TPMS: Tyre Pressure Monitoring System

[JeffL]

My TPMS warning light and message has been nagging me for about a week now, so I need to get it sorted. Car will 15 years old later this year (86K miles) so I presume it requires new sensors or new batteries in the sensors. I'm not into DIY on cars so I need someone to do it. What are the options guys, expected price etc. One solution for me might be to buy 4 new sensors from, say, Autodoc and get my indie to fit them. What do you think is best solution? Thanks.

[royoftherovers]

4 minutes ago, JeffL said:

My TPMS warning light and message has been nagging me for about a week now, so I need to get it sorted. Car will 15 years old later this year (86K miles) so I presume it requires new sensors or new batteries in the sensors. I'm not into DIY on cars so I need someone to do it. What are the options guys, expected price etc. One solution for me might be to buy 4 new sensors from, say, Autodoc and get my indie to fit them. What do you think is best solution? Thanks.

1. Lexus Dealer

2. Lexus Indie.

Who is the Indie as I need to add to list on Indies Jeff.

[Malc]

16 minutes ago, JeffL said:

What do you think is best solution?

this might be a little irreverent BUT

I read on here recently somewhere of a Member's costs @£400 to sort this all out  

I would seriously consider simply disabling the TPMS totally as there's no MOT requirement for it to function 

... just check the tyre pressures with the usual eye-looking technology engaged with the occasional foot-kicking tech too ..  I jest on the latter part of this reply .  don't do anything that might damage your toes 

Malc

[LenT]

18 minutes ago, JeffL said:

My TPMS warning light and message has been nagging me for about a week now, so I need to get it sorted. Car will 15 years old later this year (86K miles) so I presume it requires new sensors or new batteries in the sensors. I'm not into DIY on cars so I need someone to do it. What are the options guys, expected price etc. One solution for me might be to buy 4 new sensors from, say, Autodoc and get my indie to fit them. What do you think is best solution? Thanks.

TPMS valve batteries can be replaced, apparently.  But it’s hideously involved.  They normally last up to ten years, so you’ve done well.

I would have thought that before you buy any, it would be worth checking with your Indie that they can program the valves to your system.

Another point to consider is the state of your tyres.  If they need replacing, now would be a good time.  Then you get both items replaced in one operation.  Which raises a final point:  you might be better off getting an estimate from a good tyre retailer who can supply both the valves and, if required, the tyres.

[JeffL]

21 minutes ago, royoftherovers said:

1. Lexus Dealer

2. Lexus Indie.

Who is the Indie as I need to add to list on Indies Jeff.

You've probably already got them on your list John as I've been using them for many years and I think I told you about them previously but here you go. https://churchlanegarage.com

[JeffL]

3 minutes ago, LenT said:

TPMS valve batteries can be replaced, apparently.  But it’s hideously involved.  They normally last up to ten years, so you’ve done well.

I would have thought that before you buy any, it would be worth checking with your Indie that they can program the valves to your system.

Another point to consider is the state of your tyres.  If they need replacing, now would be a good time.  Then you get both items replaced in one operation.  Which raises a final point:  you might be better off getting an estimate from a good tyre retailer who can supply both the valves and, if required, the tyres.

Thanks Len, but just had the tyres replaced and I'm thinking the possibility that the sensors or sensor batteries were disturbed during the procedure but I agree I have done well to get 15 years out of them.

[royoftherovers]

9 minutes ago, JeffL said:

You've probably already got them on your list John as I've been using them for many years and I think I told you about them previously but here you go. https://churchlanegarage.com

Thanks Jeff, I don`t see to have them, so I will add them. Many thanks.

[JeffL]

12 minutes ago, Malc said:

this might be a little irreverent BUT

I read on here recently somewhere of a Member's costs @£400 to sort this all out  

I would seriously consider simply disabling the TPMS totally as there's no MOT requirement for it to function 

... just check the tyre pressures with the usual eye-looking technology engaged with the occasional foot-kicking tech too ..  I jest on the latter part of this reply .  don't do anything that might damage your toes 

Malc

Hi Malc, I thought about disabling them but it might invalidate my insurance? If I were to be involved in an accident the car could be deemed to be 'not to manufacturers specification' ? Insurance companies always ask if the car has been modified in any way from the manufacturers standard specification for that specific model etc. The TPMS systems do of course add additional safety as they warn about slow punctures and under or over inflated tyres.

