shrinkwrap

Does there need to be anything done, such as a reset, or any other maintenance, of the PTMS system after a routine 4-wheel tire change? Thanks.

nveddy

If you only changing tires there is nothing you need to do for sensors....but if you change wheels then different story.

LexRuger

If the sensors aren't on the same corner of the car as before, they have to be re-programmed.

shrinkwrap

Right you are. The tires were changed, and no issues. Thanks!

tompass

So every time we rotate tires, we have to do a reset??

shrinkwrap

I don't think so. I've rotated my tires every 5k miles with no issues. If the wheel size is changed the metrics are different, and I think then it becomes an issue of re-calibration.

bclexus

After tire rotation the wheels are moved to different positions. The tire shop should know to reset the TPMS.

shrinkwrap

Not in the case of 2013 GS. I rotate the tires myself (front to back), and I've never had the TPMS light go off. Perhaps for older gens?

bclexus

I believe you are right. The so-called 'Direct TPMS' system we have in the GS 350 that can read the tire pressure in psi does not (normally or always) need to be reset. The so-called "Indirect TPMS' system does require that the system be reset after a rotation.

A 'Direct TPMS' system (like used on the GS 350) typically does not normally require regular calibration, however there are occasions where the sensors may need to be reprogrammed if tires are replaced or after a rotation. I believe most tire shop employees just reset all TPMS systems after a rotation because the shop employees aren't always sure whether the vehicle has an Indirect or Direct TPMS system...or if a Direct TPMS system (that normally doesn't need to be reset) needs it this particular time.

tompass

Thanks. '13 here so assume no issue.

shrinkwrap

How does a non-Lexus tire shop reset all the different TPMS systems? Is it a code reader, a special computer, or some other gizmo?

BTW, when I was at the Firestone dealer yesterday to have my tires installed (drop-shipped by Tire Direct), they were going to charge an additional $20 for "TPMS service." They did not argue when I said that my 13 GS doesn't need any such service, but they should have known, and all should be careful about these sneaky upcharges (my favorite is shop supplies - 6%, regardless of whether or not they use any rags, solvents, cleaners, etc) It would have been nice if the techs who changed my tires had used one of those rags I paid for. Instead, they left greasy hand-prints all over the wheels.

bclexus

The TPMS reset button is facing directly down toward the floor deeply underneath the driver's side dash almost to the pedals next to the steering wheel.

I always do business with Discount Tire. They have always given me superior service and pricing, plus they have Hunter GSP9700 Road Force balancing machines. When Discount Tire replaces tires they always recommend a TPMS Basic Kit (O-Ring, Grommet/Seal) for $6 per wheel, which I always do. I suspect 99% of all customers have this done.

Since you bought your tires at Tire Rack, Tire Rack says; It is best to remove the TPMS sensor (and the attached valve stem) when removing a tire from the wheel. This avoids any damage caused by breaking the tire bead loose from the wheel as well as seating the new tire onto the wheel. Once the sensor has been removed, it will require a new "O" ring and/or compression ring to seal the sensor properly. Whenever aluminum TPMS sensors are removed from a wheel, the sensor should be fitted with a new rubber grommet (also called an o-ring or seal).

shrinkwrap

Thanks for the info. I didn't catch this on Tire Rack's website, and the people at Firestone didn't explain any of this. I will do it the next tire change.