Hi guys, did a search and had no luck.

2012 STX with stock wheels and still factory Hankook tires, 65k miles. This is my first vehicle with tire sensors so I have no experience.

Getting new tires soon, do I need new sensors, I have no warnings and all is working good, I did the reset procedure a few months ago just for grins.

Are valve stems replaced as usual?

Thanks for any input.

 

The batteries last roughly 10 years so you're only half way there. Probably at your next tire change you'll be replacing them. The tire place can check the battery status and will suggest replacing the sensor if low.

 

Ok, thanks for the input.

What about the tire valve stem, isn't that attached to the sensor, does it get changed. Is it a standard stem or something special.

 

The stem is a special type of stem that goes directly to the sensor. You can get a stem kit if you feel one is leaking, if not just leave them alone.

 

Hmm, I'm getting that "Sensor fault" message on my dash. any idea if independent tire shops can diagnose and fix these?

 

Bad sensor, I had to have my right front replaced this spring. Cost be about $75 total with dismount of the tire, replace the sensor and re-balance.

 

Is that a dealership only thing?

 

fwiw some shops won't swap tires for you unless then put a 'rebuild kit' on for your valve stem tpms sensor. i mean, for safety, of course lol

 

I had mine replaced at a local large truck tire shop that I use all the time.

 

Yes they can, if they're a good shop.

 

No, any decent tire shop can do the work. If you want to save time you can get the sensor ahead of going in, or make sure they have one that works for your vehicle.

 

That seems high and a lot of trouble. Ive seen refurbished sets online for less, I assume new battery and valve stem, ???

Seems to be worthwhile to just pop in a set at new tire time.


Set of 4 Genuine For Ford Motorcraft Tire Pressure Sensors TPMS DE8T-1A180-AA

 

"Item location: Shenzhen, China"
Fair warning, according to a tire shop I frequent, about 50% of the sensors from China fail and you end up paying the shop a second time to replace them. This is one of those rare times where I suggest using OEM only.

 

I was NOT about to drive around with a light on my dash, the day after it came on I took it in. $75 is a drop in the bucket to keep myself sane.

Also, everything costs more in Alaska. Sensor was $45 local and the rest was labor that I was happy to pay. It was MUCH cheaper then if I took it to our terrible ford dealer. I've known the guys at this shop since I was a kid and they pushed other stuff out of the way to get my truck in that day. Drop off at 7AM get a call at 8:30AM it's done.

Everyone floats their boat differently, I simply explained how to fix it.

Keep in mind this is coming from a guy with 2 full sets of factory 22" factory wheels with TMPS sensors in both summer and winter sets. I probably have $3,900 wrapped up in wheels/tires just for my F-150 alone.

 

Discount Tire and Les Schwab, in my area at least, will only require you to get the TPMS rebuild kits if you are swapping or buying new wheels. The valve stem and sensor are not messed with during a tire change so they don't require the kits.