Tire Pressure Monitor, What Gives!?
05-30-06, 07:34 AM
#1
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Tire Pressure Monitor, What Gives!?
I've had my new GX for a little over a week now, and I just had the tire pressure monitor light come on just below my gas gauge. I have checked the pressure twice now on all 4 wheels and they all are slightly above the recommend PSI level.
Could it be the spare tire that's getting low, or do you think that my tire pressure monitor is going bonkers? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm getting sick of that yellow exclamation point!
Could it be the spare tire that's getting low, or do you think that my tire pressure monitor is going bonkers? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm getting sick of that yellow exclamation point!
05-30-06, 01:15 PM
#3
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Originally Posted by BobsGX
Check the spare tire. Its probably the culprit.
The spare tire was the problem when the same symptom developed on my GX.
All FIVE tires are monitored by the TPM system.
06-01-06, 06:20 AM
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The spare was a bit low on pressure. But after filling it above 320 PSI, I still have the flashing low tire pressure light on. I guess I'm gonna have to call Lexus and have them take a look at it.
06-01-06, 08:02 AM
#7
Lexus Test Driver
Originally Posted by The G Man
The transmmiiter is located on the valve stem and it runs on a battery that needs to be replace every 5 years.
This brings up an idea. Maybe one of the batteries in TULeadHead's stem is out and it is the system telling him that it needs changed???
CV
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06-01-06, 09:33 AM
#8
Lexus Test Driver
The battery is inside the transmitter which is attached to the valve stems. You cannot replace these batteries yourself because you need to re-porgram the transmitter after the battery replacement. Last time I heard, it cost a $100 to reaplce one. So 5 years down the line, 5 new batteries will cost $500, just another thing to look forward to. 
06-01-06, 10:39 AM
#9
Lexus Test Driver
Originally Posted by The G Man
The battery is inside the transmitter which is attached to the valve stems. You cannot replace these batteries yourself because you need to re-porgram the transmitter after the battery replacement. Last time I heard, it cost a $100 to reaplce one. So 5 years down the line, 5 new batteries will cost $500, just another thing to look forward to.
CV
06-01-06, 11:04 AM
#10
Lexus Test Driver
Actually, $100 is to replace the sensor. I am not sure how much it cost to replace the batteries or if you can just replace the battary at all.
Here is a picture of the TPMS:
Here is a picture of the TPMS:
06-01-06, 12:59 PM
#11
So if there is no battery, and thus no transmission, does the light come on? Can the whole thing just be disabled?
Amazing how something like air in tires can now be a hassle and a $500 job.
Amazing how something like air in tires can now be a hassle and a $500 job.
06-01-06, 02:09 PM
#12
Originally Posted by The G Man
The battery is inside the transmitter which is attached to the valve stems. You cannot replace these batteries yourself because you need to re-porgram the transmitter after the battery replacement. Last time I heard, it cost a $100 to reaplce one. So 5 years down the line, 5 new batteries will cost $500, just another thing to look forward to.
I also don't see where the battery is located in the above diagram. Are you sure those sensors aren't sealed and can only be replaced?
06-01-06, 06:28 PM
#13
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A couple of points, it is US law for cars/light trucks to have Tire Pressure Monitoring, with a phase in (starting in 2004). I think starting with MY 2007 100% have to have it.
There are 2 ways to sense. Actual pressure monitor and sender in each tire, or indirectly by measuring differential tire rotation speeds (with low pressure the tire circumference is reduced) using the ABS sensors already in place. This is less accurate.
Currently all the units are sealed, with no replaceable batteries.
The price for replacements in general should be less than $10 each, but then add labor. The idea is too replace them when you get new tires (assuming your are somewhere around 4+ years). Then the additional labor charge should be minimum (as you get new valves/stems with new tires anyway).
However, the minimum life is supposed to be 5 years, and up to 10 years.
There are 2 ways to sense. Actual pressure monitor and sender in each tire, or indirectly by measuring differential tire rotation speeds (with low pressure the tire circumference is reduced) using the ABS sensors already in place. This is less accurate.
Currently all the units are sealed, with no replaceable batteries.
The price for replacements in general should be less than $10 each, but then add labor. The idea is too replace them when you get new tires (assuming your are somewhere around 4+ years). Then the additional labor charge should be minimum (as you get new valves/stems with new tires anyway).
However, the minimum life is supposed to be 5 years, and up to 10 years.
06-01-06, 07:34 PM
#14
Automatic tire pressure sensing has got to be one of the dumbest laws I've ever heard of. I'm glad my LX doesn't have them...saves me at least $1500, as I plan to keep it 20+ yrs.
06-02-06, 04:55 AM
#15
Lexus Test Driver
This sounds like a joke! Just disable the damn system and check the tires yourself if it is going to be this much of a problem. I am all for progress, but not at a tremendous cost and a PIA!
CV
CV