How do all 5 tpms go out?

Took my truck into discount tire since my tpms light was flashing and was told that i needed to replace all 5 sensors for 390. Shouldn't the light start flashing if one goes out and not wait for all 5 to fail? Discount has been more than good to me over the years but this seemed a little fishy. Any explanation or suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

I have no experience to back any of this up. But I’d get a 2nd opinion. That seems more like a computer issue than all 5 sensors going bad. Whatever the sensors communicate with is more likely the issue.

 

As you suspect, didn't happen. (hopefully the main module isn't bad)

However, when one dies the others won't be far behind. Maybe that's what their proposition was.

Your truck has 5 sensors, so does the estimate show 5 dismount/mount/balance charges?

Even if it does, + 5 new sensors, the price seems high to me.

 

The batteries have a typical life of ~10 years, could be a little more, could be a little less.

While 5/5 would be something to note, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that that batteries all ran out at roughly the same time.

 

A little upselling, and a little helpful advice mixed together I'd wager.

I'd guess ones bad, but the others are likely close and you may as well get them all done at the same time. The fact that that suggestion saves you time but nets them 5x the profit doesn't hurt on their side.

 

On an '06 can you even tell which unit is bad? Using their registration tool maybe? Thinking if they can't tell, shotgunning will get it done.

OP, if you will be needing new tires in the next few months, just ignore the light, monitor your pressures and wait till they have them apart for the new mounts.

 

Thank you everyone, it does make sense that if it's a battery all the rest are shortly behind. Anyone find better pricing at different tire shops?

 

Order on Amazon, around $20-$30 each.

$80 MORESENSOR Compact PRO Series 315MHz TPMS Tire Pressure Sensor 4-Pack | Preprogrammed for Select 270+ Japanese Brand Models | Replacement for 42607-33011 | Clamp-in | KX-S008-4

https://www.amazon.com/MOBILETRON-M...37------------&vehicleName=2006+Toyota+Tacoma

Most tire stores will install for $10-$15 per tire. If you're close to needing new tires just live without them until then. Tire stores will install them at no extra cost when mounting new tires.

You get better pricing buying 4 at a time, but since you need 5 on this model truck you may need to go this route.

$27 X-tra Seal 17-43013 Pro+ Green 315MHz Smart Sensor

https://www.amazon.com/X-tra-17-430...37------------&vehicleName=2006+Toyota+Tacoma

 

i got all five of mine changed at Costco for $40 each, installed.

 

This

 

Also keep in mind if you order off Amazon or eBay you’ll still have to pay a tire store to install and program them.. and if they don’t work that’ll be on you to figure out and possibly have to pay them to do it all over again.. where if you get them thru a tire store it’ll be on them if there’s an issue.

 

In my limited TPMS replacement experience, I've found tire shops and Indy garages get a pretty penny for TPMS. An in-law got a set installed at Costco for way less.
I suppose the question is, how does the quality of the TPMS differ from the more costly places vs. Costco.

 

Discount tire is great but overcharge for tire pressure monitors.

$298 TOYOTA OEM Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Transmitter (FCC ID: GQ4-45T, P/N: 42607-0C070)

https://www.amazon.com/TOYOTA-Press...pms+Tacoma&qid=1600988241&s=automotive&sr=1-5

 

Amen to that. Tagged along recently with my step-son during a visit to Discount Tire for new tires. Here he is dropping some pretty decent $$$ for 4 new tires and they wanted to hammer him for 4 new TPMS. During the transaction, it was one up-sell item after another.
I would never buy anything from these people.

 

I would say check with a tire shop if they can read the codes on the sensors and confirm that the batteries on them have gone bad. If they are bad ebay carries lots of options that could help out. I just bought 4 sensors for 35 bucks as the one in my spare was still good. The local shop here installed and programmed all the sensors for 50 bucks. Usually, shops can tell if it's the sensors that have gone out or the ECU module is bad.

 

Pick up the ATEQ VT36 from Amazon. It will read your sensors and tell you which one or ones are bad.

 

I had problems in the past at non Toyota dealers reading and diagnosing tpms issues. That’s not to say they can’t. For many years I used the same places without issue. In rare instances , maybe Toyota equipment is necessary. They will charge many tokens for sensors though. Try a new non Toyota shop first

 

I personally have worked on a 2010 tundra with same issue. Light on, not a single sensor would read with scan tool, replaced all 4 and fixed it. Get a second opinion for sure but dont be surprised if you get the same answer.

 

I would check to make sure your main unit for reading the sensors isn't bad. I had Discount Tire replace 2 of my sensors to only have the dealership tell me the main unit was bad, so it was just a waste of money replacing the sensors. Needless to say my TPMS light is on all the time now. Screw the sensors, use an air gauge.