[LenT]

6 minutes ago, JeffL said:

Thanks Len, but just had the tyres replaced and I'm thinking the possibility that the sensors or sensor batteries were disturbed during the procedure but I agree I have done well to get 15 years out of them.

The batteries are sealed inside the body of the valve unit, so I doubt that they can be disturbed.  There’s no reason to touch the sensor body while changing the tyres, although I suppose it’s conceivable that a careless fitter might have caused some contact.

But when I had a TPMS valve damaged (the valve stem was broken off!) my local tyre retailer fitted and programmed an OEM replacement for £65 - if that’s a guide!

[royoftherovers]

1 minute ago, LenT said:

The batteries are sealed inside the body of the valve unit, so I doubt that they can be disturbed.  There’s no reason to touch the sensor body while changing the tyres, although I suppose it’s conceivable that a careless fitter might have caused some contact.

But when I had a TPMS valve damaged (the valve stem was broken off!) my local tyre retailer fitted and programmed an OEM replacement for £65 - if that’s a guide!

You often seem to give most comprehensive and thoughtful responses old Pal.

It is to someone`s eternal gift that we share your wisdom which thankfully, no longer resides within the bosom of a single Honda Forum anywhere on Planet Earth.

I swear that in my formative years, I remember you or perhaps someone like you, sitting alongside Barbara Kelly as a Panelist and contributing significantly to many erudite discussions.

Do enjoy a hearty postprandial drink !

[NemesisUK]

53 minutes ago, LenT said:

The batteries are sealed inside the body of the valve unit, so I doubt that they can be disturbed.  There’s no reason to touch the sensor body while changing the tyres, although I suppose it’s conceivable that a careless fitter might have caused some contact.

But when I had a TPMS valve damaged (the valve stem was broken off!) my local tyre retailer fitted and programmed an OEM replacement for £65 - if that’s a guide!

All one needs to know about replacing the batteries - thanks Britprius 

 

 

[LenT]

1 hour ago, royoftherovers said:

I swear that in my formative years, I remember you or perhaps someone like you, sitting alongside Barbara Kelly as a Panellist 

Thank you for those kind words, John.

But I think you may be confusing me with the late Gilbert Harding. 😊

[royoftherovers]

2 minutes ago, LenT said:

Thank you for those kind words, John.

But I think you may be confusing me with the late Gilbert Harding. 😊

Probably Sir Mortimer. Sir.

[LenT]

9 hours ago, JeffL said:

My TPMS warning light and message has been nagging me for about a week now….

At the risk of exposing my further levels of ignorance, a couple of the more obvious questions occur to me!

My TPMS warning was only a light, not a message as well. Did you actually get an additional message? 

Although after 15 years Battery failure would hardly be a surprise - and forgive me for asking this - but are the tyre pressures correct?  My system was once activated by a drop in pressure caused by a very cold morning.  

A low pressure reading would at least indicate the problem wheel/s.  Low pressure could be caused by a leaking valve. or a damaged wheel or tyre.  

You also mention that the tyres are new.  How long after fitting the new tyres did this TPMS problem occur?

It’s possible that one has not located correctly on the rim - especially if the wheels are also old.  It’s also possible that the TPMS needs resetting after the fitting of new tyres.  That was the case when I had one tyre replaced.

I agree with you that a working TPMS is well worth having.  But my personal experience is that a good tyre retailer has more expertise in this area and might offer a better price then a Dealer, repair shop or Indie. Whether they would fit your own valves is a question to be asked.

[JeffL]

2 hours ago, LenT said:

At the risk of exposing my further levels of ignorance, a couple of the more obvious questions occur to me!

