BENDIX SmarTire User manual

SmarTire®TPMS Maintenance Hand Tool
Revision 1.04
User Manual
®

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Table of Contents
FCC Compliance Label.................................................................................................................4
User Interface Illustration.............................................................................................................4
Introduction...................................................................................................................................5
Testing Tire Sensors ....................................................................................................................5
Main Menu......................................................................................................................................6
Main Menu Icon Legend ...............................................................................................................7
Main Menu Details.........................................................................................................................7
Initiate Function........................................................................................................................................7
Example Display......................................................................................................................................8
Set-up Menu Icon Explanations...................................................................................................9
Maintenance Tool Software Update.....................................................................................................9
Maintenance Tool software update program......................................................................................10
Updating Maintenance Tool ...............................................................................................................10
psi/BAR/kPa/C/F - Measurement Units..................................................................................................10
Walk-Around Learn................................................................................................................................11
Walk-Around Learn Procedure...........................................................................................................11
Ambient Pressure Sensor Learn............................................................................................................13
Ambient Pressure Compensation ......................................................................................................13
TRAILER CIP.........................................................................................................................................14
Walk-Around Learn Procedure – For use with the TrailerLink™System Receiver ONLY.......................16
Sensor Learn .........................................................................................................................................19
Execution Icons...........................................................................................................................20
Troubleshooting Examples........................................................................................................21
Specifications..............................................................................................................................22
Hardware Specifications ........................................................................................................................22
General Specifications.......................................................................................................................22
Electrical Specifications .........................................................................................................................22
Communication Interfaces .................................................................................................................22
System Resources.............................................................................................................................22
Power.....................................................................................................................................................22
Radio Frequency Specifications.............................................................................................................23
Receiver Specifications......................................................................................................................23
LF Transmitter Specifications.............................................................................................................23
Antenna Type.....................................................................................................................................23
Mechanical Specifications......................................................................................................................23
Troubleshooting..........................................................................................................................24

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FCC Compliance Label
The FCC compliance label is located on the back of the Tool as shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1
This device complies with part 15 of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules and
with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
The term "IC:" before the radio certification number only signifies that Industry Canada technical
specifications were met.
User Interface Illustration
Figure 2

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Introduction
The tire pressure monitoring system consists of a tire pressure sensor inside the tire that transmits a
radio frequency (RF) signal containing a unique identification number (ID #), actual tire pressure, and
sensor battery condition to a module in the vehicle. The vehicle module receives and interprets the RF
signal from the sensor and warns the driver of low tire pressure.
Note: Early systems used one of two types of tire sensors: a tire sensor with an orange cover that had
a battery-saving “stationary mode”; and an “always on” tire sensor with a yellow cover. Later systems
exclusively use the yellow “always on” tire sensor.
It is important that the vehicle module knows exactly where each sensor is located on the vehicle so it
can indicate to the driver which tire has incorrect pressure. Note: Whenever the tires are serviced or
rotated, it is important that the vehicle module relearns the current position of each tire pressure
sensor and tire and wheel assembly. (See "Walk-Around Learn" on page 11.)
The tire pressure sensor responds with a signal for a period of time once the "activate" button is
pressed on the hand Tool.
The main menu of the Tool identifies three functions — the Initiate, Setup and Learn modes
respectively.
Testing Tire Sensors
The sensor test procedure is used to verify that the sensors can transmit valid data after they have
been activated with a low frequency (LF) transmission from the Tool. Refer to the vehicle service
manual for further diagnostic information. During this procedure, the Tool receives sensor
transmissions and displays the transmission data on the screen.
1. The antenna of the Tool should be placed against the sidewall above the wheel rim at the valve
stem location. Holding it too close to the rim (while initiating an inner tire sensor on a dual tire
configuration, may cause the outer tire sensor to be initiated as well).
2. Press and release the Initiate button on the Tool. The circling symbol indicates the Tool is scanning
for the sensor's transmission.
3. With the Tool in position, observe the screen and wait 3-5 seconds for the sensor's transmission to
be received. The screen should display an eight-digit ID number, tire pressure within 2 psi of actual
tire pressure, and the tire’s temperature.
4. Repeat the steps above for the remaining sensors to verify all sensors are operating properly.
NOTE: Sensor transmission data displayed on the Tool screen is erased each time the Initiate
or Learn functions are selected.

