Almost blew my hand off - TPMS bypass

PSA - if you're planning to attempt the somewhat controversial "TPMS bomb" to bypass your sensors, make sure the primer and glue have completely cured before airing up.

In an effort to cheat my TPMS light because I seasonally swap wheels, I tried the shortcut of constructing a pressurized vessel to house the sensors. I followed the steps that many have suggested here on TacomaWorld for the bypass construction process using 3" PVC.

I primed and glued things in place and went to air up the valve stem. I barely got 10 psi (I think) into the stem and KABOOM the cap shot off mangling my thumb and pointer finger in the process, sending the TPMS flying around the shop.

Well, over $1,000 later in out-of-pocket doctor's visits, I'm on the road to recovery. I ended up tearing two ligaments in my thumb which thankfully didn't require surgery.

Now I know many of you reading this are thinking of one of these four things:

1. What a dumbass for not letting it cure before airing up.
2. What a dumbass for even attempting to bypass the sensors - why would you do that?
3. What a dumbass for not doing it correctly "like I did."
4. This has to be satire or a troll post.

I assure you I'm mechanically inclined and have done plenty of DIY plumbing projects, and know how to prime and glue PVC. My error was being impatient and honestly attempting this to begin with. It's not safe. I wouldn't want to imagine one of those TPMS bombs letting loose with 30-plus PSI. Here's my advice, don't do it. Just buy extra sensors and get them installed. With the money I've spent on doctor's bills attempting to cheat the system could almost have paid for the OME lift I wanted.

Live and learn I guess...

EDIT: After talking with my buddy whose shop I used, he said that few seconds of airing up was probably waaay more than 10 psi; he’s got an industrial 80 gallon compressor. Yeah…I know, not smart.

 

I’ve never heard of this procedure, can’t picture the process. However if you wouldn’t mind doing it again on video I’d appreciate it.

 

Haha! Thanks, I needed that laugh. I honestly wish there were cameras in the shop to replay the shit show. There are several threads on here about the TPMS bomb / vessel bypass.

 

The first attempt at this I had one side blow off too. Luckily I wasn’t holding it, just in cases.

Next time I let the glue cure. After that no issues. Still in the truck with the new owner over a year later with no issues to date.

 

Why wouldn't just run with the light on? I would like to see a video also.

 

Cause I'm an OCD Tacoma guy! Dude, I wish there was a video. I was running around shaking my hand like a god damn cartoon character...

 

I was doubly dumb and had it set on a concrete floor when I filled it... all the energy was going up. Scared the shit out of me.

 

Would advise the same if your building a potato gun- let the glue dry.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=rkzcszmeVrs

Also, my tire pressure light is constantly on. It will burn out soon enough.

 

Were you filling it with an air compressor or tire pump? With such a small pressure vessel, I'd only use something that introduced air very gradually, checking the pressure several times. I'd let 24 hours go by with the pressure vessel in temps that would improve the welding. Also, the use of a primer would be highly recommended.

Setting a piece of rubber matting or folded towel over it would increase safety.

 

A big ass compressor. The funny thing, I hesitated for a second before I started. That was my self-preservation cue to stop. I thought afterward that a bike pump would've been smarter! I did use the purple primer and PVC glue.

 

Put them in a big Pentair water filter housing. Rated to like 120psi.

 

You know there is medicine to treat those issues.

 

My tpms light has been on for 14 years. I don’t give a shit.

 

lol I should've asked my doc at the appointment to up my current dose! Cause it clearly ain't working.

 

You could become an independent pharmaceutical distributor.

 

Sorry to hear this.

Like everything else, proper procedures is absolutely necessary for pipe usage.
This setup has a max operating pressure of over 150psi.
30 psi is nothing.
There is so little area in there 3 or 4 pumps with a bicycle pump will get you there.
For sure you didn’t wait long enough.
Using an air compressor fills the tank way too fast.
So, you blowed it up….

This has been behind my back seat for 3 years..
It does work
It is safe if done correctly.
Again, very sorry and thank you for sharing your accident.
Shit happens….

 

lol
I bet it did. It happens fast.

 

if you were truly OCD you would have cloned sensors in your winter tires