Anyone have a somewhat inexpensive option for a TPMS sensor? I and reading in the Sticky people recommending OEM Toyota. Is there really no other better option? I recently sold a set of FR-S wheels with sensors on them that I did not use because I figured they were Subaru-branded and would not work. Was that a mistake? I also have some Acura RDX sensors somewhere...could those be made to work? RockAuto has some for $23 a piece. Also found these on eBay that say they are Genuine Toyota, but not sure

https://www.ebay.com/itm/4X-Genuine-...s/174025889572

Thoughts? This is a beater car that i use to drive to work. Light has been on for 2 years because of missing one sensor and would like to clear the light if can be done reasonably (for all 4) .

 

If your going replace all for TPMS sensors it probably is best if you went with OEM. There are parts where you can use aftermarket parts and then there are parts you should just go with OEM. Your right about the FR-S TPMS sensors not working because the FR-S is pretty much a rebranded Subaru and the sensor would have to worked because the FR-S has a different set tire pressure than the scion tC. Also, after replacing the TPMS, you will need to have them reprogrammed. So, it might just be better to just leave it alone until you need new tires and then have them replace and reprogram them.

 

I recently replaced all 4 on my daughters 2009 tC. Here is what works/what happen.

$35 on Amazon. Direct part replacement. Pre-programed.
2. Got new tires so had the shop install these. They activated and added to the ECU for $20, but the light kept blinking for 60seconds, then solid. Told me to drive it a while.
3. The light never stopped (60sec then solid). Stopped by Toyota La Cresentia. Without even looking at it, service told me it would be $150 diagnosis and $250 per sensor. I told them to kiss off.
4. Paid $150 for and ATEQ VT31. I had to write to the ECU twice then it finally worked. I didn't need the VT31 as the id's were already in the ECU, but overwriting with the same ID's finally got the ECU out
of the search mode and accepting the sensors. In short, if you simply write down your ID's before install, you only need the quickset because you enter the ID's via your computer then plug into the OBDII to add it to the car.

What a pain. So all in all, it cost me $250 (I will sell the ATEQ VT31 for $60). But now I have the Quickset tool which you will need if you get new rims, rotate, get a flat.

____

 

Thanks for sharing, samatista.

Anybody tried changing batteries vs the complete sensors? My tC will be 14 years old this December. Batteries can't last forever.

 

i am so new to the Scion scene, but any new info on the tire sensors? i have a light on but no clue what tire has the issue, i jut purchased a 2005 tc.

 

Hi PinkTc the 2005 and 2006 years of the tC do not use TPMS sensors in the wheels to monitor pressure. The cars computer monitors wheel speed via the ABS sensors on each wheel and this is how tire pressure is monitored. You'll first want to check the tire pressures on all four tires when the car has not yet been driven, cold tires. And set them according to either manufacturer recommended pressures if the wheels and tires are stock. Or if aftermarket wheels and tires check the sidewall of the tire for max pressure and subtract from there getting close to manufacturer recommended pressures. I keep my aftermarket wheels and tires at around 34 psi all around because they are low profile tires. Stock wheels and tires is recommended 32 front and 29 rear. You want to do all this on a level surface before you reinitialize the tire pressure monitoring system for baseline psi. The tire pressure reset(Set) button is located in the glove compartment. Once you have the correct pressures on all tires. Turn on the car and press the Set button and hold to turn the tire pressure light off, if on. Then you want to press the Set button again and hold to set the baseline psi for all tires. The tire pressure light will blink a few times after about 4 to 5 seconds and turn off and the new baseline psi is set. You'll need to drive the car a bit to complete the full process of setting the new baseline psi. Now whenever the tire monitoring system detects a deviation in wheel speed afterwards because of a change in tire pressure. The light will turn on. You'll have to check all tires to see which one or more than one have a different tire pressure from baseline psi. Once you've corrected the pressure in the tires to baseline psi you'll press the Set button again to turn off the light.

 

Thank you so much Sir! i will double check up on the pressure of all 4 and reset. this explains why i simply count fin new sensors! lmao i feel silly but at least now i know!