I read in the owner's manual that some window tints will mess up the tire pressure monitoring system. Has anyone had tint put on and and seen this happen?
It depends on where the sensors are. I don't know the SRT-4 very well at all, so I can't tell you where it is. The TPMS communicate with the car via a weak radio signal. So if the signal needs to travel inside the car at all, metallic tint may interfere with the signal. The same way it reduces radio reception in the 05-06 LXs (most 07's got the antennae that's both radio and satellite).
The Tire Presessure sensors are in each of the 4 wheels (obviously). Each sensor sends a periodic message which includes a unique ID for that sensor and the tire pressure. There is a location unit inside 3 of the 4 wheel wells ( LR doesn't have one). The transmission from the tire pressure sensors is picked up by both the PCM and the location sensors in the respective wheel wells. The location sensors require close proximity to the tire pressure sensor. The location sensor will periodically transmit the tire pressure sensor's ID and it's location (RF, LF, RR). With this information the PCM is able to display the tire pressure in it's correct location (it deduces the location of the 4th sensor). This also allows for the system to automatically detect and incorporate a replaced or different tire pressure sensor. Some cars do not display individual pressures and don't have the location sensors. The TPM sensors are motion activated and go dormant if motionless for some period of time to save the batteries. The internal battery is not replaceable and is expected to last approximately 10 years. At speeds over 15 mph the sensor will transmit about once a minute. After 20 minutes without motion the sensor will go into "park" mode and transmits about once every 13 hours. While in park mode the sensor will also transmit if a pressure change of 1 lb or more is detected. So... no, window tint will not effect your TPM system. Some window tints can block signal to your AM/FM radio antenna embedded in the glass.
Well, we'll find out tomorrow. I got them tinted this evening. Legal, but very dark in the back. Funny; the radio seems to be fading out, but I have an external antenna. Then again, it could just be those beers I consumed.
I'm assuming the Caliber TPM systems have to be the same as the LXs. It's the type of tint. Some are metallic? some aren't? I don't know much about tinting.
Even though I drove the SRT to work today (at 3AM), I forgot to check the tire pressure display. Maybe I'll remember tomorrow.
