TPM Programing Questions?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Technical Discussion' started by Markee, Oct 17, 2025 at 7:15 PM.

  1. Markee

    Markee Member

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    Getting new tires put on my 2013 Prius and replace the TPMS sensors at the same time. I already picked up four new genuine Toyota sensors.

    What’s the typical cost for a shop to program them? Or would it make more sense to just buy a cheap programmer and do it myself? Feels like it might be a good excuse to grab a tool that could come in handy later if it ends up costing about the same either way?
     
  2. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

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    If you bought the tires at the same shop that is mounting them, they really ought to program the new sensors to the car for free. The additional labor is that low.

    If the tires, like the sensors, came from elsewhere, then programming not free.
     
  3. JanMG

    JanMG New Member

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    You can program it yourself with any laptop with techstream, the mini vci cable is $35 on amazon. You just need to write down the IDs of the sensors before installation. If you plan to keep your car for more than 3 years get the denso/pacific tpms sensors. Its a pain if you get them installed and die on you after a month or two.

    Tireshops prices vary by location. Ask around weigh your options.
     
  4. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    Ap 200 or elm 327band various apps almost all cheapo car software can do TPMS these days
     
  5. VelvetFoot

    VelvetFoot Member

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    My last two MINIs didn't require any programming at all with anything external.
    A few months ago, I bought new sensors off Amazon, cheap (make sure correct frequency) and they paired easily to the car with no external assistance.
    Does the new model Prius still need external intervention?
     
  6. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    My vote doesn't really require programming it has the mode you put the car in and then I walk around with this device that wakes up the new sensors or whatever it does it's cost $9 and it's how that types done usually if your car has the capability to put it in the learn mode then no. But that can get complicated with some car manufacturer so I'mnpt sure about gen5 . Either way to own the car you're going to need to have a scanner like AP series. Or something or maybe you're one of those that just drops it off and don't want to know anything I don't know
     
  7. VelvetFoot

    VelvetFoot Member

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    Maybe I'll just wait to think about it until a battery fails, lol. It should be a few years.
    edit: I just read the manual. Seems you can do it yourself, but Toyota's TPMS seems needlessly complex, compared to BMW/MINI (Bosch?).