I while back I had to plug a tire and used Slime to get the plug to seal well. This killed the TPMS (live and learn). I went through the reset procedure and verified that the sensor was bad. I ordered a new sensor and had two new tires installed and asked the shop to replace the RIGHT front TPMS (the one with the slime). I get home and go through the reset procedure and now the LEFT front tire tests bad. All the other tires test ok. I look at the stem and its the same valve cap that was on the right front wheel (the one that I asked to be replaced). I go back to shop and explain that happened, etc. The guy at the desk talks to the fella who did the install and claims that they changed out the right one. I ask how its possible that the right front tested bad before, and the left fronted tested good. After the install the LEFT front tests bad and the right front tests good. You can see the new chrome valve and cap on the right front that I brought with me.

Guy shrugs his shoulders and says he doesn't know. Offered no other explanation and wouldn't even pull it into the shop. I had my kid with me and didn't want to show my *** so I just left.

Any ideas? It certainly seems like this wheel is the problem. What else would cause the senor to read bad? Should I just order another sensor and have the left front replaced? That way I know I have two good ones?

edit: (2004 expedition 4x4 with 115,000)

 

Maybe when they removed the old tire from the LF rim, or when they installed the new tire on the LF rim, the TPM got damaged???

 

Here's an update: I ordered a another TPMS and had it installed on the front left tire. I went to a small local shop this time and the guy behind the desk took a tool and tested the old sensor after it was removed. It still tested good and he said the mega hertz 433? was right. I figured great, all this and I still have the "Tire pressure sensor fault" coming on! Well I got home, went through the reset procedure and viola! It cleared the code out right away. I did the procedure on all the wheels and its been a few days and no faults yet.

I still think the first shop took me for a ride but have noway to prove it. The two sensors ran me 60-70 bucks and the last install was $15 so for less than $85 I got it resolved. (IF you buy a sensor at a tire shop they run about $85 plus $20 reset fee)

Here's the site where I ordered the TPMS.

Untitled Page

 

You got off good. I bought one off of ebay and got the song and dance about the parts it was missing. So I told them to use theirs ($150 installed). Got a call an hour later and could hear the guys voice shaking - another $150 for another bad one. I thought the guys voice was shaking because I intimidated him earlier when I spoke with him over the phone (wife was handling this in person). Turns out he was probably not intimidated - but laughing his a$$ off while he sat there drinking his coffee. But my sensor is off and has been for a while now. Unfortunately I have not had good luck try to find any kind of honest service in my area - to include the two dealerships I have dealt with. Glad the sensor and light is off for you and it worked out, Mike

 

How can you install them yourself?

What equipment do you need?

 

tire machine - because you have to break the bead at least on one side to get access to it. would probably need to completely remove the tire from the rim to make it easier. I am just speculating - I used to do tires, but that was many lifetimes ago. I do still know how one works - but it would have cost more than $300.

 

Correct, the sensor goes on the inside of the wheel and the valve stem comes in from the outside and screws into the sensor. If you click on that link I posted it shows a picture of one. I've heard of people using a ratchet strap to remount a tire but for $15 that hardly seems worth it.

These TPMS were required in 2004 vehicles. Going into 7-8 years a lot of the little batteries in these are going to start to fail. The general public does not seem to have a lot of knowledge about these sensors which means the tire service companies are going to make a nice little profit.