So, in the process of putting my new wheels on my 03 350z, i broke one of the tpms sensors. It has kicked on the light, along with an annoying beeping noise when i first start and drive the vehicle. If i go and buy a new sensor from nissan, is it 100% definite that we must take our cars to the dealer to have it programmed, or can we just drive the car, and itll learn after driving? Now if It does have to go to the dealer, (I work at a dealer myself, a Land Rover dealership), Is the tool they use for our cars Nissan Specific? Like Land Rovers.

 

There is a TPMS DIY thread on this site somewhere. Otherwise, the dealer can program it for you for free if they're cool or charge $80 if they're d!cks.

 

You can also ask your service dept if their TPMS reprogramming device works with other units, or is specific to Land Rover. The tool they use at Nissan dealers is usually a CONSULT 3 diagnostic tool and is quite specific to Nissans.

 

Does an '--'reading for only one wheel mean the battery has died?
Dash light comes on immediately, not after the 30 mins of driving like other have said.



Thanks in advance

 

Halp

 

The blank reading means the TPMS has not picked up a reading for that particular unit. Remember that it takes a few miles of driving before the unit sends a repeatable radio signal, so it always reads "---". But if the light stays on after 10-15 minutes--and you get no readout on the dash--then you most likely have a defective unit on that side.

 

The TPMS will have to be reprogramed and "introduced" to the car's computer. It's a pretty straight forward process, but the device to do it costs a ton so that's why everyone charges so much. But it doesn't have to be at the dealer. You just have to see if your dealer's computer will work with your sensors. Fortunately I knew someone at Infinity that hooked me up. Otherwise, yea... It's like 80 bucks just for the programming.

 

I work at a Firestone Auto center, we have a Snap-On TPMS3 that works great to program the sensors on most vehicles. If I were you, I'd buy the sensor and pay a place like that to have it installed (should charge no more than a normal flat repair, ~$30) and they should program it at the same time for no additional charge.

I've done them for customers many times, usually when other guys break the sensors or now that they are getting older and the batteries are dying. Only takes a couple minutes and the shop never charges for the programming.

For the OP, if you have a used car department, and you sell anything other than land rovers, one of the techs or the shop should have a generic TPMS tool that they use on used cars that would work with your Z.

 

Thanks fellas