Spicer TPCS Troubleshooting Guide: Older Systems (ECU's w_Dual Connectors) - Manual (Page 7)

7
System Operation
A vehicle equipped with the Tire Pressure Control System will seem to
operate the same as a vehicle without the Tire Pressure Control System,
however, there are some differences:
• During standard operation the Electronic Control Unit will check tire
pressures every 5 to 15 minutes to make sure that pressures are
maintained at selected settings.
• Immediately after a pressure increase, the pressure is rechecked
after approximately 30 seconds.
• During the run flat mode tire pressures are checked more often.
During all of the above checks, solenoid clicking and air exhausting from
the Pressure Control Unit may be heard.
The following is a description of how the Tire Pressure Control System
functions. Figure 2 shows a simplified schematic of how the components
of the system relate to one another.
Pressure Regulation
The Tire Pressure Control System regulates tire pres sures through a
series of electro­pneumatic controls that supply air to each wheel end
through wheel valves. The driver operates a dash­mounted graphic
control panel (the Operator Control Panel) which commands the system
to adjust tire pressure.
Pressure Mode
The driver selects a desired tire pressure mode by pressing buttons
on the Operator Control Panel. The system responds by adjusting tire
pressures to match the road surface and load. Indicators on the Operator
Control Panel inform the driver of functions currently being performed.
Operator Control Panel
The Operator Control Panel also contains a built­in indicator to warn
drivers when they are traveling too fast for selected tire pressures. If
the vehicle’s speed is not reduced the Tire Pressure Control System will
automatically select the appropriate pressure. Addition ally, a warning
icon will inform the driver to stop and check the tires if the system senses
conditions that may indicate tire damage.
Air Seal life
When the Tire Pressure Control System is idle, not inflating, deflating or
checking pressure, all tire air pressures are isolated from the Tire Pressure
Control System. Tire pressure isolation extends seal life because the
seals are not under continuous pressure. Isolation also provides fail­safe
operation of the vehicle if the Tire Pressure Control System is disabled.
Operation