Bought 4 TPMS sensors today...

[theorist]

Please let us know how much your Toyota dealer charges you to enter the unique IDs for the new sensors into your ECU using the scan tool.

You may want to let the dealer do this (or at least read the ID codes off of the sensor-transmitters) before you install the sensors on the rims inside the tires, so that they don't need to break the (tire bead to rim lip) seals on your wheels.

[DocVijay]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(theorist @ Jun 29 2006, 01:42 AM) [snapback]278464[/snapback]</div>

Please let us know how much your Toyota dealer charges you to enter the unique IDs for the new sensors into your ECU using the scan tool.

You may want to let the dealer do this (or at least read the ID codes off of the sensor-transmitters) before you install the sensors on the rims inside the tires, so that they don't need to break the (tire bead to rim lip) seals on your wheels.
[/b]

All they need is the 7 digit sensor ID. I can get the tires mounted and they wouldn't need to break the bead. If you write down the numbers they can just enter it into the scan tool.

[Tigerops]

I had a '99 Plymouth Prowler that had these sensors and it's a pretty cool system. However, for my Prius, I've bought the TireMinder valve caps. They're pretty neat also, especially at (I think) $16 for all 4. They are made for different pressures and once the tire pressure falls below that point they turn red. So all I do every fill up is walk around the car and make sure the caps are all green. It's a great cheap alternative.

Anyone else use these babies?

[theorist]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tigerops @ Jun 29 2006, 12:54 PM) [snapback]278637[/snapback]</div>

I had a '99 Plymouth Prowler that had these sensors and it's a pretty cool system. However, for my Prius, I've bought the TireMinder valve caps. They're pretty neat also, especially at (I think) $16 for all 4. They are made for different pressures and once the tire pressure falls below that point they turn red. So all I do every fill up is walk around the car and make sure the caps are all green. It's a great cheap alternative.

Anyone else use these babies?
[/b]

I bought a couple sets for a dollar a set on clearance at RadioShack as gifts for out of state family members who regularly let their pressures fall to unsafe levels. For myself, I prefer using a good tire pressur gauge regularly. I wasn't happy with limited choice of tire pressure, the increased risk of leakage (these caps keep the valves open,) the weight of the caps and possible resulting imbalance, or the limited accuracy. I was thrilled with the clearance price and am thrilled to give them as gifts to family members who never check their pressures and who I worry about. (I only get to visit them and inflate their tires a couple times a year.

Maybe I should remove my TPMS sensors-transmiters and sell them for a few hundred dollars?

[B Rad]

Can the tire pressure light on the dash be shut off so you can run with out the TPS without seeing that light all the time ???

[theorist]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(B Rad @ Jun 29 2006, 03:48 PM) [snapback]278740[/snapback]</div>

Can the tire pressure light on the dash be shut off so you can run with out the TPS without seeing that light all the time ???
[/b]

Not that anyone's reported. Some simply cover the warning light with tape.

[windstrings]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DocVijay @ Jun 27 2006, 02:55 PM) [snapback]277589[/snapback]</div>

I finally ordered my lightweight wheels, so I went in ot buy the 4 TPMS sensors to use in them. Man are they expensive. They run $105.52 each! Total bill with tax is $450. I bought them anyway, as I'm selling my original wheels to someone, and I really don't want to deal with pulling of the tires, removingthe sensors and then mounting and balancing the tires, only to do it yet again with the new wheels and tires.

So use caution when having your tires worked on. Make sure you warn them repeatedly about hte TPMS sensors and how to not damage them!
[/b]

Hey Doc.. a couple of questions...

1. Do you never need to buy studded tires nor have the need for a "backup" set of tires?

2. What is involved in Damaging the tpms sensors?.. when I go in someday to get my flat fixed... what should I warn them about?

[DocVijay]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(windstrings @ Jun 30 2006, 07:13 AM) [snapback]279032[/snapback]</div>

Hey Doc.. a couple of questions...

1. Do you never need to buy studded tires nor have the need for a "backup" set of tires?

2. What is involved in Damaging the tpms sensors?.. when I go in someday to get my flat fixed... what should I warn them about?
[/b]

1. No, I don't think I'll ever need studded tires here in Florida. As for a backup set of tires, no I don't need that either. I have one spare, which should do the job. If I'm in a situation where I need more than one spare, chances are that it's more serious than jsut a flat. One set of wheels will be sufficient.

2. IF they are not careful, the machine that mounts/unmounts the tire can hit the sensor and break it. They really only need to run it over about 60% of the edge to fully seat the bead. THey just need to start in front of the sneosor and hten go around. For example, let's say the sensor is at 0 degrees. They would put the first part of hte bead over the lip, and hten place the machine's attachment at 30 degrees and then go around to 270 degrees. At this point the bead should pop on completely, sna dhte attachment, which runs very close to the rim, won't come anywhere near the sensor. Just make sure they know it's there. Most tire shops have some experience as they are becoming more common now.

[mike_m]

Hi Bjorn,

Got Pics?

[DocVijay]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mike_m @ Jun 30 2006, 10:03 AM) [snapback]279064[/snapback]</div>

Hi Bjorn,

Got Pics?
[/b]

Yes, I have plenty of pictures. :P What exactly is it you want pictures of? If it's the sensors, they have not arrived yet. They don't keep those in stock, and I had to special order them. I'll post htem as soon as they arrive. I'm going to stop by and check today.

I imagine they beautiful, as they would have to be made of gold or platinum at this price!

I'll post pics of the sensors alone, mounted to the wheels, and so on. I'll post one here, but most pics will be in my mod thread.