The very first Ford models with tire pressure monitoring systems (model years 2002-06) were equipped with integrated valve/sensor units. The TPMS sensor was mounted on the bottom of the valve, and the metal stem couldn’t be replaced.

The second generation of Ford TPMS systems (2006-2011 MY) came equipped with band-mounted sensors. A special band, mounting bracket and plastic clip held the sensor in the wheel’s drop center. This allowed for replacement of the rubber valve stem independent of sensor removal. The sensor is mounted 180⁰ away from the valve (opposite side of the wheel).
Eventually Ford moved back to valve-mounted sensors – the new parts are snap-in units that allow for replacement of the rubber stem.

Technicians that have trouble reading sensors on mid-to-late 2000s Ford/Lincoln/Mercury models can try pointing the TPMS tool 180 degrees opposite the valve stem, on the tire’s sidewall.

And shops that need to replace OEM sensors on Ford models with banded TPMS can use Alligator Sens.it sensors on the cars/trucks; vehicle-test results have shown that the sensor is compatible.