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Main Menu
Figure 3
Initiate Function
If the Initiate button is pressed, the Tool retrieves the sensor ID, pressure data and battery status from
the sensor which is displayed. Review the Application section of this guide (page 21) for more
information.
Setup Menu
If the Setup button is pressed, the Tool enters the Setup mode. Review the Application section of this
guide (page 21) for more information.
Learn Function
If the Learn button is pressed, the Tool learns/displays the sensor ID. Review the Application section
of this guide (page 21) for more information.

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Main Menu Icon Legend
ICON STATE DESCRIPTION
Handheld Battery Life
These icons indicate the battery life of the handheld device at startup.
This icon is located in the lower left area of the Tool display.
To continue, press the Check mark. To turn off the Tool and replace
the batteries, press the X.
Handheld Battery Life
This icon indicates the battery life of the handheld device.
Initiation This icon is used to indicate initiation. When the Initiate button is
selected, this icon starts to blink during transmission.
Initiation Failure
This icon indicates Tool initiation failure. This could be caused by
either a low battery in the wheel sensor or the Tool.
Set-up Menu
This icon is used to indicate the set-up menu. When this button is
selected and held for 2 seconds the set-up menu appears. Refer to
Menu Options for more information to set-up specific options.
Learn This icon is used to indicate sensor Learn. When the Learn button is
selected this icon starts to blink during transmission.
Main Menu Details
Initiate Function
If the Initiate button is pressed, the Tool will retrieve the sensor ID, pressure data and battery status
from the sensor that is displayed
The button should be pressed only once to activate.
The battery icon is used to show the battery status of the sensor.
Check icons indicates the sensor is OK.
The Wrench icon indicates the sensor is due for a change at next service.
If an error occurs, such as no information has been received, an error screen will appear. Should this
happen, retry the Initiate Function.

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Example Display
Figure 4
Set-up Menu Icon Legend
Selecting the Setup button commands the Tool into Setup mode.
ICON STATE DESCRIPTION
Software
Update
This icon indicates the software update option which allows
the user to download the latest software from a personal
computer.
psi/BAR/kPa/C/F Measurement
Units This option allows the user to change the units of the parameters displayed. See page 10.
Stored Sensor
Information
Retrieval
This option allows the user to refer to sensor information
stored in memory. Up to 100 sensors can be stored.
Delete Sensors
in Memory This option allows the user to delete all sensors stored in memory.
Walk-Around
Learn
This option is used for the Walk-Around Learn process.
When Walk-Around Learn is initiated the icon may
appear indicating a low battery in either the wheel sensor or
the Tool.
Ambient
Sensor Learn
This option is used to activate and store pressure
information from the ambient sensor to adjust the displayed
readings for changes in altitude.
TRAILER CIP Program CIP
Values
This function is used to program the cold inflation pressures
in the TrailerLink™system by Bendix CVS. Each axle can
be programmed with a different Cold Inflation Pressure
(CIP) value. Five (5) Axles are supported.
Return This option allows the user to return to the main window.

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Set-up Menu Icon Explanations
Software Update
The software update function is used to download the latest SmarTire®by Bendix CVS Maintenance
Tool software from a personal computer. The current and legacy versions of the SmarTire software are
available on the Manuals page of the www.SmarTire.com site and also on www.bendix.com.
Refer to update information supplied with future software updates.
Maintenance Tool Software Update
The Maintenance Tool function allows the user to easily upgrade the software in the field. The
following describes the items and steps required to carry out the download.
Item
Required Description
Custom
RS-232 Cable This cable is required to connect from the computer to the Tool (see Figure 6).
Computer
Microsoft®Windows®95, 98, 2000, XP Required
Refer to the User Manual for instructions on how to use this
software.
Update Tool
Software The software that is required to update the Tool to the latest features.
1. Attach the Maintenance Tool to a personal computer using the supplied custom RS-232 cable.
2. Select the "update" function on the Tool menu.
3. Open the Maintenance Tool software update program on the PC.
4. Note: Refer to the software update program for further information regarding the download
procedure.

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Maintenance Tool Software Update Program
Figure 5
Updating The Maintenance Tool
Figure 6
psi/BAR/kPa/C/F - Measurement Units
This function changes the measurement units of the parameters displayed: psi (pounds [pound-force]
per square inch), BAR (equal to 100 kilopascals), kPa (kilopascals), C (Celcius), and F (Fahrenheit).
Stored Sensor Information Retrieval
This function allows the user to refer to sensor information stored in the Tool memory. Up to 100
sensor readings can be stored & retrieved.