psm80134
Champion Author
Denver
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Message Posted: Nov 22, 2012 12:11:55 PM
I've recently had to replace one of my TPMS sensors. I got it done where I buy my tires for about $75.
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GustheCat2
Champion Author
Virginia
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Message Posted: Nov 22, 2012 10:20:41 AM
I had a minor issue when I had new tires installed. The tire shop did not align or calibrate the sensors which showed 15psi when they were 32psi. Took it back the next day and they fixed it.
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Titanic1985
Champion Author
South Carolina
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Message Posted: Nov 22, 2012 3:07:42 AM
Hello NJDeMarco. I and another Gas Buddy have done a great deal of research on this topic in the past. TPMS (not TPSM) means Tire Pressure Monitoring System. The law was written in 2002 (198 Pages) and took effect on a gradual basis until it became mandatory on September 1, 2007 in The United States. It went into effect in Canada and Europe in 2012, but many vehicles already had it. It becomes mandatory in Japan in 2013.
The original reason for TPMS was numerous rollovers of Ford Explorers and under-inflated Firestone Tires. The heat build-up would cause tire ply separation and loss of control of the vehicle. Firestone has had two recalls. The first was to replace the tires and the second involved rechecking the spare tire which was overlooked by many dealers and caused more accidents and fatalities.
The only mandate of the law is the mandatory date and an orange (amber) light on the dash to indicate low tire pressure, typically 25% lower than vehicle's recommendation. Some vehicles report the actual tire pressure of each tire. From past Topics their accuracy varies between vehicles.
In 2008, I purchased a new Chevrolet Equinox. At that time TPMS valves were a dealer only item costing $150.00 each. I called Detroit over this and other TPMS issues and talked to a GM Engineer. These tire valves contain a battery rated from seven to ten years. A great deal of confusion still exists about the "learn" function. A dealership, but not most garages, has a learn tool to calibrate the TPMS valve with the sensor for that wheel position. Rotating tires can "confuse" the sensor and initiate the amber light. The tool is used to reset the sensor and allow the garage to deliver the vehicle without the light on and negates driving the vehicle to "self-learn". The amount of time to self-learn varies from one RPM to five miles at 25 MPH (vehicle dependent). This year, I called Chevrolet and the price had dropped to $80.00 each for my Equinox.
This year my wife broke a tire valve off putting air into it. The vehicle is a 2007 Dodge Caliber SXT. I called several auto parts stores and they told me it was a dealer only item. Dodge wanted $84.00. I did call NAPA and it was $50.00 (garage price) and in stock. tirerack.com also sells them, but the valve would not hold air, so it had to be purchased locally. Here is where it got bad. The tire store installed the NAPA TPMS valve and the next morning the tire was flat. The garage ordered a second one from NAPA and again it leaked. On the third day, the tire store ordered the only other two brands available and the problem was fixed. The TPMS valve was $50, but with all the labor, I expected a huge bill. The tire garage mounted and balanced the tire three times and drove my wife to work and charged $0.00. Really!
Here is a summary. You can pay the dealer full price and what you quoted is about right or call NAPA or tirerack.com (if it is not leaking). You can follow PhilT08's advice, if it is not leaking but be aware of my problem with faulty valves. There is no "over-ride" to extinguish the dash amber light. AutoZone & AutoDiscounters do not sell the TPMS valves. Two other issues came up in my earlier Topic. The spare tire, if you have one, does not have a TPMS valve. If you have snow tires on wheels (many in Canada do) it is either use tape (one GB did), live with the amber light or put four TPMS valves in the rims.
I am sorry for your problem and cannot give you a cheap solution. I recommend you fix the problem. I've spent a great deal of time on this topic in the past and especially this year. In the past, some GBs liked them (e.g. a slow leak overnight) and others felt as you. If I can help, please bounce me a whiteboard -- really! Best Wishes :-) .
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PhilT08
Champion Author
Buffalo
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Message Posted: Nov 22, 2012 1:52:13 AM
I just did a quick search and there are new sensors for Ford, Chevy and Dodge for as little as $33
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OceanArcher
Champion Author
Mississippi
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Message Posted: Nov 21, 2012 10:27:54 PM
Darn it -- I think they saw you coming ...
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bearscharger
Champion Author
Cleveland
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Message Posted: Nov 21, 2012 5:24:47 PM
some shops might have an aftermarket tpms that would work with your car for a lot less
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gvan
Champion Author
Chicago
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Message Posted: Nov 21, 2012 5:15:09 PM
I like the TPMS but I haven't had any problems. It would bother me to have to replace them but I would.
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Bud76
Champion Author
San Bernardino
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Message Posted: Nov 21, 2012 4:22:29 PM
No problems
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14smoke
Champion Author
Birmingham
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Message Posted: Nov 21, 2012 3:33:23 PM
Check with another mechanic, not at a dealer, and see what they will charge for the same part/work.
Then, get it fixed. It may be annoying, but, it's on the car for a reason.
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DasAuto92
Champion Author
Montreal
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Message Posted: Nov 21, 2012 2:36:02 PM
Yea disconnect the sensor...trouble over wash hands move on
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bluenvoy
Champion Author
Nashville
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Message Posted: Nov 21, 2012 10:02:55 AM
Get another estimate from a reputable garage. Then buck up and get it fixed.
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