Discount Tire Broke TPMS Sensor...

KP Texan

New member
I had new tires put on my 4Runner today at Discount Tire, and they informed me that they accidentally broke one of my TPMS sensors and had to replace it. Although the TPMS light was still on, they guy said it should turn itself off but to bring it back if it doesn't. Needless to say, the light still wasn't off after I parked in my garage.

Being that my 4Runner is basically new, I'm not too happy about it, but I guess this stuff happens. I'm also not amused at the new scratches on my wheels...nothing really awful, but they're there now.

The guy at Discount Tire said they use Dill brand sensors. My question is, is this sensor OK, or should I try to get them to pony up for a Toyota sensor? Anyone else have this occur while getting new tires?
 
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You can use aftermarket sensor but they need to have Teachstream or compatible software to program new sensor in order for ECU to recognize the signal.
 
Merchant tire broke 2 of my TPMS sensors and scratched all 4 wheels. Needless to say, they bought me 2 new TPMS sensors and 4 new wheels. Absolutely unacceptable.
 
Merchant tire broke 2 of my TPMS sensors and scratched all 4 wheels. Needless to say, they bought me 2 new TPMS sensors and 4 new wheels. Absolutely unacceptable.

Did they give you OEM TPMS sensors?

I don't want to be unreasonable about the scratches, but it seems there should be a way to change tires without scratching wheels. I noticed they were using a metal tool to pop the bead of the old tire off the wheel, so I'm assuming that's what did it. Aside from looks, my issue is that once the clearcoat gets damaged, it leads to aluminum oxidation under the surface. Granted, I could be driving down the road tomorrow and have a kicked up rock to the same thing.
 
You can use aftermarket sensor but they need to have Teachstream or compatible software to program new sensor in order for ECU to recognize the signal.

I wouldn’t recommend it, aftermarket sensors don’t always communicate with OEM TPMS Module.
 
I had new tires put on my 4Runner today at Discount Tire, and they informed me that they accidentally broke one of my TPMS sensors and had to replace it. Although the TPMS light was still on, they guy said it should turn itself off but to bring it back if it doesn't. Needless to say, the light still wasn't off after I parked in my garage.

Being that my 4Runner is basically new, I'm not too happy about it, but I guess this stuff happens. I'm also not amused at the new scratches on my wheels...nothing really awful, but they're there now.

The guy at Discount Tire said they use Dill brand sensors. My question is, is this sensor OK, or should I try to get them to pony up for a Toyota sensor? Anyone else have this occur while getting new tires?


They probably broke it when they unseated the bead. I wouldn’t recommend aftermarket sensors. They aren’t always able to communicate with the TPMS module. I’m surprised they returned your 4RUNNER with the low PSI light still on and told you it would go out on it’s own :crazy: It takes a quick short drive for the module to verify proper PSI setting. Less than a minute.

Check the tire pressure on all tires yourself. If they are all at spec and the light is still on. Go back and tell them that you understand things happen but would like Toyota to diagnose it and have them pay for any repairs it might need.
 
Did they give you OEM TPMS sensors?

I don't want to be unreasonable about the scratches, but it seems there should be a way to change tires without scratching wheels. I noticed they were using a metal tool to pop the bead of the old tire off the wheel, so I'm assuming that's what did it. Aside from looks, my issue is that once the clearcoat gets damaged, it leads to aluminum oxidation under the surface. Granted, I could be driving down the road tomorrow and have a kicked up rock to the same thing.

You’re not being unreasonable. You brought a fairly new vehicle in with no scratches on the wheels, they scratched them so now they need to make it right. After working at discount tire many years ago, I know their machines have ways to remove and install a tire on without scratching. I’m positive they will be receptive to your request to make it right.
 
