Tire pressure sensor location?

John Harden · 10-11-2005, 09:53 PM

Am getting new tires installed and am wondering if I need to tell the install place about my sensors. Are they located on the rims, tires, or in the valve stem? If so, and I replace the tires, does the shop need to do anything special?

I'd hate to have to drive around with that darn light on all the time. It's gone off a few times since I've had the truck and each time, I had low tire pressure in one of the tires, so it seems to work as designed.

Regards,

John

Sammy Sandbag · 10-11-2005, 10:08 PM

The sensors are part of the valve stem. You just need to have them transfered over to the new wheels. I know some people have had trouble with them seating and sealing correctly with aftermarket wheels, but it just depends. BTW, if there are no sensors present, then the audible alarm will not sound and the light generally takes anywhere from 30-75 miles to turn on.

Sammy Sandbag · 10-11-2005, 10:11 PM

Wait, sorry I misunderstood you. I thought you were getting new wheels. If you are just getting the tires replaced, then no there shouldn't be any problem. You might just want to give them a heads up, but I wouldn't think that there would be an issue.

rrumaner · 10-11-2005, 10:22 PM

There have been people in the past that stated that the kids at the tire store would break the stems because they didn't know they were connected to the sensor. Make sure you get someone who understands the process or be prepared to spend additional (I am not sure how much) money to replace them.

**P's Titan** · 10-12-2005, 08:48 AM

They cost over $100 each, I went through the drama with Pep Boys breaking one. Please make sure they are careful while putting them back in. If not you will have a small leak and will have to fill air up everyday. The valves are sensitive when the tire is put back on to the rim. If I were you I would watch them do it, you can tell if they do it right.

scr38 · 10-12-2005, 09:16 AM

If they don't know about the sensors they can easily break them. They need to remove the core from the stems to fully deflate the tire. Then remove the nut from the stem/sensor and push the stem inside the tire. This must be done before the bead is broken on the tire. After the bead is broken push down on the sidewall so you can reach inside and remove the sensor before the tire is removed from the rim. After the new tire is put on the rim, push down the sidewall to reinstall the sensor.
You may want to print out this and take it with you.
See attachment.

John Harden · 10-12-2005, 02:47 PM

Thanks for the replies. Geez, who knew there was so much involved in changing tires on these. That's fine though, as I like the tire pressure sensors on mine. Each time they've gone off, it's been due to low tire pressure.

Yes, it's just the tires that are being replaced. The stock rims stay on.

They're also going to try and wedge the spare back up under there with a deflated 35" tire on it. I'll let you know if it fits. Right now, it looks like its going to be darn close.

Thanks also for the installation procedure. I printed it out and will give it to them to help ward of 2nd or 3rd visits back to correct problems.

Thanks again.

John

**Helinut1970** · 10-12-2005, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scr38

You may want to print out this and take it with you.
See attachment.

Thanks Scr38!!!!! I am going to print this and keep it in the glove box. They almost broke one of mine when I had the tires changed. I will give this to them next time.

Waterfowler · 10-12-2005, 07:36 PM

When I had my tires replaced I forgot to mention the sensors to the garage. I tested one tire and the sensor went off when the pressure dropped but was too lazy to test the other three. So here's my question:If they sensors were indeed broken, would the warning light go on?

Clipboard · 12-01-2005, 01:41 PM

Thanks for the tps instructions. I got an earful on these things from various venders at the SEMA show. I'd like someone to straighten me out on these issues so I can plead a case for some fixes:
1. TPS are US$80-100 each?
2. You cannot rotate tpms wheels as each is coded to location?
3. The standard 17" steel wheels collect kilos of mud due to their weird design?
4. Chevy Silverado wheels bolt on (correct bc and offset)?
5. tpms are proprietary to whom? tire manufacturer? wheel? platform?
6. Low temperatures create false tpms alarms?
What I want is a 'factory' way to turn the system off whenever it's necessary.
TIA

KTMNealio · 12-01-2005, 01:46 PM

I just got my tires put on (aftermarket wheels) and they broke 1 sensor off. It was $71 at the stealership (they had me run get it, but they covered the cost). Just make sure you don't have some n00b puttin your new tires on and you should be fine. Express concern up front and you should hopefully get someone who knows what they are doing.
- Nealio