Installing Switch To Disable TPMS Including Idiot Light

Taking delivery of a '17 TRD Sport soon and thinking about buying an auxiliary set of wheels and tires to run in the winter, when I do a lot of driving on ice and snow.

I've looked at the idea of programmable TPMS sensors and cloning from the OEM sensors. But it looks like I'd be spending $300 or more for new sensors and installation for these auxiliary wheels / tires, plus whatever ongoing expense and bother that TPMS entails. The more I learn about TPMS, the more I dislike it. But the TPMS rant has covered it all, so no ranting here.

Has anyone figured out and written a description for installing a switch that would allow you to turn on and off TPMS and its warning light? Although i don't have the chops for this kind of work, I might be willing to pay someone (read: 'backyard mechanic') to do it for me.

I will appreciate any and all feedback, even those who might want to promote my full embrace of TPMS and its attendant costs and headaches.

 

Additional thoughts: Although I realize that this might run afoul of the law mandating TPMS, the system would continue to be operational for TPMS - installed wheels / tires, but would allow the vehicle to run a second or third set of wheels / tires without the hassles and expense of TPMS. And the batteries in those TPMS sensors should last much longer than the 3 - 7 years, or whatever the number, when the system is turned off or the auxiliary wheels / tires are being used.

 

Thought this issue would resonate with the forum's members, but no one has responded so far. What explains the disinterest? Seems like there are a lot of us who share a disdain for the TPMS requirement and its costs and headaches. Am I alone in thinking the ability to turn on and off the TPMS would be a good idea? Is it electrically impossible or impractical? There are instructions for disarming the warning light, so I thought there might be a way to make the entire system switchable.

Why no interest?

 

I removed my oem wheels and tires years ago and sold them with the tpms sensors. I have the light on my dash, but it doesn't bother me I have grown used to it. When I got my sc installed they cleared the tpms light, so when I left the first thing I noticed was "hey, where's my tpms light?" it came back on after about 30 minutes, and all was well again. I say just leave the light, its not a bother. If it is, a small piece of electrical tape will fix your problem.

 

I too am interested in figuring this out. I did it on my 14' following instructions in the second gen forum. It was not hard it just took knowing what wire to ground. I am going to continue digging around to see if someone has figured it out, I am not great with figuring out this sort of stuff, more of a follow the directions type of person.

 

Swapping tires will run less than $100, typically its around $60 for 4 where I'm at. I know that still involves spending money but part of that cost, for a couple years at least, would be a wash if you were to buy an extra set of wheels. TPMS is a hassle but at least on the newer trucks it shows each tires pressure, which can be useful.

 

My big issue with TPMS is that the system involves a fragile aluminum valve stem which can be easily broken off while off road. I always run rubber valve stems with extreme outback no-loss caps, much less likely to snap off.