Tire Pressure Sensor

A

abyen

New member
One of the valve stem on my '07 Ltd broke off and I am trying to have it replaced.

So far, the dealer is charging me $120 for a replacement sensor and another $100 for labour. Today, they called me and told me that they will need another 1 and 1/2 hour to program the sensor.
Now I am looking at a bill of around $400 to replace a stupid valve stem.

I think I am being totally taken for a ride by our Vancouver dealer.

Does replacement of the stem require getting a new sensor? Can I program in the new sensor myself?

Help!!
 
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abyen said:
One of the valve stem on my '07 Ltd broke off and I am trying to have it replaced.

So far, the dealer is charging me $120 for a replacement sensor and another $100 for labour. Today, they called me and told me that they will need another 1 and 1/2 hour to program the sensor.
Now I am looking at a bill of around $400 to replace a stupid valve stem.

I think I am being totally taken for a ride by our Vancouver dealer.

Does replacement of the stem require getting a new sensor? Can I program in the new sensor myself?

Help!!
Click to expand...

First off, how did you break it? Can it in any way be considered a defect and covered by warranty?

The sensor is integral with the stem so you need the entire unit. They aren't cheap but the C$120 sounds right. Where you are getting taken is on the labour. Changing the stem is like on any tire change and $100 is steep (an entire flat repair doesn't even cost that much, even with balancing), unless they throw in the programming. Where they have you is you can't program it yourself. You need the Toyota OEM scan tool. The 1-1/2 hours programming is also way to long. This may be the book rate but a good experienced tech can do it in 5 min. You shouldn't have to pay for their inexperience. Try and get them to waive the tire labour and suck it up in the programming labour.

Or can you try another stealership? If they've already changed the part then they have you because they have the code number needed to program it. The only way to get that is to dismount the tire again because it's stamped on the part.

Where you may have them is did they give you an original written quote for the entire job? Make them stick to the quote. Their tough luck that they missed an item and misquoted. Use that as your leverage to knock the price down if they are willing to compromise.
 
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I had to have one of my valve stems replaced and it was around $240 IIRC total for parts and labor. That is what they said up front an that is what it cost. They did have the truck in the shop for about 2 hours an hour because they did have trouble programming the new sensor (but they didn't charge me for that time), plus they moved a couple of tires around for me free of charge.
 
Talk to somebody higher up at the shop. Let them know this will be the last time they ever see you unless they do a massive rethink on the labour charge.
 
Thanks for the great advice. I really appreciate it.

When all the stem caps were stolen (yes, stolen) I bought chrome ones thinking they are better than plastic ones. Unfortunately, they are not meant for our salty winter roads. One of the caps became corroded and seized on the stem. I guess I can't really cry defect.

They have had the wheel for two days now and I am picking it up today.

I will let you know what the final bill was. It will be painful I am sure.
 
Pull the fuse for your TMPS dash light. I don't see the cost/benefit to spending that type of cash on something that insignifigant. Just my $.02
 
thetaxguy said:
Pull the fuse for your TMPS dash light. I don't see the cost/benefit to spending that type of cash on something that insignifigant. Just my $.02
Click to expand...

I agree if our sweet safety loving Gov. wanted this tire pressure checking item, they need to see it's cost is plenty low so it will be fixed if damaged.

Only someone who just has to have things as they were installed would ever pay $120+$140 to get it fixed.

When the service guy was telling everyone at our Dealers service sales pitch get together a Month ago, about the cost of repairing the pressure tire stem if damaged, peopleseyes were rolling.

One guy said he would replace them with Std. stems. The service guy replied you can't do that. The guy replied hide and watch me my Dealer friend.:)
 
Federal law requires the automakers to install the TPMS systems on all 2006 and later cars and light trucks that will detect under-inflation by 25% on one or more of the 4 wheels. The spare tire does not have to have such a monitor. This whole thing is a result of the Ford Explorer/Firestone tire fiasco.

Whether or not you need to maintain such a system is another matter. Since it's a mandated safety feature like seat belts, I wouldn't be surprised if a dealer refused to help you disable it.
 
It's interesting to learn that TPMS is mandated now. I rented a plain Jane Corrolla recently and it had TPMS. Who the heck could afford to maintain it.

Anyway, got my tire back. $210. They were "nice" enough to give me a "break" from the original $250 bill -- but it's not over. I didn't let them charge me more to program in the new sensor.

I asked for the old sensor back whick I think I will try leaving it in the glove box. I think the spare has to go back under the truck to make the system happy.

Royal pain in the rear!
 
abyen said:
Anyway, got my tire back. $210. They were "nice" enough to give me a "break" from the original $250 bill -- but it's not over. I didn't let them charge me more to program in the new sensor.

I asked for the old sensor back whick I think I will try leaving it in the glove box. I think the spare has to go back under the truck to make the system happy.
Click to expand...

You "didn't let them charge me to program..." Does that mean the new one is programmed or not? If not, then I'm assuming you have the dash light on solid? It will stay that way because the old sensor in the glove box is still reading less than 28 psi. If you don't get the new one programmed then you wasted the money replacing it. Doesn't matter where the spare is as long as the sensors are near the vehicle.
 
I recall reading other threads where people put the sensors in a small tire and inflated it to get the light off. Also recall mention of a pop bottle being pressured and used!?! Of course you would have to carry the item in the vehick.
 
Here's my suggestion:

Purchase a new sensor and take it to a reputable tire store and have them do it. It is not difficult to install, requiring the tire/wheel to be broken down and then re-seated once the sensor has been replaced. Not a big deal, they do it ALL the time.
 
Yes, a tire place can handle the installation. But you still need a dealer to program the ID # into the computer with their scan tool.
 
Rats, forgot the old sensor has to be under pressure.

I guess I will eventually have to pay to have them programmed.

The suggestion about pulling the fuse is sounding better and better. I wonder if the TPMS has its own dedicated fuse.
 
abyen said:
The suggestion about pulling the fuse is sounding better and better. I wonder if the TPMS has its own dedicated fuse.
Click to expand...

Just pull them all. Eventually you will get to the fuse for the TPMS. :biggrin2:
 
I would never pay $100.00 they want at the dealer for a new sensor. You can find them on line for $40.00.

My friend at Discount Tire hates when they break a sensor on a Toyota. I think he said that is the only one he can't program and the dealer rips him off every time he sends one over there.
 
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