Tire pressure sensors. Any replacement that does not require reprogramming?

May just need a new valve insert rather than a whole new sensor.

 

They’re called rebuild kits and they are a few dollars each.

Some Autel MaxiTPMS units come packaged with sensors that can clone the ones on your car so no reprogramming is necessary.

 

Just try replacing the valve stem first? That way the tire doesn't need to be dismounted. Costco charges something like $4 (per tire) for their rebuild kit. Maybe just go to a tire place, see what they say.

Try putting soapy water on the end of the valve stem, see if it bubbles.

Also, maybe the current valve stem just needs to a little tighter or looser??

Again, a tire place might be your best bet, they have the experience, and it might be a freebie, they're hoping you'll appreciate it and come back when you need new tires.

 

How did this service station "person" determine where it was leaking is my question.

 

FYI - about a year ago a local Costco quoted me something like $75 or less to replace one TPMS sensor. That included the sensor, but they don't allow you to bring your own part. Not sure if the pricing is just that location.

 

You can also try to snug up the nut on the valve stem. But if you use the soapy water, or spit, you could see it bubble.
You could go to a bicycle shop or car place and they will give you a valve out of an old tube or stem they cut off.

 

I think you can:

1 try tighten/loosen existing valve stem. There's a special screw driver for this, and all you do is take off valve cap.

2 if it continues to leak (test with soapy water), completely remove it by screwing it right out (air will rush out) and install a new one.

Maybe google for more info too, like what's the sweet spot when screwing them in.

 

If it is leaking from the valve, like others suggested, replacing the valve core and washer included in the rebuilt kit (cost about $5) may fix the problem. However, sometimes, the valve stem get corroded due to road salt, and the shop is unable to replace the washer and core without replacing entire TPMS sensor unit. It happened to my other car. If this is the case, as might as well have the tire shop replace the TPMS and reset it. You do not have to take the car back to a dealer. Any tire shop will be able to replace your TPMS and reprogram it. OEM TPMS is more expensive and they non-dealer tire shop may only have aftermarket TPMS, but they work fine. Of course, if the shop will allow it and you don't mind TPMS light on your dash, you can have them install regular valve without TPMS sensor. That would be the cheapest fix.

 

Yeah spit works well, always available lol.

 

Take the wheel off, straddle it and walk it along, eyeballing it for nails. Pry out anything suspicious you see with a small flat blade screw driver (good time to wear safety glasses). If nothing turns up, spritz the whole tire with sudsy water. Could be something tiny, a crack, a leak along the rim.

Hmm, never mind: sounds like you've had a very thorough inspection done.

 

It could be leaking from where the rim and tire meet.
It may not leak when there is no weight on it.
But there is a seat around the TPM that may be leaking also.
You could try letting the air out of the tire, loosening the nut for the tpm, and
squirting some silicone between the rim and valve then retightening the nut.
Let it dry and then fill the tire again. And see if it leaks...

 

It's NOT permanent, but at least you'll know if it's the problem or not...

 

Then you'll have to submerge it in water and go slowly and look for leaks.
It is leaking from somewhere. Since it's slow. You'll have to go very slowly.
I don't remember how long it was, tat least an hour for me to find a slow leak around the rim.
I have to remove the tire, wire brush the rim, clean the tire, and reinstall it.