2012 SR5 4WD Tire and TPMS Recommendations

Been almost 9 YEARS since I’ve posted on TW, mainly because I’ve had few issues with our now 11 year old 4 banger 4WD Access Cab SR5. It’s now currently at about 108K and we have had only a very few non-wear related problems - intermittent horn/bad clock spring replacement, on its 3rd starter motor, and intermittent cutout of heater blower motor at all but highest fan speed (solved with shimming the 12v supply connector pin to the speed control resistor block with a small bit of copper foil).

Otherwise generally bulletproof. It’s currently receiving its new frame under the recall, original frame wasn’t all that bad, but a small rust through spot on where the front and rear sections of the right side rails overlap was considered a qualifying for replacement situation. No major surprises found during the tear down and I should have it back by next week.

It’s time to replace the Michelin Defender LTX 245/75R16 tires that I put on it at about 50K. Asked the Toyota dealer to give me a quote on putting on new Michelins, same size and type, I’ve been very happy with Defender LTXs. Their quote on tire replacement is not surprisingly a bit high relative to other quotes I’ve gotten from Town Fair Tire (where I bought the first Michelins), and Costco (where my son has had good experiences on a couple of his recent sets of new tires). However, the dealer quote for replacement of the TPMS sensors in conjunction with the tire change (sensors are the 11 year old originals, at least one of which apparently failed last fall, but mysteriously may be working again) of 540 dollars, seems ridiculous based on pricing Ive seen on line and from the quotes from TFT and Costco (45 dollars or less each). So I’m thinking of going to one of them for the job. Planning on replacing the (original to the vehicle) Dunlop spare with the best of the old Michelins and also of course replacing the spare TPMS along with the other four of them.

Looking for feedback on other’s experiences with TFT and Costco, especially with respect to the replacement and resetting of the TPMS sensors.

Chris B. Stonington CT

 

I have sensors I bought from Amazon on 3 vehicles including my 07 Tacoma They have been on my Tacoma and a F150 for 2 1/2 years and still work. I put a set on a Wrangler about 6 years ago and they are still working too. No need to pay a dealer 10X that. Cost is about $60-$80 for 4 sensors.

Any tire store will install and program them at no additional charge when buying new tires. I bought mine ahead of time and replaced my sensors proactively the last time I bought tires. I used Discount Tire. The sensors were still working, but I knew they wouldn't out last another set of tires.

This is what I put on my 07. You may need a different part number for your truck, but the price will be about the same.

$50 MORESENSOR 315MHz TPMS Tire Pressure Sensor 4-Pack | Compatible with Lexus & Toyota Select Models | Replacement for 42607-33011 | Clamp-in | NX-S008-4

Amazon.com: MORESENSOR 315MHz TPMS Tire Pressure Sensor 4-Pack | Compatible with Lexus & Toyota Select Models | Replacement for 42607-33011 | Clamp-in | NX-S008-4 : Automotive

 

Thanks for your response! I’m figuring 45 bucks per sensor, which apparently includes paying for the resetting procedure is reasonable. Sometimes I wonder if dealers that give such high quotes are really not interested in doing certain jobs so they give you a ridiculous quote that you will want to run away from.