Problem initializing 2nd set of TPMS

10533 Views 11 Replies 6 Participants Last post by CanuckGuy, Apr 4, 2009

smackboy1

Discussion Starter · Mar 30, 2009

I have a 2007 XLE Limited AWD and decided to go with 2 sets of tires and wheels: winter and summer. I ordered from TireRack and got the a new set of wheels and tires w/ TPMS all mounted and balanced. The wheels fit fine, but I can't get the Sienna to initialize the new TPMS. The tire pressure warning light keeps on blinking indicating a malfunction. Anybody know how to fix this?

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smackboy1

Discussion Starter · #2 · Mar 30, 2009

I just called my dealer and found out that Toyota designed their TPMS system so that EACH TIME I want to swap wheels I have to take my car into the dealership so they can individually program the serial number of the new TPMS sensors into the ECU with the scan tool. The system cannot detect the new sensors. So I have to pay the dealer $100 twice a year to switch back and forth.

That is the dumbest design. All the other TPMS systems I have seen just detect the new sensors when initialized.

On the slightly brighter side, I just found out that this company http://www.revolutionsupply.com is planning to release a TPMS reset tool ($200) that basically programs the ECU like the dealer's scan tool does.

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kolkh

· #3 · Mar 30, 2009

Do I understood you correctly that we can have [up to] 4 key fobs programmed , but we cannot have more than 4 TPMS programmed at a time?

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smackboy1

Discussion Starter · #4 · Mar 30, 2009

kolkh said:
Do I understood you correctly that we can have [up to] 4 key fobs programmed , but we cannot have more than 4 TPMS programmed at a time?

Don't know anything about key fobs. With the TPMS I don't know if the ECU saves TPMS valve sensor serial numbers in memory, or not, but you can only have 1 set of TPMS valve sensors "active" at any one time. And to change, you have to reprogram the car to recognize the other set of TPMS valve sensor serial numbers.

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kolkh

· #5 · Mar 30, 2009

Thanks! ...and sorry for a confusing question.

It looks like I feel lucky with "previous century" TPMS (ABS based) -- do not have to worry about the dumbest design limitations.

Hopefully, a TPMS reset tool will become available, it's great it pays for itself in a year!

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robo5

· #6 · Mar 31, 2009

This is true. ONLY 4 can be registered at one time.Some models also have one in the spare SO 5 in this case. The numbers are stamped on the body of the TPMS. These #'s have to be noted on a work-order for future use.

YUP one of toyota's great mysterys.

I also liked the "old" way, off the ABS system.

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topspy

· #7 · Mar 31, 2009

I HOPE the newer system works better or is more sensitive/accurate/truly useful.

With the older ABS-based system, you are never "really" sure that it is working. And the re-initialization procedure (just push the reset button and it will automatically recalibrate over a range of miles or time) builds ZERO confidence/credibility.

But that's just me.... 8)

It did save me 1x....had a huge nail.

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samilcar

· #8 · Mar 31, 2009

While the newer TPMS ('07 and later) can only remember 5 total sensors (

), it is more accurate and better able to notify the driver in case of a fast leak than the old system.

When I put on my non-TPMS winter wheels last fall, I put my TPMS regular wheels in the back of the van for a week. The van detected the sensors inside the van and the dash light never came on. I then had my daughter go back and let air out of one of the tires inside the van as I was driving down the road. After 30 seconds of air escaping this tire, the TPMS dash light came on. Total pressure loss in that tire was eight psi (35psi down to 27psi).

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kolkh

· #9 · Mar 31, 2009

...this winter driving on a highway, I've got TMPS light on. When measured, pressure was down from 35psi to 30psi in one wheel. Thus, the old system is useful, but I would not argue with what topspy said:

"I HOPE the newer system works better or is more sensitive/accurate/truly useful."

New design has significant potential advantages and I HOPE Toyota can make it more convenient then "the dumbest design".

Thank you smackboy1 again for posting this "discovery"!

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smackboy1

Discussion Starter · #10 · Mar 31, 2009

I agree the ABS sensor systems pre-2007 are primitive. The individual valve sensors are the way to go, but why make owners go back to the dealership to initialize a new set of sensors? I suspect it's a way to increase dealer visits and boost their revenue. They get to charge 1 hour for probably 10 minutes work :

Our MINI Cooper S also has TPMS valve sensors and re-initializing a new set is as easy as pushing a button. I could be switching 5 sets of tire without problem. Which reminds me, it's time to change the MINI over to summer rubber.

I was thinking another option is to buy an aftermarket TPMS monitoring system (around $200) and have it installed in the 2nd set of wheels. Then just ignore the dash light (black tape) for half the year. I'll bet Toyota made it so there is no easy way to disable the TPMS system. The aftermarket systems are actually better because they tell you the actual pressure at each corner. Here's another mystery: when Toyota upgraded the TPMS system to valve sensors, why didn't they display the individual tire pressures on the dash ??? I bet TireRack would install the valve sensors if you bought the tires and wheels and TPMS from them.

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topspy

· #11 · Apr 3, 2009

I inquired about the aftermarket TPMS that my local America's Tire/Discount Tire sells & installs. I was thinking about adding it to [spymom]'s '04 Lexus ES-330 (not equipped from factory with TPMS back then). The sales manager (you could tell he'd been there a while and was experienced) actually tried to talk me out of it. He said that most people do not like them after getting them and they are inconvenient. They sell ones that are powered with a cigarette lighter adapter for power. You cannot disconnect the power, or you will disconnect the system and have to reset it each time. He rarely sells them.

I didn't get into whether or not you could hardwire it.
I don't know how other systems work or how they maintain power.

YMMV.

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CanuckGuy

· #12 · Apr 4, 2009

smackboy1 said:
I just called my dealer and found out that Toyota designed their TPMS system so that EACH TIME I want to swap wheels I have to take my car into the dealership so they can individually program the serial number of the new TPMS sensors into the ECU with the scan tool. The system cannot detect the new sensors. So I have to pay the dealer $100 twice a year to switch back and forth.

That is the dumbest design. All the other TPMS systems I have seen just detect the new sensors when initialized.

On the slightly brighter side, I just found out that this company http://www.revolutionsupply.com is planning to release a TPMS reset tool ($200) that basically programs the ECU like the dealer's scan tool does.

Smackboy - check around on those reset prices. I asked at three different shops yesterday and got three different prices. Fountain Tire was the least expensive - $35.00 to reset the ECU and they throw in a cup of coffee while I wait!

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