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TPS vs full-size spare

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by bwilson4web, Jun 15, 2009.

  1. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    How does one handle getting a full-size spare with a TPS that matches the existing set? Is this something my dealer should be able to handle?

    I like to have a full-size tire so if on a trip, something bad happens, we change the tire and keep on rolling. I then have the option of shopping to have the flat tire repaired. Then the repaired tire goes in the well until it is time to rotate.

    So any 'lessons learned,' suggestions or recommendations?

    Thanks,
    Bob Wilson
     
    #1 bwilson4web, Jun 15, 2009
  2. stream

    stream Senior Member

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    You should check whether a full size spare would fit in the storage area--I doubt it would. The space saver spares do just that.
     
    #2 stream, Jun 15, 2009
  3. brick

    brick Active Member

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    I don't think you would be able to add a 5th sensor. The computer learns each of the four pressure sensors individually so it's not as simple as matching a frequency or code. The computer would have to have a 5th register.
     
    #3 brick, Jun 15, 2009
  4. Rokeby

    Rokeby Member

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    Bob,

    At least on the Gen II you have two imperfect options for a full-size
    spare vis-a-vis the TPMS:
    * Run it without a sensor, and tape over the dash warning light.
    * Run it with a sensor and pay ~$60 USD to have the dealer
    reprogram the computer to recognize the "spare" when it is in use.

    But all the little details on the Gen II may not map across to the
    Gen III. Reprogramming the computer is a major complaint for folks
    up north as it runs up a bitterly resented $120 annual bill for those
    folks who run a second set of rims with full on snow tires in the winter
    and want TPMS protection.

    Maybe, just maybe, Toyota has changed the TPMS on the GEN III so it
    can recognize/monitor up to eight tires without reprogramming. I
    would think it would be worth giving somebody high up at ToyotaUSA
    a call/email to see if anything has changed.

    (Separately, there is the issue of the TPMS sender in the tire being
    always on and running down it's battery which IIRC has ~5 yr. service
    life. It is quite expensive to replace including de/remounting the
    tire.

    When I mentioned the TPMS to the manager of the nearby MR. Tire,
    he just about exploded in contempt for the whole concept, its different
    implementations, and the future costs it represents for drivers and the
    raging anger he's going to have to bear/deflect due those costs.)
     
    #4 Rokeby, Jun 15, 2009
  5. HTMLSpinnr

    HTMLSpinnr Super Moderator
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    Mexican spec Prius has a full sized spare. I don't know if they have TPMS though.
     
    #5 HTMLSpinnr, Jun 15, 2009
  6. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    Yes, but they have 12" wheels and low profile tires. :rolleyes:

    Tom
     
    #6 qbee42, Jun 15, 2009
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  7. dogfriend

    dogfriend Human - Animal Hybrid

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    How about just running 4 of the "Space Saver" tires and rims? You are limited to 50mph and they are hard as a rock, but I bet there would be a noticeable FE improvement over the regular tires. :madgrin:
     
    #7 dogfriend, Jun 15, 2009
  8. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    That's a great idea. You could get some spinner wheel covers for them, and add blue under-body lights.

    Tom
     
    #8 qbee42, Jun 15, 2009
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