle frame. Remove the lug nuts completely and take off the wheel.
4. Deflate and Break Bead: Remove the valve stem cap and core to fully deflate the tire. Use a tire bead breaker to separate the tire bead from the wheel rim on both sides.
5. Remove Tire and Old Sensor: Carefully push one side of the tire off the rim using tire changing tools. Locate the TPMS sensor, which is typically integrated with the valve stem. Unscrew the retaining nut or clamp, and push the sensor out from the inside of the rim.
6. Install New Sensor: Insert the new TPMS sensor through the valve stem hole from the inside of the rim. Ensure the sensor body is positioned correctly inside the wheel. Secure it with the retaining nut or screw, tightening it to the manufacturer's specified torque (refer to your vehicle's service manual).
7. Mount Tire and Inflate: Carefully remount the tire onto the wheel rim. Inflate the tire to the recommended pressure specified on your vehicle's door jamb sticker.
8. Balance Wheel (Recommended): It is highly recommended to have the wheel balanced after replacing the sensor to ensure smooth driving.
9. Reinstall Wheel: Place the wheel back onto the vehicle, hand-tighten the lug nuts, then lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground. Torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specifications in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove the jack and jack stands.
10. TPMS System Relearn: After replacing the sensor, the TPMS system will need to be relearned or reset. This process can vary by Mitsubishi model but often involves driving the vehicle for a certain period (e.g., 10-20 minutes above 20 mph) or using a specialized TPMS scan tool to register the new sensor's ID with the vehicle's computer. Consult your owner's manual for the specific relearn procedure for your Mitsubishi.

How to Verify the Fix Worked:

After completing the sensor replacement and performing the TPMS relearn procedure, the TPMS warning light on your dashboard should turn off. If the light remains on, double-check all steps, ensure the tire pressure is correct, and confirm the sensor was properly registered with the vehicle.