TPMS question, insight appreciated

[acronin2]

I have a question about the TPMS system in my 2004 Sport that I am hoping someone on here could clarify for me. About 2 months ago my TPMS dash light started flashing one day while I was driving. After researching on here I realized that the flashing TPMS dash light means that at least one of the sensors is either dead or has lost communication with the vehicles ECU. Knowing that I was getting new tires before winter I ignored the flashing light for the time being. After a few weeks the TPMS dash light stopped flashing and disappeared (i.e. started working as normal).

Although the TPMS system starting working normally again, I figured since the sensors were 11 yrs old I would buy new ones and have them installed with my new tires. Fast forward to this weekend, I got new Duratracs installed at my local Sams Club. I was told before hand that they would install the new sensors but would not be able to calibrate with the ECU since they do not have the right calibration tool. When I picked up the truck after the install I assumed that the TPMS sensor light would be flashing because the new sensor were not calibrated and therefore not communicating with the ECU but instead the dash light was solid (i.e. low tire pressure). I checked all 4 tires and the spare and the spare was low so I filled it to 40psi but the dash light is still solid after driving for 20+ miles.

My question is, should the TPMS dash light be flashing if the new sensors were installed and not calibrated?

And yes, I know most ppl on here ignore or disable the TPMS system but I'm the kind of person that wants original equipment to work as it is intended to work.

Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks for hanging in there.

 

[Erkelbot]

Did you hang onto your old TPMS units? I spent the better part of a month working through diagnosing why my light kept illuminating (solid, not blinking) until I figured out the old sensors were the issue.

My guess is that a shop that doesn't have the proper calibration tool to add codes, also cannot remove them. So, if you kept the sensors (any of them -- like in glove box or the like), you're ECU is going to be confused into thinking the pressure's low.

Alternatively, if your computer lost connection with the TPMS all together, it may illuminate.

The TPMS sensors are a peculiar beast. Here's the thread explaining how I tracked down the issue.

 

[Atlas415]

I am getting new wheels soon. Are you saying that I should go ahead and get new TPMS units or is it ok to swap my old ones in there?

 

[CXS]

Your old ones should be fine. Personally I removed mine and killed the light to eliminate the damn light.

 

[Erkelbot]

I am getting new wheels soon. Are you saying that I should go ahead and get new TPMS units or is it ok to swap my old ones in there?

Use the old ones if they can be transplanted.

Are your old sensors in the new tires, or are they not yet installed? What I'm suggesting is that if you have not installed them, but kept them, they may be communicating with the computer still and telling your CPU that the pressure is low. They communicate at a fairly good distance, so if you kept them and they are nearby they're likely making the light illuminate.

 

[acronin2]

Did you hang onto your old TPMS units? I spent the better part of a month working through diagnosing why my light kept illuminating (solid, not blinking) until I figured out the old sensors were the issue.

My guess is that a shop that doesn't have the proper calibration tool to add codes, also cannot remove them. So, if you kept the sensors (any of them -- like in glove box or the like), you're ECU is going to be confused into thinking the pressure's low.

Alternatively, if your computer lost connection with the TPMS all together, it may illuminate.

The TPMS sensors are a peculiar beast. Here's the thread explaining how I tracked down the issue.

Thanks for the response. I had SAMs club return the old (orginal) sensors to me but they are in my house now and the dash light still remains solid. The spare has still have the orginal sensor in there but the 4 new tires have 4 new sensors that according to SAMs club arent calibrate and should not be communicating with the ECU.

Theoretically, if a new sensor(s) is just installed and not calibrated the TPMS dash light should be blinking (since sensor is not communicating with ECU)? Am I correct in my thinking?

 

[sonerick]

Thanks for the response. I had SAMs club return the old (orginal) sensors to me but they are in my house now and the dash light still remains solid. The spare has still have the orginal sensor in there but the 4 new tires have 4 new sensors that according to SAMs club arent calibrate and should not be communicating with the ECU.

