2nd Gen R56 Cooper S Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) Malfunction Message

Hello all.

This is not about resetting the TPM, we don't get that far. My 2009 Mini Cooper S was towed into a shop and the clutch was replaced. When I got it back there was a warning message that the TPM was inactive. I can get through the reset process just fine, but at the final step it doesn't reset, it just says TPM malfunction.

I have been trying to do something as basic as a visual inspection of the components connections, checking power and grounds along the way, but the only component I can find is the TPM Control Module inside the left trunk panel. On regular Coopers, the central TPM antenna is under the rear of the car in the center between the rear bumper and the spare tire well, but the Cooper S has a center exhaust and no spare tire well, and I can't find the antenna -- or even any resource that tells me where to look on a Cooper S. The four wheel well signal receiver modules are a bit elusive too, but I assume they will be behind the wheel skirts somewhere when I pull them down. Finally, I assume the stock valve stem caps that have the TPM warning stamped on them are just ornamental and don't serve any functional purpose -- I'm missing three of them...

Any thoughts would be appreciated. Again, I've got the reset process down pat -- it won't finish. Thanks, anyway.

 

The screen has all four tires grayed out and it just says TPM Malfunction across the bottom. It will let you select and click the reset button, but it just goes back to TPM Malfunction.

Thanks.

 

Solid hit Detroit Tuned! But, still not there... I pulled the left front wheel off, pulled off the front half of the fender liner, and after some searching found a black box with its connector disconnected. It was pretty much behind the front bumper, wedged (toward the center of the car) next to the washer fluid tank. I snapped in the plug, put everything back and was ready to turn the car on and declare victory. I THINK it is malfunctioning differently now, but it is still malfunctioning. I may not of noticed before, but watching the screen now it says "TPM resetting" briefly, then goes back to TPM Malfunction.

I'm working in my driveway and ran out of time and light tonight, but wonder if there is the same problem on the right front tire. Also can't figure out why these would have to have been unplugged to drop the subframe and replace the clutch.

Side note: I found another thread here where someone else was looking for the central antenna on a 2008 Clubman. I am still curious where they hid it on the 2009 Cooper S.

http://www.motoringalliance.com/forums/cooper-s/16963-2008-mini-r56-base-model-hatch-where-antenna-rdc.html

Another note, the guys that installed the clutch also bent the hydraulic pipe that actuates the clutch in such a way that it was rubbing up against the drive axle for the left front tire. The pipe had worn through and has a pinhole that is dripping fluid. So, now I have THAT job to look forward to, also.

 

Thank you very much Detroit Tuned, I believe you called it right. I pulled the right front wheel off, and the front half of the fender liner, exposing the back of all of the lights an stuff, and found the other unit also disconnected. I cannot believe they managed to plug back in everything except those exact two things -- and why? Although the are in different places on the left and right sides, how could someone plug in six or eight things and not notice the one more hanging there doing nothing??? And what were the odds that it would be the TPM sensor on both sides?? The left one was low and toward the center of the car (to the right) of the lights. The right one was high and directly above the lights.
Anyway, the display now says -- and stays on -- Resetting TPM. Of course, as I mentioned, I found and removed a worn-through clutch hydraulic line, so I can't drive the car until I get the new part installed. I ordered it today and should have it in on Saturday. I am confident that the TPM will finish resetting properly after I am able to drive the car.
If not, I'll be back...
Thanks again!