TPMS Sensors

[RYU]

Also, Let's say I decide to rotate tires later...does anyone know if the instrument cluster display differentiates between which one is Front Right vs. Rear Left OR does it just tell you that one tire is low on air?

I ask because my previous car reported each tire's status but in the BRZ I only see one simple warning indicator light.

[Foobar]

Originally Posted by RYU

Also, Let's say I decide to rotate tires later...does anyone know if the instrument cluster display differentiates between which one is Front Right vs. Rear Left OR does it just tell you that one tire is low on air?

I ask because my previous car reported each tire's status but in the BRZ I only see one simple warning indicator light.

BRZ doesn't differentiate the tires, so it just shows you an indicator if any of the tires have low pressure, doesn't tell you which one.

[neutron256]

Originally Posted by RYU

@neutron256, just to reconfirm. So you're able to reprogram the TPMS IDs with the Techstream Software you got off ebay? All is good so far?

No, I'm able to see the TPMS data, but get an error when trying to program new ID's. This is probably because it's an unsupported Chinese knockoff cable.

[smbrm]

Some of the big questions that remain unanswered which make this discussion confusing:

1) Are the TPMS sensors required by your country/state/province if the system is present on your car?
If they are then you better have them since there may be liability associated with not using the system if you have an accident related to tire under inflation. Remember the FRS/BRZ records events!
As an example

Transport Canada says this:
http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/roadsafety/roadsafety-1158.htm

Another reference:

http://www.albertagasprices.com/blog...stid=229&ign=2

Note the reference to ensure periodic pressure checks regardless of whether you have TPMS or not!


2) If they are not required then what happens if one chooses to install tires without them?

From what I have heard it depends on the car. Some cars have a light and some a chime and a light. It appears the FRS/BRZ may only have a light? Can anyone confirm this?
There seems to be some debate as to what sets it off, how long it is on, will it reset in the proximity of the TPMS equipped tires, regardless of whether they are in motion. All this may be dependent on what type of TPMS we have? Hopefully someone can clarify this?


3) If the system does not see TPMS sensors because there are none there, or none that are recognized then is anything else other than the light on the dash impacted? This seems to be an important question, but the suggestion appears to be that not having them only impacts the light on the FRS/BRZ.

4) If you need, should have, or would like a set on another set of wheels either summer or winter, then what is required to keep things working properly? Some have suggested that the dealer will of course reprogam(for a fee) for you when you seasonally change your tires? There is also suggestion that with the right (extra cost)tool you can reprogram yourself? Is the FRS/BRZ system self learning?

What I find particularly frustrating is that we have a different and particular system in play that may provide a relevent safety contribution, but little useful information on how to cope with it! If you want to go for having no TPMS on your 2nd set of tires then it would be nice to know exactly what to expect(solid light, flashing light, bells & whistles, sometimes, all the time etc. etc.)

So perhaps some clear information to the relevent questions would help to clarify all the speculation!


cheers

[Captain Insano]

If we could simply not run them without the warning light being triggered that is perfect IMHO. I need to figure out how to address ASAP since I plan to buy winter tires soon...

[smbrm]

What I found or was told

- Described as a conventional 4 sensor system
-No 2nd tire Switch( so system will only hold one code)
- No initialization(reset switch)
- broadcasts every 90 seconds when vehicle is stationary
- broadcasts every 15 seconds when vehicle is motion as determined by G sensors inside the TPMS sensor assembly.
-TPMS receiver is combined with the door control receiver in a single ECU which is located under the back shelf.
- TPMS Sensors have batteries in them so when the battery dies the sensor has to be replaced. Battery life expentancy is ~ 5years! Dealership suggests they have not replaced any since first introduced in 2004
- Sensors need to be reprogrammed everytime you change from winter to summer as FRS computer only holds one set of codes. So $/year at dealership/tire store? Invest in tool for DIY? Apparantly some cars can hold 2 codes, but not the FRS.


Check for local government requirements:
- Not required for Canada/Alberta
- For Canada go here and click on horizontal arrows for details:
http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/roadsafety/roadsafety-1158.htm
- For Alberta see page 41 of this PDF:
http://www.transportation.alberta.ca...ualdec2009.pdf
The first PDF recommends regular tire pressure checks regardless of whether you have TPMS or not!

- TPMS Sensors appear to be mandatory in the U.S.
!!!Check your local requirements!!!


What can you expect to happen if you use tires/wheels without TPMS
1) you will not have an automated system monitoring tire pressure, check pressures manually.
2) TPMS dash light will glow all the time, or most of the time
3) Your TPMS dash light may turn “off” when your car is in the garage if close enough to your stored tires with TPMS sensors installed.
4) no other vehicle functions are impaired/enabled by presence of TPMS or not

[Captain Insano]

Outstanding. If I switch tires or wheels I'lll just live with the yellow light. No problem.... No emissions or vehicle checks where I live.

[Phaedrus29]

Originally Posted by smbrm

2) TPMS dash light will glow all the time, or most of the time
3) Your TPMS dash light may turn “off” when your car is in the garage if close enough to your stored tires with TPMS sensors installed.

Just to confirm again, the dash light DOES turn OFF when your car is near the stored tires with TPMS sensors installed, after the car is on for 1 minute. The light will then stay OFF until you drive approximately 20 miles...not 100% sure of the distance required for it to come back on.

[F1point4]

Had my TPMS transferred to my new wheels. Pictures for those who are interested. Unfortunately I don't think they print part numbers on the units themselves


20120921-TC105N_Z1StarSpec-14 by VictorN07, on Flickr


20120921-TC105N_Z1StarSpec-15 by VictorN07, on Flickr

[jadewbj]

I plan on having mine swapped into my new wheels from my stockers. I have had this done on all my cars without issues.

The only thing is it lowers the value of the stockers on the resale market.

[dsgerbc]

Originally Posted by F1point4

Had my TPMS transferred to my new wheels. Pictures for those who are interested. Unfortunately I don't think they print part numbers on the units themselves

Judging by this - (Toyota) part number is 3729A-PMVC010

I have been following some ebay auctions on these lately, so if you need a set soon - linked auction is an okay price. If you wait, you can get a set for under $80-$90.

[F1point4]

Originally Posted by dsgerbc

Judging by this - (Toyota) part number is 3729A-PMVC010

I have been following some ebay auctions on these lately, so if you need a set soon - linked auction is an okay price. If you wait, you can get a set for under $80-$90.

The left side of those sensors don't quite look like the ones I pulled out, but they probably work.

[dsgerbc]

Originally Posted by F1point4

The left side of those sensors don't quite look like the ones I pulled out, but they probably work.

The same IDs are enough in my book. If one wants them to look identical I suppose one should be looking for sensors off 2012 Camry

[Spartan65]

Originally Posted by civicdrivr

Hopefully we can use those universal sensors. TireRack now has the sensor listed for the FR-S, at $396 for all four

I just sent VDO a product inquiry about the FRS/BRZ/GT86 I would rather buy these at 26-35 dollars each.