TPMS Reminder - Batteries don't last forever

thanks. is it illegal to drive without them?

 

I didn't know you could check the signal strength. How do you do that? I didn't notice that feature on the Mini VCI, but I haven't really looked and the car's not here this week.

 

I've never had tpms sensor fail, even my 2004 Sienna ones are working and original to the van

SM-N900P ?

 

That's hard to believe but mine are just going bad 150k miles and 9.5 years...2 down..2 to go

How many miles on that Sienna as miles plays a role? And how many Toyota's you got over there?
PS- mid 2006 or so was first year AFAIK, and maybe 2007 was mandated first year

Your 05s don't have any, probably your Sienna don't have it, your 2006 should have 'em I think you bought Sept 2006 right? Miles now? Should be ready to go bad, although perhaps not all 2006 have it.
Techstream the TPMS in your 2006 see if you have unique codes set for each TPMS.

 

how can miles effect battery life, do they get dizzy?

 

Zactly and they only get dizzy when you drive. Each TPMS is equipped with a tiny 2-way wrist radio so they know when the car stops and that's when they catch some zzz's...at least I heard they go off when not in use somehow

 

IIRC some cars I think Chevy Volt use the speed of the tires to pick up a low pressure, so that get's away from the darn battery issue.

In Virginia, the TPMS does not affect passing inspection. So right now I am living with it until I decide what to do. I used Techstream to deactivate one sensor but next thing you know another one died.

 

Okay, thanks. I looked online and saw a couple of readers, costing a couple hundred bucks. Not exactly a DIY tool.

 

My Sienna is driven about 5000 miles a year now. It currently has 118000 miles. I thought these sensors last forever LOL

 

Indirect Toyota TPMS
Toyota vehicles Sienna (pre-2006), Camry Solara (2004-6), Highlander (2004-7), Corolla (2005-7), and Matrix (2005-7) used an indirect or ABS type TPMS. This system uses the existing wheel speed sensors in the antilock brake system (ABS)

 

Me too. Just had new tires put on about 4 months ago and just got a TPS dash light. Steady light. 9 years later. Not bad.
You can go into Techstream and turn off that light.

New TPS's are Denso's part # 550-0103 Amazon.com In fact I think it was WJ who posted this info I'm using here. If so I thank you sir.

 

Any further info?
Pictures of sensors?
Are all 4 generation's sensors the same?
(Guess I could look up the part number)

Are the sensor batteries plug and play replaceable?
(I have seen some sensors where it is a major operation to "cobb" in new batteries)

Cost of sensors can be $100 a piece in many cars...plus the programing matching procedure.
What's Toyota's price?

Many here are stating Toyota sensors have a 7 year life to failure.
10 years is not unexpected on many other car brands.
Not illegal to not have installed...some even remove the system, so the dash light doesn't illuminate, and when they go to winter or racing rims.

I really wish the system should actual tire pressure by .5 psi increments on the dash board screen menus....that would be useful.

What did we ever do before TPMS? sarcasm.

 

Problem is if you just go into your shop or Toyota and say fix all 4, could be approaching $600 or more, so it's a pain in the butt. Many may choose to live with TPMS light. With Techstream you can essentially deactivate system by yourself but it is against the law for service shops to disable.

I have a thread on using Techstream to manage this. Even if you don't have Techstream it is perhaps helpful. The Gen2 OEM TPMS can be got at Amazon for about $35 per tire. You still probably have to pay tire shop a fee to deflate you tires and insert. So it's best to catch it proactively when you change tires.

Mine lasted 9.5-yrs and 150,000 miles. It's a pain that Toyota does not show Tire Pressure data on the screen...even Cruze does that, right in your face the Cruze display is. That would help get better MPG and remind users to replace when they change tires.

TPMS Management with Techstream | PriusChat

 

I have no problem living with a bitty orange TPMS light, do it for about 3 months each winter, with our snow tires. It's even less noticeable than the passenger airbag status light. And there's no way I would repair or replace failing TPMS sensors, when they die they're gone.

Sad thing is: I appreciate the system. But the implementation is to complicated and costly.

 

That is basically a fantastic price. My shop quoted a much higher price.
So the trick is going to the right place...probably tire shops.

By the way, it seems to be the 17-in tires are harder on the TPMS so my observed 9.5-yr/150k miles may not apply there.