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My TPMS Sensor DIY

Discussion in 'Technical Chat' started by 06TacomaDouble, Apr 9, 2007.

  1. Apr 9, 2007 at 6:44 AM
    #1
    06TacomaDouble

    06TacomaDouble [OP] New Member

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    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!

    IMG_2863_71aaf72c7b9c8833857bf8a5c84463bdb0bef827.jpg

    IMG_2869_df7ff895efa15c41e0ec2e9932c91a406cae0db3.jpg

    IMG_2870_bcca7449d6a4372394efbdbf450832fefb3cd06a.jpg
     
  2. Apr 9, 2007 at 9:24 AM
    #2
    Skies20

    Skies20 small town girl

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    Morris, Connecticut
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    Westin chrome step bars Vent visors & bug guard Borla performance exhaust system Tundra tires & rims
    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. :D
     
  3. Apr 9, 2007 at 10:05 AM
    #3
    06TacomaDouble

    06TacomaDouble [OP] New Member

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    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.
     
  4. Apr 9, 2007 at 10:33 AM
    #4
    06tacoma

    06tacoma Well-Known Member

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    Tampa FL
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    06 PreRunner SR5 XS-P Trd Longbed Double Cab
    20" enkei wheel,BFG G-Force tires, BHLM, Smoked tail lights, 2 RE Audio 10s, Quantom 900watt amp,10000K HIDs headlights and fog lamps,Borla exhaust, Borla drop in filter,Debadged tailgate,Painted black tacoma badges
    good work i know alot of people will find this very useful
     
  5. Apr 9, 2007 at 1:21 PM
    #5
    spp

    spp OC, Kalifornia

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    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.
     
  6. Apr 9, 2007 at 2:09 PM
    #6
    06TacomaDouble

    06TacomaDouble [OP] New Member

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    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.
     
  7. Apr 9, 2007 at 4:26 PM
    #7
    spp

    spp OC, Kalifornia

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    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.:D
     
  8. Jun 9, 2007 at 9:37 AM
    #8
    Bluestreak

    Bluestreak Active Member

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    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.
     
  9. Jun 19, 2007 at 7:56 AM
    #9
    sdupp

    sdupp SC Member

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    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
     
  10. Jun 20, 2007 at 6:28 AM
    #10
    06TacomaDouble

    06TacomaDouble [OP] New Member

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    Cool. I'd be the one that would forget all of that. :D
     
  11. Jun 22, 2007 at 10:45 AM
    #11
    Burns

    Burns Excellent Member

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    Nice write up man. :thumbsup:
     
  12. Apr 7, 2008 at 9:46 AM
    #12
    dbossman69er

    dbossman69er Member

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    Sudbury,Ontario, Canada
    Vehicle:
    o6 4x4 Silver D.cab Trd Sport
    2o" Mamba M1's, True Flow Xdi c.a.intake, 33" Pro Comp Xtreme mudders,3" lift,leer 700 t. cover with spoiler, go rhino s.s nerf bars
    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?
     
  13. Apr 7, 2008 at 10:31 AM
    #13
    dbossman69er

    dbossman69er Member

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    Sudbury,Ontario, Canada
    Vehicle:
    o6 4x4 Silver D.cab Trd Sport
    2o" Mamba M1's, True Flow Xdi c.a.intake, 33" Pro Comp Xtreme mudders,3" lift,leer 700 t. cover with spoiler, go rhino s.s nerf bars
    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
     
  14. Dec 24, 2008 at 5:44 PM
    #14
    wil4thril

    wil4thril New Member

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    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.
     
  15. Oct 8, 2011 at 4:19 PM
    #15
    90YotaPU

    90YotaPU The Messiah

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    I don't know why but I can't get mine to hold air. It keeps breaking through the cement. I keep reapplying and it keeps breaking through somewhere else. WTF?
     
  16. Feb 24, 2012 at 10:41 AM
    #16
    SkipsBeerPong

    SkipsBeerPong SkipsBeerPong.com

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    If I were to buy tpms sensors removed from a 2008 Tacoma, would they automatically be tuned to work with my 2010 or would they need to be retuned? I am going to install them on new alloys with a strap kit.
     
  17. Feb 24, 2012 at 1:39 PM
    #17
    jassco

    jassco Well-Known Member

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    Just did this upgrading my steelies to FJ Black Team Trails. Works perfectly. ThankS!
     
  18. Oct 19, 2014 at 3:34 PM
    #18
    Hotty69792000

    Hotty69792000 New Member

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    Cheaper to put them in the spare tire and no worrys about the pip exploding or cops having problem if they search your truck
     
  19. Jun 13, 2015 at 10:45 AM
    #19
    PacmanNV

    PacmanNV New Member

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    A little piece of electrical tape over the light works just as well without all the fuss. You can't even see it as it's black on black.
     
  20. Jun 13, 2015 at 10:56 AM
    #20
    koditten

    koditten Well-Known Member

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    Reserected from the dead.
    How would it be cheaper to put them in the spare? You still have to pay someone to dismount, balance and mount the tire.

    Nice write up, op.
     

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