TPMS Project/Theory

[sgmdudley]

New 2017 LVL3 GL W/new 2017 Motor Trike Adventure. The TPMS system failure light was not disabled by the dealer. I am an Electronic Mechanic so thought of a way to have the system active for the front tire.

I used 2" PVC pipe with end caps to hold the sensor removed from the takeoff wheel. It holds 45 psi. I wrapped it in bubble pack and put it in the compartment in front of the fuel door. Turned on the bike (not the engine), TPMS failure light was on as expected. I used the VT-15 to initialize the TPMS system which turned off the failure light. Reduced the front tire psi to 30 and the low pressure light came on. Re-inflated to 36 psi and the low pressure light went out. I thought I now had a working TPMS system for the front tire. Went for a ride and after 8-10 miles the failure light came on solid and stayed on. 4 more rides, enabling the system before each ride, but the failure light keeps coming back on. The last time after only 6.5 miles. The system must be looking for something I have not provided.

Additional unrelated info (2nd photo) shows the standard 3V CR2032 battery which Honda welded in place. It can be removed and a new battery soldered in if you have the tools and experience.

The 3rd photo is the Tire Gard External sensor TPMS system I use for all 3 wheels. It gives the actual pressure of each tire. The rear tires in the photo show 44 psi. That photo was taken when I had a Tow Pac kit on a Lvl1 2009. Now It displays 22PSI for the new trike.

[FuzzyWuzHe]

Could your pic pipe be leaking? Weird that it works for a short time then quits. Did you have to fill it before each ride?

I might be missing something, but are you talking about two systems here? The one for two wheels and one for three that is shown in the last pic?

[sgmdudley]

The PVC pipe is holding pressure great. Even if it leaked a little, since the system is working OK when I get the Failure light turned off, I would get the low light first. There is something missing for the system to function which is why the failure light comes on. That is what I am trying to find out.

Yes. I have two systems totally independent from each other. The one I am troubleshooting which is the Honda standard TPMS system and the Tire Gard system. The Tire Guard functions even with the bike turned off. Each sensor has it's own battery and the receiver has it's own battery. There was not enough demand for the 3 wheel trike system so it has been discontinued. They make a 2 wheel system and a 4 wheel system (bike with trailer). "TIRE GARD" see video.

[Pcolawinger]

With so many aftermarket TPMS systems available that are far superior to the OEM dumb lights, why would you put so much effort in keeping this archaic system functional? My installer disabled the TPMS lights when I converted and I use the FOBO system and am much happier than I ever was with the original TPMS system.

[trike tech]

Before I waste a bunch of time taking the time to type it.. Would you prefer to simply disable the TMPS error light & leave the low tire indicator functional for the front tire, or disable them both so they don't light up?

If you do, I'll write up how to do so, just let me know which route you'd like to go.

[sgmdudley]

Since I use the "Tire Gard" system on all three wheels, I just wanted the extra protection for the front tire. A light coming on if the front tire pressure dropped would be more noticeable. I would like to disable the System Failure light which is what I was trying to do by fooling the Honda system with my 2nd sensor. If you can tell me how to disable that and still have the Front tire sensor functional I would appreciate it.

I know there are other systems out there, like the Doran. I checked on the FOBO but the receiver is your smart phone which I put in my trunk when I ride. (I read a article about a crash that the rider's main bruise came from his cellphone on his hip). The Tire Gard is not waterproof (another reviewer made that observation) but I have mine installed on the right handlebar by the brake reservoir and is easily removable if it starts raining. However, due to lack of interest by Trikers, Tire Gard has discontinued the Trike version. As you can see by the photo I just took, I only have two sensors. I lost the front sensor when I crashed my 2009/DFT trike. I am now working with Tire Gard for a replacement sensor. However, you can see both rear tire sensors are working and posting actual tire PSI instantly. When I ride, you can even see the pressure increase as the tires warm up. There are high and low PSI limits that the user sets to suit their requirements and warning indications if the limits are exceeded (like the low limit).

[trike tech]

Disabling the TMPS warning light is actually a very simple process. The receiver for the TPMS module is attached to the upper right radiator (under the cruise servo on 12-ups). I've attached a picture with a few arrows to help illustrate the location.

Don't bother trying to get to the receiver, you'll drive yourself batty.. Just chase the wires until you find a spot you can access them easily & cut the sheathing to expose the wires. Find the white wire with a yellow tracer & "scotch lock" to the solid green wire with silver dots (ground wire). This essentially grounds out the TPMS error light & prevents it from coming on in the dash.

If you decide to eliminate the low tire pressure indicator light also, you would do the same with the black wire with white tracer & it will shut off the low tire pressure indicator lamp also.