TPMS sensor batteries - amazing

Last summer I had a new set of wheels and tires installed that included new TPMS sensors. Just playing around today with the old wheels and tires, I popped the bead on one wheel and removed the sensor... then removed its battery. If I had known it would be that easy I would have just replaced the batteries then instead of getting new sensors. Oh, well. But the crazy thing is that these original sensors from my 2009 Tacoma, bought in November 2008, were still OK. Marginal, but OK. I believe new 3V batteries read out about 3.2V and these after almost 14 years still read 2.9V. Probably getting close to when the TPMS would stop functioning, but maybe they would still last another 6 months to a year. Amazing.

 

very impressive

 

Good post. By the way, there are good aftermarket sensors for about $40. I've used these on my old 4Runner, one Tacoma, and my GT500. These are for a 2008 Tacoma:

https://www.pdqtpms.com/fitment/ind...odel=998&qualifiers[]=&_qualifiers[]=&cat=115

 

I actually got a set of OEM Denso Pacific sensors for $33 apiece straight from Denso USA. Not sure there is any reason to go aftermarket except maybe for convenience.

 

I didn't think about just replacing batteries. The original sensors were still working after 14 years on my 2007 when I proactively replaced them when I got new tires last March. I was already stretching the limits and knew the old sensors would die before I wore out another set of tires.

I ordered some off Amazon for about $20 each. I needed one for my spare too. Discount tire installed and programed them at no extra cost.

 

Therein lies the problem. We don't have a Discount Tire. They seem to have such good prices and straightforward business practices that they could put a lot of us DIY's out of "business". Your standard tire dealers will ream you for the sensors and the "service".

Replacing the batteries takes a bit of work and you need to get the special heat rated batteries that have an insulator ring and connection tabs. Then cut part of the tabs off and solder them up. It really isn't that hard unless you haven't done much soldering. Batteries are only ~$4.00. If I didn't already have a new set that's what I would be doing.