TPMS DIED at age 9 (almost)!

I seriously tried to search to add my findings to an existing thread... but for now, let just report that my 2010 Tacoma (purchased in December 2009 or 8 years and 10 months ago) with 116,000 miles on it just had the first TPMS unit die (the light came on and all my tires had 34 psi, per normal).

Went to Discount Tire where they have a device that reads the TPMS and 3 gave the tire pressure and one gave an X. So it is either a dead battery or the unit failed (was on the front right tire).. they said this is typical that they die between 7 and 10 years. You can't replace the battery, you just replace the unit... $64!

I have three more to look forward to!

I was just curious how many other 2nd Gen Tacomas have had to replace their TPMS and what was the truck's age when their's failed... ???

Please give me a link if there is another thread for this and I will repost there.

Thanks!

 

Why can’t you just check your tire pressure with a gauge?

 

Lol that might work

 

I would recommend replacing all 4 as a set. If 1 battery went bad then the other 3 are probably not far behind.

 

Got 4 like these on ebay.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Set-of-4-T...h=item35e250c7b9:g:xhAAAOSwc1FZ069P:rk:4:pf:0

Procured a software which re-instructs the ECM on the new TPMS codes...
and for under $100,..I've got oem tpms sensors in my winter tires (on steel rims).

 

Yup, 8-10 years is about right for those TPMS batteries. I wrenched for Toyota for about 7 years. Completely normal.

 

Mine started dying earlier this year, lasted 12 years. I'll just deal with the light until I get new tires and then put new ones in. They can be found for 34~ on rockauto

 

None for the spare??? BUT HOW WILL YOU KNOW

I kid

 

Or kick the tire!

 

I'm fixing to put snow tires on separate rims and I got 4 OEM TPMS sensors for my taco for just 140 total from www.tpms.com

 

I have the original TPMS monitors with my Tacoma just turning 12 years old. They aren't required to pass inspection in my state, so I plan to use electrical tape over the light for my repair. I figured I got through 18 years without them on my last truck so I don't feel the money spent to replace them is justified IMO.

 

Can you do that while driving 70 mph? The TPMS isn't meant to replace a tire gauge, but to warn you of a sudden loss of air pressure while driving.

I know they can be a PITA, but the principle is a good one. In 2011 I was driving on an interstate hwy at 75 mph when my light came on. I pulled over ASAP and within 30 seconds of the light coming on my right rear was completely flat. I'd hit something in the road that punched a 1/2" hole in the tire. Without the TPMS I'd have had a blowout at 75. That could have been bad. THAT is what the system is designed to do.

My only complaint is that replacement sensors are more costly than I think they should be. It is possible to find aftermarket sensors in the $40-$50 range if you look around. I had to replace a set on a Jeep a few years ago and went that way.

So far my 2007's sensors are still working. Mine has one in the spare tire and if it gets low will trigger the system even though the 4 on the ground are fine.

 

I'm really considering my next tire/wheel pkg......next month......

ditching the sensors.....I have more than one tire gauge.......

 

This is a topic I have discussed with the dealership ...".the system " as they call it isn't perfect. That was the reply in 2008 when Both left side sensors went bad...at 143.00 apiece to replacein 2010 the dealership dammaged the Right rear one.. changing the snow tires over and at Vt. state inspection time...another 118.00 .... 2016 and three of the four died....
Nope, no more sensors... Tire gauge..

 

You can buy the correct Denso sensors on Amazon for $34 each. Discount will install and program them free if you pay for tire remount and balancing. Just did that last month.

 

Some states like NH require all installed equipment to be working in order to pass inspection...

OP, I had my TPMS sensors replaced at about 10 years with 290,000 miles on it. I think I paid about $30 or so each, aftermarket from a chain up here Town Faire Tire... They said the sensors were one of the most common used so I'd shop around for the best price...

 

Good morning! Wow, I guess this was in need of being a new thread?

OK, first off, I do use a precision tire gauge... the TPMS in my 2010 does not report to the dashboard the tire pressure (that would be cool)... it only warns you of lower than normal pressure. There is not one on the spare. The TPMS is valuable because it alerts you when your tire is going flat BEFORE it is not drivable. This gives you time to find a safe place to pull over. I actually was able to plug a hole before the tire was flat... and I keep an MV-50 air pump with me to add air back in, quickly.

 

At $64 each, installed, doing just one at a time is fine with me.
Yes, I see that I can buy them for $30 but that does not put them in the wheels and then tune the frequency to match the truck.
Is Discount Tires charging too much to do this? Any other options in North San Diego County, CA?

 

Well it’s usually a 500 dollar or more tool they use to program the sensors. So sounds like you are coming out ahead

 

Or you can order this online ....
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-VCI-J...h=item41f0041934:g:lNoAAOSwcWtbuke1:rk:7:pf:0

Get a large C clamp , remove the tire valve, empty tire of air,...compress with a C clamp,....remove old tpms with a 7/16 deep socket...
reinstall new sensor,...inflate tire...
Get a cheapy laptop with windows xp or 7 (even 10 will work)....

Load Techstream (the Toyota miracle software)...
Here is the software (available, and Legal ) from Toyota...

https://techinfo.toyota.com/techInf..._CA&resource_url=https://techinfo.toyota.com/

And reprogram your truck for under $100,....including sensors, software, laptop etc!...

Toyota don't give a shit about protecting their dealers anymore...
The software is almost open source (almost free if you look a little on the internet)...
https://cartechnology.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=38078



Those intending to install winter tires on different rims can now get my point...VERY CLEARLY...

Be creative...