If you read the NTSB document on the Tire Pressure Sensors requirement, they
specifically state that wheel speed sensing systems won't meet their
standard. I can send you the PDF.
Neither will sensors mounted on the valve stems. They seem to have limited
it to wheel-mounted sensors. I fear that this means that unless aftermarket
wheel manufacturers can integrate sensors that meet "OEM" standards (however
this is defined)the NTSB can take the next step and mandate OEM wheels.
I have at least two sets of wheels for most of my vehicles. I have no desire
to pay OEM prices for my winter wheels or autocross wheels. I have nothing
against tire pressure sensors, I don't like MANDATED tire pressure sensors.
Of course I pretty much don't like mandated anything.
Phil Vanner
Minneapolis
'61 Midget (4 sets)
'93 BMW 318is (2 sets)
'91 Mazda MPV (2 sets)
'98 Volvo V70R AWD (shopping for winter wheels now)
-----Original Message-----
From owner-spridgets at autox.team.net
[mailto:owner-spridgets@autox.team.net]On Behalf Of Thecarguru@aol.com
Sent: Friday, August 03, 2001 12:18 AM
To: spridgets@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: Tire pressure monitors (No LBC)
Having dealt with this very recently I thought I'd chime in.
It was described to me by someone who may or may not know exactly how it is
accomplished so FWIW...
Each wheel has an ABS sensor trigger and pickup unit. Detecting a difference
in rotational speed between one wheel and the other three caused when a
significant amount of air has escaped will trigger the low pressure light.
So
putting a mini spare or a tire with a different diameter than the others
would activate the system, which will "reset" itself after the problem has
been resolved. (eventually)
Any car with electronic ABS already has most of the needed "hardware"
installed, so it would only require one more "little black box" added to the
ABS electrics to monitor the tire pressures. I can see how that would
probably be a 45$ "plug in" option.
Anyone heard differently?
Gary
two 75's a runnin'
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