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2012 PIP > Tire Sensors

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by PixelRogue, Mar 6, 2021.

  1. PixelRogue

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    • Hello everyone,

    Tire sensor or two went bad (presuming.)
    Thought it was a change in pressure from colder temperatures however sensor remains on and pressure in all tires are solid.
    • How much are thee to purchase?
    • Are these easy enough to replace for someone who is handy enough yet is not set up in a place to remove a wheel or tire?
    • Recommended brand names/links?
    • Any way of know ‘which’ sensor went bad without manually testing each sensor?
    Any insight appreciated - thank you.
     
  2. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    Call around for prices on "real" OEM ones.
    Cheap Chinese knock-offs often do not work or don't last very long.
    Given the age of your vehicle, they ALL probably should be replaced.
    The batteries don't last forever.

    And replacing them is not DIY for anyone who can't replace their own tires.

    OR.....you could just use a tire gauge and ignore the light. :whistle:
     
    walterm likes this.
  3. cnc97

    cnc97 Senior Member

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    I had new sensors put in by the shop that installed my new tires just after Christmas. They sold me their stock brand of sensors. Two of them have already failed, and it’s just March.
     
  4. Wooward

    Wooward Junior Member

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    You're in luck, I just replaced all 4 of TPMS sensors today. If you have all the right tools, it's not too bad. I did it myself because I wanted to learn how to do it. If you don't want to get so involved, I would buy the sensors and then pay a shop to install them. I'm guessing they'd charge ~$15 per tire to install and program.

    How much are they to purchase?
    The Toyota TPMS part number is 42607-33012. The OEM equivalent is Denso 550-0103. Both are made by Pacific Industrial Co. You can find them for about $30-$40 each.

    Left is Toyota, right is Denso.

    Are these easy enough to replace for someone who is handy enough yet is not set up in a place to remove a wheel or tire?
    I'd say it's doable if you are handy and have the right tools. You'll need an air compressor and a way to break the bead. I used a jack and wood to break the outer bead. There are other techniques on youtube you can check out. You'll need to remove the wheel/tire off the vehicle. This was the first time I've ever broken a tire bead. If you don't mind learning and taking the time, it's a fun experience.

    You'll need a TPMS reader to get the ID and also Techstream to program the ECU.


    Recommended brand names/links?

    Denso 550-0103
    I bought 4 Denso 550-0103 off eBay for ~$120. 4pc NEW Denso 550-0103 TPMS Tire Pressure Sensor for 88974915 42607-75010 | eBay
    You can also find on Amazon for ~$33 each.

    Toyota 42607-33012
    Currently 4 for $109.99. This is the same seller I bought the Denso from. If you buy these, you should contact the seller to verify the washer and nut is included. 4pcs NEW TPMS Tire Pressure Sensor FOR Toyota Lexus 42607-33012 | eBay

    Any way of know ‘which’ sensor went bad without manually testing each sensor?
    I have an Autel TS508 that I used to scan each tire and find out which is bad. Without a TPMS reader, I don't know how you'll be able to determine exactly which TPMS is bad.
     
    #4 Wooward, Mar 7, 2021
    Last edited: Mar 7, 2021
  5. cnc97

    cnc97 Senior Member

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    They are actually nice enough to print the transmitter ID on the sensor.

    That is the most interesting way of breaking the bead I have seen in a while. Back in the 80’s, my dad used to drive another car over the edge of a bead to unseat it. LoL
     
  6. Wooward

    Wooward Junior Member

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    The IDs on the Toyota ones I pulled out matched the ID on the sensor. However, the IDs on the Denso I read out, did not match the ID that was printed on them... Not sure why they didn't match.
     
  7. PixelRogue

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    Lack the space and equipment needed.
    I am comfortable ignoring the light albeit the time will come for an inspection any and dash light will fail inspection.

    Is the only purpose of the tire sensor for air pressure?
     
  8. PixelRogue

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    One of the most relevant fast and thorough responses ever. Huge thank you.
     
  9. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    What US State are you in? Only some will fail you.
     
  10. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    Yes.
    Might want to double check that "any light" theory.
     
  11. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    Only SOME have mandatory inspections......very few, in fact.
    And I am a bit skeptical that a tire pressure monitor would really cause a failure.......since that is not required equipment.
     
  12. PixelRogue

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    Update: Something happened to the tire sensor after there was work at a service shop. Had work scheduled for the same shop and they immediately (w/o even asking mind you) saw the issue and fixed it free as part of the other service...stated they used sensors that were not quality and they installed 'a quality' replacement (do not know what name or 'quality'). No more dash light problem, and a new level of respect for the shop.
     
    Yea Right and jerrymildred like this.