TPMS fault

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Aug 27, 2012 | 03:15 PM

#16

thundersnake

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I just had the same thing after new tires. "Tire pressure sensor fault". Tire dealer says there are batteries in these things that can go dead around 100k or so. Is that true?

Aug 28, 2012 | 08:38 PM

#17

Greg B

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Yes. They have to get the signal to the PCM somehow.

Aug 29, 2012 | 06:22 AM

#18

thundersnake

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Are just the batteries replaceable? The complete unit is quite pricey if you have to do all 4.

Aug 29, 2012 | 07:34 PM

#19

Greg B

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Whether the batteries are replaceable or not it's pricey. The tire has to be at least part way removed from the wheel and re-balanced after the work is done to get them working again. Since I don't have TPMS on my 06 I'm not exactly sure whether it's serviceable or replacement is necessary. A quick call to the dealer or a quick check of the owner manual or shop manual can give that information. The cost is what I have railed against when checking your pressures with a gauge weekly and visually daily is free and will accomplish the same thing. I wouldn't have a problem with TPMS if it could be disabled when you don't want it. But nanny government says no.

Aug 30, 2012 | 05:41 AM

#20

thundersnake

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Yeah, and probably no inspection sticker if the fault light is on. Luckily mine came on after inspection when they changed the tires. Maybe tire dealer screwed something up, but they have done tires before with no problems. Oh well. Thanks. Family Nannies are nice to have, but that bunch in DC we can do very nicely without.