My TPMS Sensor DIY

[06TacomaDouble]

As many of you know, my truck came with steel wheels, so I was anxiously awaiting the day to have my alloys put on. I new the '06 Tacoma came with TPMS sensors, but I had no idea there were two models; one for steel wheels (40*) and one for alloy (20*).

Well, the alloy wheels are on, so now I have the TPMS sensor light shining on my dash......but not any more. I created a PVC pipe small enough to put behind the seat, under the truck inside the frame, or pretty much anywhere. Pictures at bottom of post.

Total expense: $12.00.

Here's what I did:

Grocery List:

• 3" PVC SCH.40 Pipe (about 4 to 4 1/2" in length)
• Two (2) 3" PVC SCH.40 End Caps
• One (1) Can Heavy Duty PVC Cement (glue) (green label - to contain pressure in tube)
• One (1) Small Valve Stem (yes, like for a tire)
• Optional: Bubble Wrap (to keep the sensors for clanging together)

Tools Needed:

• Fine Sand Paper
• Drill
• Drill Bit (size can vary depending on Valve Stem width)
• Jigsaw

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Steps:

1. Take the jigsaw and cut the 3" pipe down to about 4 to 4 1/2" in length. It can be longer if you would like.
2. Sand down the ends where you cut the pipe so they are smooth to allow for a good bond to the end caps.
3. Take the cement (glue) applicator and rub it around one end of the pipe and the inside wall of the end cap.
4. Quickly put the end cap on, pushing it as far as you can onto the pipe. The cement sets quickly, so work fast.

While the cement sets, get the sensors ready to be inserted into the pipe.

1. Cut the bubble wrap into strips long enough and wide enough to wrap around each sensor like a diaper. (around the plastic part)
2. Wrap the bubble wrap around the plastic part, then tape it so that it stays around the sensor.
3. Repeat this for each sensor. Set them to the side.

Now let's do some drillin'!

1. Take the valve stem, and hold it up to a drill bit to find the right size. What you want is a bit that will allow the valve stem to be pushed through the end cap from the inside out, but small enough to stop it from passing all the way through. (You may want it a little snug when passing through so it will be a little tight on the valve stem.)
2. Drill the hole in the end cap.
3. Take the sand paper and smooth down the inside and outside of the end cap where you drilled the hole. On my end caps, there was writing. I sanded that down also to give a smooth surface. (see picture)
4. Push the valve stem through from the inside out with the smaller end facing up, away from the end cap.
5. Once in, make sure you are unable to pull it through with a reasonable amount of force.

Now back to the pipe.

1. Slide each sensor into the pipe with the stem pointing up. Once all four are in, you may have to jiggle it to get them to settle better.
2. Optional: If you would like, you may put extra bubble wrap at the end to make them fit snug.
3. Take the cement (glue) applicator and rub it around the end of the pipe and the inside wall of the last end cap.
4. Quickly put the end cap on, pushing it as far as you can onto the pipe. The cement sets quickly, so work fast.

Your TPMS Sensor pressure pipe is now complete.

1. ATTENTION!!! Allow the cement (glue) to set and dry over night before filling with air. ATTENTION!!!
2. Fill the pipe with air. It should take one to three seconds to reach +-30 psi.
3. Check the pressure with a tire gage. You should be able to "trick" the system with anywhere from 25 to 30 psi.

Congratulations, you're finished!!!

Warning: I am not responsible for any damage done to the sensors, your tools, your hands, or your brain (glue smell). I performed this modification for my own enjoyment and sanity.

Here are some pictures of the completed pipe. Enjoy!

[Skies20]

Wow, very interesting.. thanks for taking the time to share all that. I hope this idea works for you, it will sure save you a lot of money! Oh, and welcome to TW.

[06TacomaDouble]

Originally Posted by Skies20

Wow, very interesting.. thanks for taking the time to share all that. I hope this idea works for you, it will sure save you a lot of money! Oh, and welcome to TW.

It has worked. I completed the job to make sure it worked before I wrote the DIY for it. So far, the light on the dash is still out.

[06tacoma]

good work i know alot of people will find this very useful

[spp]

While that is a way to get the light to go out I would think that someone can figure out how to just unplug the light.
I personally like the tpms feature and would work out a solution to keep it operative.
Hope if you ever go through a security checkpoint you don't get searched. Some over zealous person might mistake that for a explosive device or drug carrier.

[06TacomaDouble]

Originally Posted by spp

While that is a way to get the light to go out I would think that someone can figure out how to just unplug the light.
I personally like the tpms feature and would work out a solution to keep it operative.
Hope if you ever go through a security checkpoint you don't get searched. Some over zealous person might mistake that for a explosive device or drug carrier.

You can't just unplug an LED.....not to mention I was not about to take my dash apart.

I had steel wheels before, and the TPMS sensors would not fit my new alloy wheels, and I was not about to pay anywhere from $80 to $200 for a new set, then turn around and pay $44 per sensor to have it programmed into the computer! Don't know about you, but I don't have that kind of money just sitting around.

[spp]

I don't have the extra cash to spend on new wheels yet but but I plan on factoring in the cost of tpms so I can do the job the right way. My opinion and I'm sure yours differs 180.

[Bluestreak]

cool idea, everyman for himself, i wouldnt want that plastic bomb to explode inside the cab and get nailed in the head or in the a$$ by a tpm, definitely stick it in a frame rail.

[sdupp]

With the help of my mechanic I was able to transfer the tire pressure sensors from my steal wheels to a set of TRD wheels. We turn them 180 degrees and gently lifted the tire over & around them during installation. They work just fine.... The only problem will occur when I replace the tires. We will need to break down the tire from the opposite side of the sensor so they don't get damaged. Also if you have a flat you will need to stop immediately ... Not the best solution but it worked for me.

07 PreRunner Double Cab SR5

[06TacomaDouble]

Originally Posted by sdupp

With the help of my mechanic I was able to transfer the tire pressure sensors from my steal wheels to a set of TRD wheels. We turn them 180 degrees and gently lifted the tire over & around them during installation. They work just fine.... The only problem will occur when I replace the tires. We will need to break down the tire from the opposite side of the sensor so they don't get damaged. Also if you have a flat you will need to stop immediately ... Not the best solution but it worked for me.

07 PreRunner Double Cab SR5

Cool. I'd be the one that would forget all of that.

[Homer J]

Nice write up man.

[dbossman69er]

So did you use your original tpm's out of your original tires that came with your truck when you bought it.Or did you get some other monitors and use them?

[dbossman69er]

well i have 4 spare ones that i could use but would i have to get my spare tire programmed as well as the 4 new ones that I would use in this method of tricking the truck

[wil4thril]

I put one of these together after I swapped my stock steel wheels for Toyota Baja's. I stashed it in one of the bed storage compartment and it works like a champ. Thanks for the write-up.

[phantom]

i have seen a few other post here on making the pvc bomb, all i can suggest is maybe put it in a heavy canvas bag or something

you can rewire the circuit at a connector so the light does not come on

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/sh...d.php?t=170576
that should work for 06
and this for o7 on
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/sh...d.php?t=278890