Do all four sensors have to be installed before the car will read the tire pressure? Before my car went to the shop I put some new rims and they only came with 3 sensors. Once I get the car back I'll be installing the fourth sensor. Just wondering, cause it was not reading pressure with just 3 sensors. Thanks

 

Are the three or four sensors the ones that came with the car originally? If so, then they should work fine. If they are not the ones that came with the car, then you need to take the car to a dealer who can register then sensors to the computer in the car so they will be recognized. Each sensor has a unique ID and the computer has to be told which ID is associted with each wheel so it can properly display the pressure.

 

dang ! how much does that cost? I never new

 

If you used the original sensors, did you keep each sensor in its original wheel position? Like DaveZ said, each sensor has a unique ID, so they must be re-installed in the same pattern as they were originally. Otherwise you'll need the dealer to pre-programed them.

 

Some dealers will do it for free, others will charge like $50.

 

So its impossible to have 2 sets of rims and the computer can read either one, depending on which set is installed on the car?

 

Yup, not possible unless you could find two sets of TPS monitors with the exact same ID numbers. From what I understand, they're all unique though.

 

Is there anyway to find out the ID numbers that are on my car right now, without having to dismount the tires?

 

Nope, it's an electronic ID. When energized, the modules transmit an ID and the pressure. The computer uses that ID to decide which tire it belongs with. The dealer might be able to do it with the Consult diagnostic tool that they use.

 

So even with the tires dismounted, the ID is not written on the pressure sensor. Damn.


Thanks for the fast replies Dave.