Wheel weights and tire pressure sensor

[PMac]

I have a 2004 4runner, and had to get 2 tires changed today. When I left the tire place, my tire pressure light was on. I took it back and they couldn't figure out why it was on and gave me some BS story about having to reset the sensors. I told them I didnt' think so and that it was probably broke. THey assured me it wasn't, but said take it in and if it is, they'll replace it.

I noticed that the tire weights on the back (new tires) are different weights from the front and each other. One reads 15g, the other 10g. The 2 in the front are 55. Would this cause the tire pressure sensor to activiate. Do all the weights need to be the same? Do you think they broke my sensors!?!?!

Thanks,

PMac

 

[BC4Runner]

Doesn't seem like it would be the tire weights, but if they didn't remove the valve stem per Toyota's instructions and let it fall into the wheel before removing the old tires, they probably broke them.

 

[Mr. Lambdebois]

The wheel weights will not effect the sensors. It is fine and normal for them to need different amounts of weight for each tire to balence properly.

The sensors just sense pressure and turn the warning light on when one or more tires pressure falls bellow around 28 psi if I remember correctly.

It is possible they dammaged one as mentioned. Also.... Have you checked your tires air pressure to make sure they are above 29psi?

 

[PMac]

yeah, I checked the pressure for all tires - even the spare. I have a feeling they broke the sensors. How can I tell for sure - take it Toyota and have them look at it?

 

[Kmvreter]

Doesn't seem like it would be the tire weights, but if they didn't remove the valve stem per Toyota's instructions and let it fall into the wheel before removing the old tires, they probably broke them.

So that's how they do it! Cool. Never thought of it because the sensor actually has some shape to it (like the rim drop well center) to slide the tire over. I thought the sensor would also be held in place with some kind of adhesive.
BC4Runner,
Can you post the actual instructions (copy, paste, picture?) so I can leave them in the vehicle in case I need to show a tire buster what I'm talking about?
Thanks.

 

[Kmvreter]

yeah, I checked the pressure for all tires - even the spare. I have a feeling they broke the sensors. How can I tell for sure - take it Toyota and have them look at it?

Is the light on steady or blinking?
If it is blinking then the system is indicating a fault because it can't find one (or more) of the sensors (possibly broken.) Also, are all the sensors there (did the tire shop install new stems and pitch your sensors?)
If it is on steady then the system knows the sensors are working and one (or more) of them is giving a low pressure signal. This sounds like the more likely cause. Temporarily over-inflate all the tires (35-40 psi, including the spare) to see if the light goes out. Another reason may be related to the above scenario. Did the tire shop replace the valve stems and just put your sensor stems somewhere in the vehicle? Then they would read low.
If none of this troubleshooting helps, then let the tire shop know you are taking it to the dealer and you want a Purchase Order number for the dealer to invoice the shop directly for all costs. If it is new sensors this will include "pinging" them to learn on your vehicle. The tire shop can't do this and it shouldn't cost you a dime. In fact they owe you for your time (don't take future freebies from them as compensation; do you really want them touching your truck again if indeed they screwed up a simple tire change?)

 

[BC4Runner]

BC4Runner,
Can you post the actual instructions (copy, paste, picture?) so I can leave them in the vehicle in case I need to show a tire buster what I'm talking about?
Thanks.

I'm trying to find them now. I might have actually read them on here.