This is what I think is going on:

Theoretically, if a new sensor(s) is just installed and not calibrated the TPMS dash light should be blinking (since sensor is not communicating with ECU)? Am I correct in my thinking?

The "low pressure" state of the indicator light (solid) takes precedence over the "malfunction" state of the indicator light (blinking). In your case, it sounds like the light should be blinking due to not being properly calibrated, but it is also still reading the old sensors in your house (which currently read an air pressure of 0 since they are not in a tire) and therefore illuminating solid.

What the poster above was trying to tell you is that these sensors have a pretty good range, and your truck is still talking to the old sensors even though they are moved away from the truck in your house. You need to have them de-activated.

 

[decoyy]

Had a strange thing happen. Also have an 04 w/ TPMS and the light came on after installing a new NAV stereo.

Pressure is all ok. Sensors are ok too. Thought maybe it was the module, also replaced that with another for 30 bucks. (brown module under the glove box part 89769-35010)

Same thing...light is solid. Am I missing a fuse somewhere? Could it be a short? Everything else is working fine. I might just do the bypass if I can't fix it, but never had any TPMS issues before.

Thanks

 

[DisguisedRope]

You could try wrapping the old sensors in aluminum foil to block any signals from them. Works with ezPass units to keep them from being read going through toll booths.

 

[YotaDriver]

I bought new wheels for my rig this past summer and picked up four new TPMS sensors while I was at it and I've had the damn light on in my dash ever since. I figure when I get new tires I'll deal with it, until them I'm going to have to live like a goddamn caveman and actually check my tire pressure manually.

Oh the humanity!

 

[act1v3x]

Hey guys I don't mean to hijack the thread but I was just about to put new wheels and tires on my 06 sport and it turned out that one of the valve stems is not the metal one that the sensors come with but it was a rubber replacement kind of like this one... http://bumpersuperstore.com/images/F119295802.jpg

I was wondering if I should be able to replace it with this: http://www.amazon.com/Schrader-2003...73470&sr=8-9&keywords=4runner+valve+stem+tpms

Or perhaps I need something more like this: http://www.amazon.com/Schrader-3400...73470&sr=8-3&keywords=4runner+valve+stem+tpms

and also if I'll be able to transfer the other units from the old wheels to the new ones without needing the above part.

Thanks!

 

[sonerick]

Had a strange thing happen. Also have an 04 w/ TPMS and the light came on after installing a new NAV stereo.

Pressure is all ok. Sensors are ok too. Thought maybe it was the module, also replaced that with another for 30 bucks. (brown module under the glove box part 89769-35010)

Same thing...light is solid. Am I missing a fuse somewhere? Could it be a short? Everything else is working fine. I might just do the bypass if I can't fix it, but never had any TPMS issues before.

Thanks

Maybe it's your spare that is low in pressure?

 

[Atlas415]

Your old ones should be fine. Personally I removed mine and killed the light to eliminate the damn light.

Well, I have not ordered the new wheels yet as I was waiting for some review of my plan (on another thread here).

But I think I like your suggestion. I mean, is there really any need for the TPMS if you check your pressure regularly yourself? I'd rather order the wheels and tires assembled but save the $200 they want to put new ones in.

 

[Erkelbot]

Hey guys I don't mean to hijack the thread but I was just about to put new wheels and tires on my 06 sport and it turned out that one of the valve stems is not the metal one that the sensors come with but it was a rubber replacement kind of like this one... http://bumpersuperstore.com/images/F119295802.jpg

I was wondering if I should be able to replace it with this: http://www.amazon.com/Schrader-2003...73470&sr=8-9&keywords=4runner+valve+stem+tpms

Or perhaps I need something more like this: Amazon.com: Schrader 34000 Aluminum Clamp-in Style Valve for TPMS Snap-in Sensor: Automotive

and also if I'll be able to transfer the other units from the old wheels to the new ones without needing the above part.

