Hi everyone. I'm new here so go easy on me. I have a 2006 350Z Enthusiast Convertible. One of my tires has lost it's TPMS signal. I am assuming it is due to the car being almost 20 years old. I have owned it since 2006 as well and the TPMS has not been touched during that time.
I am aware of the proceedure to connect the ground wire to chassis / wheel id via different tire pressures to reset the monitor, but what I want to know is which sensor should I buy, one that is basicially guarenteed to work with the TPMS without having to program, since the 350Z has the ability to "learn" the sensor.
My understanding is that there are some sensors that are "Pre-programmed" and would work with the 350Z without having to do any programming (other then letting the 350Z "learn' the new sensor.
I have a local tire shop that will install the sensor for $35, as long as they don't have to rebalance or program, so I really need to get something that is as close to OEM weight (probably negligible effect) as possible, and work the way I'm thinking it will s far as learning the sensor.
So, I really have two questions:
1) Which sensor should I buy to accomplish this repair as I have described above, and,
2) Is my understanding of the 350Z TPMS system correct and the described proceedure will work as I am thinking?
Thanks in advance.

 

I believe that you just need to confirm that the TPMS sensor operates on a 315 MHz frequency. There are some sensors that use multiple frequencies (like 315 MHz and 433 MHz) which may work as well. In the past, I have bought aftermarket sensors that only use 315 MHz and they have all worked just fine after registering them using the procedure of having the following PSI and grounding the "learning" wire under the dash.

FL 37 PSI
FR 34 PSI
RR 31 PSI
RL 28 PSI

 

If you've never touched your TPMS sensors since purchasing the vehicle. You should get all 4 sensors replaced with new units. The OEM sensors are crazy pricey and honestly not worth it since you cannot verify the date of production until after receiving them (you could get stuck with new old stock and a battery that's not fresh).

I also have a 2006 Enthusiast (Coupe 6MT) and I also just had all my sensors replaced because of intermittent connection issues with my rear wheel sensors. I decided to gamble on using Costco for the work after speaking with their Tire Center Manager. Costco and I think also Sam's Club, use OEM grade TPMS sensors from Dill Air Control. I have not had a single issue since the install, the new sensors are working great and at a very affordable price. The manager and lead tech handled my Z & expensive LMGT4 wheels with care, not a scuff or scratch on the wheels or car. I will be using them again to have my MPSS tires replaced in the next few weeks.
Note: They did not need to re-balance the wheels, the sidewalls were soft enough to break the bead and replace only the sensor without unmounting the whole tire. Total cost for labor + sensors was $300. To put that in perspective, a single OEM sensor is about $100.

Moral of the story, don't just replace one sensor, replace all 4. Use quality sensors, they don't have to be OEM, but I wouldn't trust the Chinesium grade stuff. Use a tire shop you trust, most chain store workers couldn't care less if they cause minor cosmetic damage to the car or wheels.
Cheers!
-Icer

 

Agree with Icer on replacing TPMS sensors on a regular basis as preventative maintenance. Whenever I get fresh rubber, I always replace the 4 sensors at the same time even if they're still functioning. Average TPMS battery life is about 7-10 years. I'm honestly surprised that only one has gone out in 20 years.