My TPMS warning was only a light, not a message as well. Did you actually get an additional message? 

Although after 15 years battery failure would hardly be a surprise - and forgive me for asking this - but are the tyre pressures correct?  My system was once activated by a drop in pressure caused by a very cold morning.  

A low pressure reading would at least indicate the problem wheel/s.  Low pressure could be caused by a leaking valve. or a damaged wheel or tyre.  

You also mention that the tyres are new.  How long after fitting the new tyres did this TPMS problem occur?

It’s possible that one has not located correctly on the rim - especially if the wheels are also old.  It’s also possible that the TPMS needs resetting after the fitting of new tyres.  That was the case when I had one tyre replaced.

I agree with you that a working TPMS is well worth having.  But my personal experience is that a good tyre retailer has more expertise in this area and might offer a better price then a Dealer, repair shop or Indie. Whether they would fit your own valves is a question to be asked.

Absolutely spot-on questions and considerations! The light and message "Check System" came on within a few days of having the new tyres fitted so I immediately checked the pressures. I regularly check all 4 tyre pressures with the old fashioned type of tyre pressure gauge and adjust by letting air out and checking again or pumping up with a foot pump and checking again. This is why I think there was some sort of disturbance to the sensors, or at least one of them when the new tyres were fitted, but as we agree, not surprising after 15 years. The tyres were fitted at Blackcircles whom I've used several times before with no problems but I do have another tyre company near by I've used before for punctures and new valve inners so I'll pop along there and see what they have to say. 1. Check if system requires resetting. 2. Check tyres located properly on rims. 3. Check damage on wheels (although wheels appear to be in pristine condition to me). 4. Check for a leaking valve(s).  Thanks for your help 🙂

[LenT]

4 hours ago, JeffL said:

Absolutely spot-on questions and considerations! The light and message "Check System" came on within a few days of having the new tyres fitted so I immediately checked the pressures. I regularly check all 4 tyre pressures with the old fashioned type of tyre pressure gauge and adjust by letting air out and checking again.

This is why I think there was some sort of disturbance to the sensors, or at least one of them when the new tyres were fitted, but as we agree, not surprising after 15 years. The tyres were fitted at Blackcircles whom I've used several times before with no problems but I do have another tyre company near by I've used before for punctures and new valve inners so I'll pop along there and see what they have to say. 1. Check if system requires resetting. 2. Check tyres located properly on rims. 3. Check damage on wheels (although wheels appear to be in pristine condition to me). 4. Check for a leaking valve(s).  Thanks for your help 🙂

Many thanks, Jeff, for taking the time to give such a detailed reply.  For what it's worth, that's pretty much all I can contribute on TPMS.  I'll be fascinated to know what the problem really was!

4 hours ago, JeffL said:

or pumping up with a foot pump

I'm impressed.  I get my exercise by walking from wheel to wheel with my Digital Tyre inflator.

One last thought: Are your dust caps metal or plastic?  Metal has an unfortunate tendency to corrode onto the valve stem, which then snaps off when an attempt is made to remove it.  I speak from bitter experience!

[JeffL]

13 minutes ago, LenT said:

Many thanks, Jeff, for taking the time to give such a detailed reply.  For what it's worth, that's pretty much all I can contribute on TPMS.  I'll be fascinated to know what the problem really was!

I'm impressed.  I get my exercise by walking from wheel to wheel with my Digital Tyre Inflator.

One last thought: Are your dust caps metal or plastic?  Metal has an unfortunate tendency to corrode onto the valve stem, which then snaps off when an attempt is made to remove it.  I speak from bitter experience!

Orignally metal but have had plastic ones on for a long time. I've thought about a digital tyre inflator and might need one one day, what make and model do you have?

[LenT]

1 hour ago, JeffL said:

Orignally metal but have had plastic ones on for a long time. I've thought about a digital tyre inflator and might need one one day, what make and model do you have?

It’s called a SKEY Air Compressor which I bought off amazon some time ago.  It works extremely well.  Unfortunately it doesn’t appear to be available at the moment but virtually identical inflators are.  I wouldn’t be at all surprised to learn that they all originate from the same factory in China!

