Faulty TPMS sensor?

hdp00 · July 21, 2023

I had all 4 tyres replaced by ATS Euromaster this morning - it drove home fine but the TPMS light came on this evening and stayed on despite 40 miles of driving. Plugged my Carista OBD in just now and one of the tyre sensors shows an error code, can't be read. What's the likely cause - faulty sensor (damaged during tyre change?)

Would it best to take it to Lexus to get it fixed?

Spock66 · July 21, 2023

18 minutes ago, hdp00 said:

Would it best to take it to Lexus to get it fixed?

Personally I would take it back to the tyre shop in the first instance.

Bob99 · July 21, 2023

I would check all your tyres are at the right pressure then do a reset with the switch below the steering column. Not easy to find but have ignition on and keep pressed until tpms light flashes. I have just renewed my sensors and even though I had programmed the new ones with Carista they needed resetting when I got in the car.

hdp00 · July 21, 2023

I've tried resetting, but the TPMS light is permanently on (not flashing) and holding down the reset button doesn't cause the light to start flashing, so it doesn't seem to start the reset process? Hmm...

Bob99 · July 21, 2023

Looks like the sensor may have gone. I have just had my wheels refurbed and new tyres fitted that’s why I changed the sensors as they were 10 years old and didn’t want to have to change one due to a Battery failure in the near future. If ATS broke one when changing your tyres and fitted another sensor they might think the system will learn the id of the new sensor but don’t think that is the case with Lexus because they need to be programmed with Carista as you know. I’d take it back and get them to check the sensor

LenT · July 21, 2023

1 hour ago, Spock66 said:

Personally I would take it back to the tyre shop in the first instance.

I would agree.

After all, presumably there was no problem with the valve before ATS changed the tyre? In fact I had the same problem when I had one tyre replaced. On returning to the tyre shop, the mechanic simply said I should drive around for an hour or so and it would reset.

I pointed out that I’d already been doing that! In fact, I persevered with the reset button and eventually that worked.

However, there are other points to consider. If ATS did indeed damage the valve and/or replace it, then the system has to be recalibrated to recognise it. But ATS should know that.

Alternatively, these valves have between 5-10 years Battery life, depending how frequently the system has been activated. So if one has now failed, then the others may not be far behind.

In the first instance, ATS should be able to confirm your own Carista finding and should be able to supply an equivalent valve.

When I replaced one it was £65 - rather less than one from Lexus. It may be just coincidence that it failed after a tyre change, but ATS should have spotted the warning light. At the very least, they should waive the fitting charge!

hdp00 · July 21, 2023

There were no problems with the sensors prior to today. Only new tyres (and valves) were installed but the TPMS sensors weren't replaced - I've checked my list of TPMS serial numbers from last year and all 4 on Carista are still the same, it's just that one can't be read - the car is coming up to 8 years old so I'm tempted to think the Battery has gone and it's no longer transmitting? I drove 120 miles after getting the tyres fitted and no TPMS warning light at all - so the sensors were still working when I'd left, but later in the day, one was giving an error and can't be read.

Rabbers · July 22, 2023

I once had a similar problem caused by a faulty sensor. I had changed tyres shortly before and, being about to leave on a long trip, couldn’t wait for the replacement sensor ordered by my dealer - this not being a regularly stocked item.

There was nothing to worry about since the pressure of the relative tyre was OK, but a month’s driving with the TPMS warning light on was extremely irritating.

Notamech · July 22, 2023

10 hours ago, hdp00 said:

There were no problems with the sensors prior to today. Only new tyres (and valves) were installed but the TPMS sensors weren't replaced - I've checked my list of TPMS serial numbers from last year and all 4 on Carista are still the same, it's just that one can't be read - the car is coming up to 8 years old so I'm tempted to think the battery has gone and it's no longer transmitting? I drove 120 miles after getting the tyres fitted and no TPMS warning light at all - so the sensors were still working when I'd left, but later in the day, one was giving an error and can't be read.

Yup 8 years sounds about the life of the Battery. If you want a cheaper solution there are videos out there on how to change the Battery yourself but its not quick or easy and will need you to take the sensors home as it requires soldering. Also i recommend changing all 4 if you go down that route as if one failed the others will too soon enough. Also driving with the TPMS light on is an MOT fail apparently so ensure you sort it before your MOT

hdp00 · July 23, 2023

So... an update...

Went back to ATS, they confirmed no new TPMS sensor had been damaged/replaced during the tyre changes, but checked with an Autel MaxiTPMS tool and confirmed that one of them was not giving any reading.

Contacted my local Lexus dealer (as I'm booked in for a 100k service next week anyway) and they said they'd be happy to take a free look as I'm coming in next week anyway.

On the way to the Lexus dealer, the TPMS light suddenly went off - checked with Carista on arrival and that sensor was no longer giving an error, all 4 were reading.

Lexus took a look anyway and confirmed all 4 batteries were still fine. They said after a tyre change, sometimes the sensors take a while to "re-activate", adjusting to a large deflation/re-inflation which throws them off. It took around 150 miles of driving to re-activate it, but all is working fine now!

Richie R · June 13

Hi, I had my 4 TPMS sonsors replaced yesterday by a respectable garage and they all have been successfully programmed in and all previous defects reset. However TPMS light still flashes for a while and then stays on. They said it should reset itself after approximately 50ml of driving. Is this right?

LenT · June 13

5 hours ago, Richie R said:

They said it should reset itself after approximately 50ml of driving. Is this right?

The last post before yours should reassure you, Richard.

It’s certainly the case that when I had one TPMS valve replaced and programmed, the system appeared to be reset immediately.

