Auto Service Professional

FEB 2016

Magazine for the auto service professional

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48 | February 2016 The Chassis In the third scenario, TIA asked if a service provider violates the "make inopera- tive" provision if they inadvertently break a non-defective sensor and cannot locate an immediate replacement. TIA asked if it was a violation to allow the vehicle to return to service because arrangements were made to obtain and install the replacement part at a future date. NHTSA's response was, "As a general matter, a violation of the 'make inop- erative' prohibition does not occur until a repair business allows or intends a vehicle to be returned to useā€¦ this would be true regardless of whether arrangements have been made for future repair." "While there will be some debate over the circumstances related to inadvertent damage, there are no questions regarding the release of the vehicle," said Rohlwing. "If the actions of the service provider made a functioning TPMS inoperable, then it cannot be returned to service until the problem is solved." The fourth and fnal scenario describes a situation where a vehicle is released to the consumer without an illuminated MIL and then it illuminates after the vehicle has been driven. According to NHTSA, "The mere illumination of the malfunction indicator lamp after the vehicle has been released by a motor vehicle repair business to the driver would not itself be a violation of the 'make inoperative' provision." "Based on NHTSA's response, we are advis- ing tire retailers to document the status of the TPMS before and after any tire or wheel service," concluded Rohlwing. "If the electronic TPMS relearn or diagnostic tool includes the functionality to produce a print-out on the status of the system, we recommend that retailers give a copy to the consumer and retain a copy for their own records following service." Of course, offering to repair the malfunc- tion is the best solution. Making sense of sensors Estimates put the total number of TPMS sensors currently found in the U.S. at over 100 million. If your business does not offer TPMS service, it is missing business. Many of the original TPMS sensors are reaching the end of their projected service life. The batteries, which are intended to last up to 10 years, are dying. The batteries are not replaceable. There was a time that the only source for replacement sensors was the automobile dealer's parts department. There was a wide range of designs and stocking all of them at an aftermarket shop would be insanely costly. Sending someone to fetch a replace- ment sensor, though unproductive, was the Some replacement sensors may be pro- grammed prior to installation. Replacement sensors may have to be pro- grammed after installation before returning the vehicle to the customer.

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