Tire pressure sensor- UGH. Test or replace?

[YY1]

Over the weekend I replaced one of the front tires on my 2015 Renegade.

I knew that the TPS sensors could be a problem, but apparently didn't take enough caution and it didn't work when I put the wheel back on.

It read 30 psi, and no matter what I did (add or remove air) it didn't change.
Then yesterday the readout stopped reporting all four and a "service TPS system" warning came up.

Cursory web search suggests you need TWO special electronics tools, one a proximity device to reset the sensor, and the other a device to reset the internal system.
Curiously, so posts claim there's a "reset button" under the steering wheel.
I sure didn't see one.

Anyone ever done this?

I just bought a JY matching rim so I could have a full size spare with one of my take off tires, but not sure if the TPS works on that rim.

 

[slimt]

Have you driven it since install? In order for it to reset it has to be driven. It may have to be recoded.

 

[YY1]

I was just able to do a bit more in depth research.

It seems the Renegade and a few other FCA vehicles are self learning 433 MHz (vs the older 434 MHz systems).

Not sure why two pages of search hits turned up the 2 tool requirement.

I'm pretty sure the original is damaged, but at least now I can test the one that came with my spare wheel, and if necessary, buy a $30 replacement and not have to take it to the dealer. Now I wonder if it has to be in a pressurized environment to work.

It IS somewhat troubling that the system would disable it's self due to one sensor being inoperative.
Sure would be nice to see the other three.

...and apparently they go to sleep if not in motion and wake up when they move.

 

[RGAZ]

I am totally with you on that.

It is also possible the battery is just dead on that TPMS. Find a smaller tire shop and have them se the scan tool to see if TPMS is working. Many scan tools they use show the battery life as well.

Yes, you have to drive a for a little while to get them to "talk" and update the pressure reading. Car dependent of course.
RGAZ

 

[pigpen]

No they do not need to be in a pressurized environment, most tpms tools will read and it will just say 0psi.
The tpms themselves have a battery that is non replaceable.

 

[slimt]

Napa can scan as well.

 

[Chi Town Runner]

Napa can scan as well.

as well as Discount Tire (no charge)

 

[padam]

Ignore the POS

 

[Charged440]

I had a flat tire because one of those POS leaked, never ever had a problem with old school rubber stems.

 

[metaldad]

lord pritzkers horrible road system - service truck was momentarily airbourne due to the 'ski jumps' on the e'way road pavement. tire sensor went out. idiot lite came on. had to get off eway into a nasty part of shitcago to do a quick visual.
now, a piece of black electrical tape covers it

 

[RJRENTON]

lord pritzkers horrible road system - service truck was momentarily airbourne due to the 'ski jumps' on the e'way road pavement. tire sensor went out. idiot lite came on. had to get off eway into a nasty part of shitcago to do a quick visual.
now, a piece of black electrical tape covers it

I'm also subject to the vague and uselessness of good 'ole J.B.PRITKZER's form of running the state.....especially the way he handles the Department of Transportation.....paving country roads that don't need paving and not paving the ones that need paving....all the time crying that there isn't enough money available, in spite of just raising the state's motor vehicle gasoline tax (doubling it). Good old JB has got to go..... cronyism withstanding....
BOB RENTON

 

[Ironbuilt]

Run the vehicle for 48 hours, ensuring that the tire pressure is correct. If the TPS light is still on, disconnect the battery for 60 seconds. Reconnect and cycle the key on and off 5 times, waiting 30 seconds in between. That will give the ECM ample opportunity to communicate with the sensors.
It works every time on the wife's Toyotas. She's had a bunch of them.

 

[YY1]

These valve stems are all rubber, like normal.

Not the kind that bolt together with a rubber O ring between.

I believe the sensor also come off so you can replace either without destroying the other.

I'm debating about simply going for a ride with my new spare wheel in my lap, or putting the front on stands and letting the new wheel without a tire spin for a few "miles".

 

[slimt]

They should be like these.

except mine dont have metal caps

 

[YY1]

Nope.

All rubber form the factory.

Like these-

 

[YY1]

I may also try swapping the sensor from the spare wheel to the one I think I damaged.

I'd rather know if it works, first.

Maybe I'll just buy a set of those I pictured.

Still unclear how the system knows which sensor is in which tire.

 

[WileE]

I check the pressure with my manual gauge. I ignore what the electronic gizmo says.

 

[themechanic]

I had a flat tire because one of those POS leaked, never ever had a problem with old school rubber stems.

They make rubber TPMS.

 

[themechanic]

I may also try swapping the sensor from the spare wheel to the one I think I damaged.

I'd rather know if it works, first.

Maybe I'll just buy a set of those I pictured.

Still unclear how the system knows which sensor is in which tire.

Each sensor has an ID code that the computer recognizes.

 

[themechanic]

The sensors are only supposed to last about 5 years. Less, if you drive in harsh conditions.

Check Rock Auto for prices. I just bought a set of 4 for my Mom's 2007 Chrysler 300 for $100. Discount Tire will install them for $10 per wheel.