How do you know if you have the Tire Pressure Monitoring System?

[AikenSC4S]

Just purchased a 2006 911 Carrera 4S Cab with 21K miles. No PCM manual with the car and no original window sticker. When I scroll through the onboard computer menu I do not see any option to look at tire pressure. The sale ad and last owner indicated that the car had this feature. How do I know if I have it or is it turned off or not working?

[wvicary]

If the wheel have metal valve stems then they are equipped with TPMS. It should also be in the MFI screen.

[JFP in PA]

Just about every shop has a TPM sensor/tester that can read the condition of the TPM sensors inside the tire by just holding it next to the wheel, have someone check a couple of yours.

Edited June 14, 2012 by JFP in PA

[alpine-al]

When you wrote "I scroll through the onboard computer menu", were you referring to the screen in the center console or the little screen under the tachometer? Usually, the TPMS can be displayed in the latter by moving the the lever below your turn signal lever.

You can download the PCM manual from the Document menu button at the top of this page.

[AikenSC4S]

Thanks for the replies. The screen I am referring to is the small screen in the bottom of the tach where the digital speed is displayed. On my menu choice I have no reference to Tires. Also, the valve stems are rubber, not metal. I am concluding that I do not have TPMS.

Was TPMS an option in 2006 for a C4S Cab with 19 in. wheels? I have a printout the Porsche dealer did for me by running the VIN and there is no listing of TPMS. Therefore, I don't believe the ad for this car was correct in saying that it was a purchased option.

Any other thoughts? Can TPMS be installed by a dealer? Has anybody added it after the factory?

[JFP in PA]

It can always be added, but I have to ask why? It is an overly expensive substitute for a tire pressure gauge forced upon the market by the Federal Behavioral Nannies. The wheel sensors alone are going cost over $100 per wheel, and require the tire bead be broken to install, followed by a rebalance. And they have to be periodically replaced. Buy a decent tire gauge; you will be better off...............

[wvicary]

I don't think it's worth retrofitting TPMS. As JFP stated just get a quality gauge and whilst you're down there checking the tire pressure it gives you time to have a quick look around at tread depth and over all tire condition.

I once pulled up to a lady in heavy traffic to tell her she was driving on a flat tire, she replied back "which one?". I said "does it matter?!?". The tire was beyond repair and shredded but she didn't even notice. TPMS is just another thing for people to ignore.

[JFP in PA]

What you really need to see is the look on just one of my customer's faces when I tell them how much it is going to cost to replace just one TPM sensor when they bring the car in for regular service with a "no signal" warning on the dash display. And then comes the inevitable question of “Do you replace just the one, or do all of them?”

And no shop, dealer or independent, will disable an OEM TPM system; the liability exposure is just too great.