Thanks!

This is a good question for [MENTION=102541]gfluff[/MENTION] -- a tire shop manager familiar with the finicky nature of these Toyota TPMS.

What I will say about the rebuild kit is that I -- personally -- would use whatever the tire shop recommends to ensure they stand behind the job. It's easy to wash your hands of work when you're using customer supplied parts, and the ones I got at my tire shop were $10 maybe... I'd definitely pay the $40 to have them transplanted -- if possible.

 

[gfluff]

Hey guys I don't mean to hijack the thread but I was just about to put new wheels and tires on my 06 sport and it turned out that one of the valve stems is not the metal one that the sensors come with but it was a rubber replacement kind of like this one... http://bumpersuperstore.com/images/F119295802.jpg

I was wondering if I should be able to replace it with this: http://www.amazon.com/Schrader-2003...73470&sr=8-9&keywords=4runner+valve+stem+tpms

Or perhaps I need something more like this: Amazon.com: Schrader 34000 Aluminum Clamp-in Style Valve for TPMS Snap-in Sensor: Automotive

and also if I'll be able to transfer the other units from the old wheels to the new ones without needing the above part.

Thanks!

[MENTION=96708]Erkelbot[/MENTION]

If you're transferring old stock sensors to new wheels, they all should have metal stems, and you'd need 4 of the Schrader 20032 kits (2nd link) to put new seals onto existing sensors into new wheels.
I unfortunately dunno how/why you'd have 1 rubber stem. Might be a different brand aftermarket sensor? I've only ever seen metal stem sensors in Toyota wheels. The rubber stem above (1st link) is normally for some chevys and fords and a few other cars, but not normally Toyotas. It won't work with an OEM toy sensor.
The 3rd link, Metal stem, also isn't for OEM Toy sensors. No idea if it will work with whatever sensor may be under that 1 rubber stem? Sorry, but there's an unknown factor there...

I deal mainly with Dill replacement sensors, but there's always other possibilities out there. I believe Dill 7002 is the 4Runner sensor. $45ea+$14labor at most Costco locations.

 

[Erkelbot]

Thanks, [MENTION=102541]gfluff[/MENTION]

It's not for me -- [MENTION=124424]act1v3x[/MENTION] asked about the stem replacements. I just suspected you would know based on our other thread

 

[act1v3x]

Thanks guys. I'll make sure I pick up one rubber one and of the metal stems and 4 of the repair kits just to make sure I've got everything that I need.

 

[Atlas415]

This is good info. Thanks

 

[act1v3x]

So just FYI... I put in the FN f(x) wheels and Duratracs on the truck and it did indeed turn out that the one specific sensor with the rubber valve was a different one so I ended up getting a $4 valve from an auto shop and that worked out good. Only issue now is I get some rubbing on the front even though I stayed with 265/70/17s so I'm gonna have to figure something about that.

Thanks!

 

[acronin2]

The "low pressure" state of the indicator light (solid) takes precedence over the "malfunction" state of the indicator light (blinking). In your case, it sounds like the light should be blinking due to not being properly calibrated, but it is also still reading the old sensors in your house (which currently read an air pressure of 0 since they are not in a tire) and therefore illuminating solid.

What the poster above was trying to tell you is that these sensors have a pretty good range, and your truck is still talking to the old sensors even though they are moved away from the truck in your house. You need to have them de-activated.

My car is parked several hundred yards from my house and also the light remains on when I am driving (i.e. miles away from my house). I know that all 5 tires are properly inflated so thats why I am confused as to why the "low pressure" solid light is showing rather than the blinking light.

I assumed that when I picked up my car at SAMs club that the light would be blinking since the 4 new sensors were never calibrated. I need to find tire shop that can program the sensors or go to Toyota dealer. I am just afraid Toyota will charge an absurd amount for the 15 min it'll take them.