Alternatively, I’ve seen good reports on Digital Inflators from Halfords, the AA, Michelin…you’re spoilt for choice.
 

 

[JeffL]

32 minutes ago, LenT said:

It’s called a SKEY Air Compressor which I bought off Amazon some time ago.  It works extremely well.  Unfortunately it doesn’t appear to be available at the moment but virtually identical inflators are.  I wouldn’t be at all surprised to learn that they all originate from the same factory in China!

Alternatively, I’ve seen good reports on Digital Inflators from Halfords, the AA, Michelin…you’re spoilt for choice.
 

 

This looks like the same item under a different name.       https://www.amazon.co.uk/Oeream-Compressor-Rechargeable-Motorcycle-Inflatables/dp/B09P8GY9R1/ref=sr_1_10?adgrpid=113331370554&gclid=Cj0KCQjwkruVBhCHARIsACVIiOzWv9wCAhPc0zmwOMUrFOigWIxDG_qhrEJPKBRFRBMdd83ekeMKm54aAjlUEALw_wcB&hvadid=469476893920&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9046626&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=b&hvrand=5502544052893767985&hvtargid=kwd-998943577635&hydadcr=11365_1853804&keywords=skey%2Bcar%2Btyre%2Binflator&qid=1655643306&sr=8-10&th=1

[LenT]

13 minutes ago, JeffL said:

This looks like the same item under a different name.       https://www.amazon.co.uk/Oeream-Compressor-Rechargeable-Motorcycle-Inflatables/dp/B09P8GY9R1/ref=sr_1_10?adgrpid=113331370554&gclid=Cj0KCQjwkruVBhCHARIsACVIiOzWv9wCAhPc0zmwOMUrFOigWIxDG_qhrEJPKBRFRBMdd83ekeMKm54aAjlUEALw_wcB&hvadid=469476893920&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9046626&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=b&hvrand=5502544052893767985&hvtargid=kwd-998943577635&hydadcr=11365_1853804&keywords=skey%2Bcar%2Btyre%2Binflator&qid=1655643306&sr=8-10&th=1

Yep, that looks like it.  Well tracked down.

[Initial P]

I sometimes wish TPMS was never invented!

[McRattlehead]

Agreed total PITA i had mine changed by a local mobile tyre fitter for £45 each he used Autel sensors.

This is the first car i have had with sensors,i don't need them as i check the pressures every fortnight.

[Malc]

15 hours ago, Initial P said:

I sometimes wish TPMS was never invented!

it never was for my car ............

Malc

[Sherra]

On 6/19/2022 at 6:57 AM, JeffL said:

Absolutely spot-on questions and considerations! The light and message "Check System" came on within a few days of having the new tyres fitted so I immediately checked the pressures. I regularly check all 4 tyre pressures with the old fashioned type of tyre pressure gauge and adjust by letting air out and checking again or pumping up with a foot pump and checking again. This is why I think there was some sort of disturbance to the sensors, or at least one of them when the new tyres were fitted, but as we agree, not surprising after 15 years. The tyres were fitted at Blackcircles whom I've used several times before with no problems but I do have another tyre company near by I've used before for punctures and new valve inners so I'll pop along there and see what they have to say. 1. Check if system requires resetting. 2. Check tyres located properly on rims. 3. Check damage on wheels (although wheels appear to be in pristine condition to me). 4. Check for a leaking valve(s).  Thanks for your help 🙂

Check System indicates Battery or transmitter problem not low tyre pressure. Recently I replaced batteries in mine so have experience of the two different warnings.

[JeffL]

UPDATE: I went to a local tyre specialist I've used before and they connected the car to their diagnostics equipment and found one sensor not responding. They reset the system, charged me the princely sum of £30 and all has been well for the last 10 days. So a result at a very reasonable price. I can recommend https://www.thetyrepeople.co.uk/ for anyone who is not too far away from Manchester Airport area. 😀