How to service TPMS diagnostics in the Ford Expedition (2003-2020)

Sept. 30, 2021

This article will cover types of TPMS systems, types of TPMS frequency, the manual relearn procedure for both a standard ignition and a push-button start, and much more.

Emily Humpert

Ford Expedition Infographic 768x566 6155dc2f6a29c

After the TREAD Act was mandated in 2007, all vehicles manufactured in the United States beginning in 2008, must be installed with direct or indirect TPMS systems.

The Ford Expedition uses a direct TPMS system, which means TPMS sensors are installed in the wheel. If one or more tires indicate low tire pressure, the TPMS sensors will transfer the information to the vehicle’s ECU. An indicator light (low-line TPMS system) or each tire pressure will show on the dash (high-line TPMS system).

When one or more sensors are replaced in a Ford Expedition, a TPMS relearn is recommended to write the ID’s to the vehicle’s ECU to turn the TPMS light off.

Type of TPMS system

Direct TPMS - TPMS sensors are installed in the wheel, tire pressure is communicated via radio frequency (RF) technology from the sensor to the vehicle’s ECU.
A TPMS relearn is recommended when replacing a sensor. All OE and aftermarket TPMS part numbers and service kit replacement options for the Ford Expedition can be found in ATEQ's VT56, VT55, VT46 brands, and VT36 TPMS Tools in “Service TPMS”.

Type of TPMS frequency

433 MHz, years 2003 and 2004
315 MHz, years 2005-2020

Type of relearn procedures

Manual - two types:

standard ignition
push-button start

Type of TPMS tool required for TPMS reset

TPMS diagnostic tool (VT56 or VT46 brands), step-by-step relearn procedures are written in the tool.
TPMS activation tool (VT56, VT55, VT15, VT31, VT36, and VT46 brands) for a manual (stationary) relearn, step-by-step relearn procedures are written in the tool for the VT56, VT55, or VT46 brands and are available to complete a TPMS reset in the owners manual for the VT36, VT31, or VT15 tools.

Manual relearn procedure (standard ignition)

Engage the parking brake and inflate all tires
Turn ignition to the OFF position
Press and release brake pedal
Quickly turn the ignition from OFF to RUN (engine OFF) three times, stop in RUN position
Press and release brake pedal
Turn ignition OFF
Quickly turn the ignition from OFF to RUN (engine OFF) three times, stop in RUN position
Note: All the steps for this process must be performed within 10 seconds
A single horn chirp will indicate the relearn mode is active
Use your TPMS tool to activate the left front sensor
A single horn sounds to indicate sensor learning was successful
Repeat for the right front, right rear, and left rear sensors
TRAINING MODE COMPLETE will display on the message center when relearn is finished

The video shows a Ford Escape, but the same procedure will work on a Ford Expedition

Manual relearn procedure (push-button start)

Important note: Some models require the start button to be pressed twice (without pressing the brake) to enter RUN mode (Ignition ON/Engine OFF). If this is the case, modify steps 3 and 5 as noted.

Engage the parking brake and inflate all tires
With the vehicle OFF, push and release the brake pedal
Push START button 5 times (Note: 8 times if 2x-to-RUN)
Press and release the brake pedal
Push START button 6 times (Note: 9 times if 2x-to-RUN)
A single horn chirp will indicate the relearn mode is active
Use the tool to activate the left front sensor
A single horn sounds to indicate sensor learning was successful
Repeat for the right front, right rear, and left rear tires
TRAINING MODE COMPLETE will display on the message center when relearn is finished