However, I’ve also the situation in which the system was disrupted by fitting a new set of tyres and the installer confidently assured me that it would reset after a couple of hours driving.

It didn’t - so I found the reset button under the dash (about in line with the steering wheel) and that sorted it out.

In other words, the system does indeed require some time of active driving in order to set itself. Failing that, there is a reset button.

So I wouldn’t get concerned just yet!

Richie R · June 13

Thanks Lent ;) Just been on 60ml journey and to no effect. Unfortunately my model does not have that reset button so no hope for me there. Will have to take it back to the garage and see what they can further do. They said the only other option is to swap tge sensors for the Lexus brand. Will let you know the result FYI;)

LenT · June 14

9 hours ago, Richie R said:

Unfortunately my model does not have that reset button so no hope for me there.

Is your IS 250 2014 a third generation model like mine? I’m no Lexus expert Richard, but I can’t imagine Lexus fitting the TPMS system without the reset button!

Do you have a Manual to refer to?

The reset button is astonishingly difficult to locate. I had to get on my back, under the driver’s seat well with a torch in order to find it!

In mine it’s just under the dash, more or less in-line with the steering column.

BTW: if you don’t have a Manual with the car, you can download it from the Lexus website (lexus.co.uk) from the My Lexus section.

I hope this helps!

Richie R · June 14

Ok, I'll take another look and see, thanks!

Richie R · June 14

Hi Lent, wow that was well hidden. However seems like that reset button in rendered useless, that's how bad the problem is. I'll continue to drive the car over tge weekend just to tick boxes and see what the garage says Monday.

Thanks though;)

LenT · June 14

3 hours ago, Richie R said:

Hi Lent, wow that was well hidden

It’s a worldwide problem. Even the American Lexus Owners site is full of owners who can’t find that button! It must be Japanese sense of humour…😊

Equally problematic are the recommended ways of resetting it. Here’s the official version, but driving the car for a while at speeds of over 50mph are also suggested.

Presumably the tyres get hot enough to expand and increase the internal pressure, which helps to reset the valve when it’s next turned on.

“Turn the vehicle’s ignition to “on” without starting the engine; hold the TPMS reset button until the light flashes three times and release the button. Start the car and give it about 20 minutes—the warning light should disappear.”

Richie R · June 18

Well it's finally sorted. They said they had to play about deflating the tyres, reprogramming and clearing

On 6/14/2024 at 1:40 PM, Richie R said:

Hi Lent, wow that was well hidden. However seems like that reset button in rendered useless, that's how bad the problem is. I'll continue to drive the car over tge weekend just to tick boxes and see what the garage says Monday.

Thanks though;)

Hi LenT, spoke to the garage and they said that it seems like the TPMS they've installed aren't giving out the right frequency (As per Lexus), and they'll have to installed the Lexus brand TPMS and that should be it.

So in the meantime I'll think twice about installing other TPMS that aren't Lexus's.

I'll post the result once it's sorted.

Richie R · June 18

Well it's finally sorted. They said they had to play about deflating the tyres, reprogramming and clearing faults etc.

Not sure if this would if occurred if they had fitted Lexus's TPMS but its working and hopefully thats it.

Thanks for your advice LenT ;)

LenT · June 19

17 hours ago, Richie R said:

Not sure if this would if occurred if they had fitted Lexus's TPMS but its working and hopefully thats it.

Glad to hear it’s all sorted, Richard.

If they’d been Lexus OEM parts you might still have had to go through the time spent on the reset process. I had the same problem when I replaced a set of tyres.

On the other hand, when I had to replace just one - broken by a well-meaning passerby trying to get a seized dust cap off! - a nearby tyre retailer was able to replace it with a stock valve that worked perfectly.

It’s a useful system but it does have its idiosyncrasies - the least of which is ‘playing ‘Hunt the Button’. 😊

Richie R · June 28

Yeah thanks and the fact that it doesn't pass the MOT which is stupid. There's plenty cars that don't have them and if it's not working then I just won't rely on them.

Just another way of taking our money I suppose.

Jose DS · July 6

Hi all, just piggy backing on this - Lexus confirmed one of my TPMS sensors is now not being read - thinking to replace all 4 by an indie (can’t justify Lexus’ £170 each pricing) as I need to replace all 4 tyres anyway. Can anyone recommend a reputable garage in south london to have this done?

Notamech · July 6

2 hours ago, Jose DS said:

Hi all, just piggy backing on this - Lexus confirmed one of my TPMS sensors is now not being read - thinking to replace all 4 by an indie (can’t justify Lexus’ £170 each pricing) as I need to replace all 4 tyres anyway. Can anyone recommend a reputable garage in south london to have this done?

If one has failed it is likely that the others are of a similar age meaning theyre on their way out as well. My recommendation would be replace all 4 sensors when changing your tyres. You can buy the sensors yourself on ebay

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/314744520503

Its much cheaper than lexus charging £70+ per sensor.

Then most reputable tyre shops should be able to fit and program it for you when you change your tyres. Perhaps just google tyre shops near you can find the ones with the most positive reviews. Call them before scheduling an appointment to check if they can program new original tpms sensors that you will be supplying.

matt8 · July 6

Thanks for this.

These look like the genuine ones?

Can one program this with Tech Stream if garage can’t or won’t do it?

Notamech · July 6

1 hour ago, matt8 said:

Thanks for this.

These look like the genuine ones?

Can one program this with Tech Stream if garage can’t or won’t do it?

Yes they're genuine. The part nos are the same + they're made by the same company (pacific industial co). Perhaps toyota sells them cheaper for their budget cars.

I have never used techstream but im pretty sure you can indeed program them using techstream if the shop cant do it.