Toyota/Scion

An Update on Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems and Aftermarket Wheels

A direct tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) will be standard equipment on every Toyota vehicle sold in the U.S. after September, 2007. The criteria for TPMS standardization is that the vehicle must have only four wheels (no dual-wheeled trucks or motorcycles), and weigh less than 10,000 lbs.

Many Toyota and Scion models have either direct valve sensor or indirect TPMS. Only Pacific valve sensors are currently used and The Tire Rack carries sensors for all models up to the 2006 model year. The size of the sensor shouldn’t be a problem for many wheels, but if the valve hole is in the middle of the wheel’s barrel, the sensor will not fit properly. Wheel manufacturers are aware of the issue and are rushing to get most of their wheels TPMS-compatible.

The Tire Rack's fitment specialists have carefully determined which wheels that are currently available will be compatible with the system installed on your vehicle.


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If you have any questions about the wheel you're considering, call or post your question for confirmation that it will be compatible with your TPMS.

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TPMS Facts

Direct TPMS use a sensor in the wheel/tire to wirelessly relay pressure back to the driver via a display inside the vehicle. Some vehicles have a digital screen that continuously shows all four tire pressures (five if spare has sensor). Others simply flash a "low tire pressure" light on the dash. Additionally, there are two different styles of sensors for a direct system: a valve sensor and a strap/band sensor. Only valve sensors are used on Audi direct system-equipped vehicles. If you bought an aftermarket SmarTire TPMS, its sensors are held on by a strap around the barrel of the wheel.

Indirect systems work in conjunction with the ABS wheel speed sensors that “count” the number of revolutions of each tire. If the right front tire is low (25psi) it will spin faster than the left front tire (35psi). The ABS system will recognize this change and alert the driver with a flashing light and possibly a loud chime. The Toyota/Scion indirect systems do not affect the fitment of aftermarket wheels.

 

Thanks for the info, Roger!

 

This may be stupid, but do the sensors use batteries and if so, do they ever go out?

 

Yes the sensors use batteries, and they have a 5 year expected life and are designed as 'non replacable" which means you will need to replace the sensors in 5 years.

For the official information on this please see this earlier stickied post:
https://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=132535

Tomas

 

any pictures of the 2008 Scion tC tpms sensors?

 

hey i saw ur post.. would u like to save time and money and buy 4 more sensors 2 put in ur 2nd set of wheels.. i have 4 of them new for sale $200 and there urs.. let me know