Pressure sensitive valves

[GSLV6]

This has probably been done to death (my apologies if so) but here goes anyway, as times change and advice may have changed.  I have a 2007 GS300SE. It had the usual wheel finish issues, so this year I had a local specialist strip, clean back and powder coat the wheels and lacquer them (and a very nice job too, matching the original colour well).  However, the fitting kit nuts previously on the valves had seized solid on all 4 corners, and he said removing them would likely strip or snap the valves, which as it transpired was what happened, leaving him no choice but to drill them out.  He replaced them with standard valves as that was what I wanted, not understanding the ramifications with the Lexus warning system.

Anyway, long story short is they did 1000 miles or close to afterwards before warning lights showed (why they didn't show previously, I don't know) and taking the car into my nearest Lexus dealer, they advice that this cannot be fixed by disconnecting the sensor (they tried, and after relieving me of £60, I was told "no change").  It now looks as if will have to have new Lexus valves fitted to cure the problem and I have been quoted £486 plus probably another £60 to reconnect the sensor, so about £550!

I do of course have the option of simply ignoring the lights but this will affect resale value if and when I come to trade in or sell the car so I probably will get the valves done at some point.  I have seen valves sold on eBay from Germany which are claimed to be coded to the GS300 but am also aware that USA supplied valves (which they may still be...grey valve with orange wing-nut like fitting on them) won't work on UK cars.

Has anyone a source for the valves cheaper than the £72 each for the genuine parts as this does seem excessive for what is a relatively simple part these days.  I have no issues with Lexus doing the work as their customer service is excellent.

[OJWM]

Would love to be of more comfort, but TPMS valves have also been both tedious and expensive for me too. Got some replaced by Lexus (expensively) after some corrosion on the stems and tried to get another replaced by a branch of National Tyres on a separate occasion - they used a third party (fractionally less expensive) replacement which failed to work, so had to take that to Lexus to resolve too...! One of those things you just need to grin and bear I think - you will, at least, get rid of the warning light! :)

[GSLV6]

Thanks OJM.  Yes, I think you may be right there.  I plan to keep the car for a few years yet, so will just probably have to grimace and bear it!  My experience to date is that the GS has been an expensive car to run due to a number of "one-off" issues...combined, there's not a lot "one-off" about them cost-wise!

[OJWM]

Ha, I've found similar, though all my issues to date have been with wheels / running gear - would be OK apart from the fact that the price is obviously multiplied by up to four (depending on how many corners are affected). Have had TPMS x3, shocks x4, brake pads x2, tyres x3 (x1 of those being to replace a brand new one, punctured by a nail). All ultimately wear and tear but never cheap!

[steve2006]

There are 2 different types of sensor dependant on the month and year of manufacture, the cheapest one 01/2005 to 06/2006 is £52.53 from Amayama plus shipping and possible import tax, 07/2006 to 08/2007 are more expensive at £74.53 plus shipping and possible tax.

On my parts website their is a non TMPS valve ( i.e.standard valve) shown in the parts list also which would question if the option could actually be removed?

[GSLV6]

I tackled this very question with lexus today Steve, having previously been told that the sensors and warning lamps could be either coded out or disconnected for use with standard valves.  That, it would appear, is entirely dependant upon model.  You'd be forgiven for thinking, for example, that the very same system was used between LS/GS cars and SC cars.  Not so. Had my car been an SC model from the same year (2007), then the sensor could simply be disconnected and standard valves used (or at least that is what I was told).  However, this does not work on the GS.  I know because I had my sensor disconnected this morning and the warning lamps still light.  Apparently, it was seen as a back-up safety thing, so cannot be coded out using VCDS (or whatever it is they use at Lexus).  I'm none too happy that a manufacturer would foist such ludicrous systems on its customers because it removes choice and costs more.  It ought to have been an optional extra, coded in or coded out as required, meaning anyone could use standard valves. It's a complete nonsense that it wasn't done this way.

I wouldn't have minded but have just had to foot a £756 bill for a new exhaust system (then pay locally to have it fitted), replace some shocks and brake pads, the engine's been out for some hydraulic tappet replacements at 64,000 miles last year (I'm told this is a "one-off" and they've had GS cars in with 250K on the original ones), plus have had to powder coat the wheels which caused the TMPS issue in the first place as corrosion meant they valves were seized solid and had to be sheared off and drilled out before the wheels could be powder coated.  I like Lexus cars (at least some models), especially pre 2009/10 versions, but have to question the cost of ownership longer terms if any more "issues" crop up.

[Diesel Do Nicely Brian]

Try these guys - they can actually clone your existing TPMS valves which means they can simply be fitted without even needing to get Lexus to code them.  However, you need the original valve codes (which I assume you can't get).  Here is my email last week to/from them (MUCH cheaper than Lexus).  I'd imagine standard ones that would need to be coded by Lexus may be even cheaper.

 

Hello Brian,

 

For us to clone your original sensors we would need the ID numbers off your original sensors.

 

These are printed on the sensor themselves and each sensor has an individual ID number.

 

This would mean you have to remove the tyre and retrieve the ID numbers. These would be priced at £216inc VAT & Delivery 

 

Any questions don’t hesitate to ask 

 

Kind Regards

 

Josh Palmer

 

UK Tel: 01254 301021

International: +441254 301021

 

Web: www.tpmswarehouse.co.uk

TPMS Warehouse - The UK's leading supplier of TPMS Sensors

 

An ACD of Lancashire Company

 

[Diesel Do Nicely Brian]

Another option - if the TPMS warning is simply a light, can the bulb be removed from the dash?

I believe all November 2012 onwards cars (maybe 2014) need to have TPMS or equivalent fitted by law now, and it's also now an MOT failure if a warning light shows, so it will need sorted either way.

[Verbout]

I think this is the best work around I've seen in ages:

 

[GSLV6]

Bulb cannot be removed (I was told it might be an LED connected directly to the PCB) and the car has just gone through an MOT (and passed) with the warning light showing.  I didn't know it was a legal requirement...presumably that only applies to cars made from 2012, hence won't affect older models?  Trouble is these days, the lowest common denominator wins out and people aren't trusted with a tyre pressure gauge and common sense!

The price quoted to you Brian seems reasonable at £20 per corner less per unit  than Lexus but I'm so fed up with the issue that rather than mess about, I'll go to Lexus and get it sorted once and for all, plus at least it'll be covered by an 18 month warranty.  I do find that Lexus customer service has been second to none, at least with my nearest dealer.