When I had my rims powder coated, the gentleman said he could also remove my tires. I told him that I worked into the deal with my new tires from Discount Tire that they would remove and install the tires for one future appointment. He said he knew what he was doing and I allowed him to remove the tires. During his process of removing the tires he broke one of my TPMS sensors. I told him he would have to buy me a new sensor. He tried every which way to get me an aftermarket sensor for around $40. I did some research and found that after market sensors usually fail sooner than OEM. He then tried getting me a used one. I told him the vehicle was a year old so I wanted OEM new. I found a Toyota dealership online down south and we bought that for around $140 (correction $62.52) or so, and discounted it from the powder coat job price.
The stealership wanted about $120 to program the sensor. I called Discount Tire and they did it for free.

My Jetta's rims were scratched by Discount Tire and after a light argument they agreed to fix my rims. The scratches were in places that were obviously not from me and in areas they used the impact gun. Normally I wouldn't have said anything but these were pretty messed up. There's a mobile rim fixing shop that came to there dealership and fixed them. I couldn't tell a difference from new after they were repaired.
 
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I think I'm just going to tell them that they have to pay for an OEM sensor. Local Toyota dealer has them in stock for $89.75. That being said, can DT reprogram the TPMS system with a new OEM sensor, or can they only clone the old sensor to a generic one? Man, this has turned into a PITA.
 
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these sensor are too easy to break... I only bring in my wheels/tires to Toyota now. If they break it, I know they will replace it right away with OEM parts.
 
I think I'm just going to tell them that they have to pay for an OEM sensor. Local Toyota dealer has them in stock for $89.75. That being said, can DT reprogram the TPMS system with a new OEM sensor, or can they only clone the old sensor to a generic one. Man, this has turned into a PITA.

McGeorge Toyota is who I bought it from. Shipped $62.52.
 
hold them accountable for everything. you're trusting them with your vehicle and paying for their service. if it turns out different than what you expected, then you take off the gloves.

this is just me, but I don't go near discount tire. they successfully mounted my staggered wheels on my 350z opposite of what they should be (rears on the front, front on the rears).

then in a different visit they managed to skip a thread on my stud when putting on a dummy tire. so when I got home to put on a full size spare I realized I couldn't get the lug off. took it back and they tried and tried to get it off, but then came and handed me the broken stud. they replaced it free of charge, but sent me to a chop shop on a shady side of town to have it fixed. literally could've leaned on the wall and knocked the building over. not exactly a "reputable" fix in my opinion.

but like I said, hold them accountable for everything until your vehicle is the way it was when you brought it to them.
 
hold them accountable for everything. you're trusting them with your vehicle and paying for their service. if it turns out different than what you expected, then you take off the gloves.

this is just me, but I don't go near discount tire. they successfully mounted my staggered wheels on my 350z opposite of what they should be (rears on the front, front on the rears).

then in a different visit they managed to skip a thread on my stud when putting on a dummy tire. so when I got home to put on a full size spare I realized I couldn't get the lug off. took it back and they tried and tried to get it off, but then came and handed me the broken stud. they replaced it free of charge, but sent me to a chop shop on a shady side of town to have it fixed. literally could've leaned on the wall and knocked the building over. not exactly a "reputable" fix in my opinion.

but like I said, hold them accountable for everything until your vehicle is the way it was when you brought it to them.

You're right. I hate to be "that guy", but I just feel if they were a little more careful then this wouldn't happen. I know this sounds nitpicky, but I also noticed them resting mounted tires up against painted body panels (doors, bumpers, etc.) while polishing the wheel where it mates to the hub. I could see resting them on running boards or brake rotors, but doors?
 
They broke the rear latch on my sequoia. Not even sure it was entirely their fault as they're notorious for breaking, so I was probably on borrowed time with it anyway. They opened an insurance claim with their adjuster. I sent him the repair quote from my local Toyota dealer and they cut me a check. It was relatively painless.
 
I think I'm just going to tell them that they have to pay for an OEM sensor. Local Toyota dealer has them in stock for $89.75. That being said, can DT reprogram the TPMS system with a new OEM sensor, or can they only clone the old sensor to a generic one? Man, this has turned into a PITA.

the TMPS has to be programmed .. I posted the procedure .. so they may not have the tool to program toyota vehicles .

PCM needs the new sensor ID #.. PCM is looking for the broken sensor ...
 

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