Got my car back from Discount Tire a couple days ago where they installed new TPMS sensors (that I didn't buy there = $40 for 4 vs $480 for OEM), where I paid $185 in labor to leave without them working. The guy was like "Techstream?"... Anyway - after I left, I noticed a BLATANT clunking coming from the front (over bumps) that sounds EXACTLY like loose sway bar links (found that out after my last visit to a shop where they didn't tighten THE BRAND NEW LINKS?@?@?>$@??? So I brought it back to that shop and they "verified" the sway bar links were tight (I still question this). I just put new shocks on about a year ago, so I don't think it could be those. I still have not jacked up my car due to 6 inches of snow right now. What could have caused this clunk by just being put on a lift? I got home and heard a hissssssss - they didn't tighten the valve cores on 2 of the tires, and one stem is able to be turned by hand (still feels tight and no bubbles, so crossing fingers). I'm taking it to the local Toyota dealer (closest Lexus dealer is 45 minutes away) the 14th for TPMS programming, so maybe I'll just pay them extra on top of the quoted $50 fee to see if they can figure out the "clunk".

Oh, and those cheaper Techstream cables don't do TPMS, you have to get a $100+ cable for it to communicate to that ECU - I guess the more high level ECU communication uses the K-wire which the cheaper ones don't have. The Techstream thing was a LOT of work getting to functioni on 64 bit - WOW - I'm probably giving you all a virus after that mess.

How does Discount Tire not know how to program sensors into Toyota/Lexus vehicles?

-Will post follow up --- JapmanD

 

Unfortunate situation for you. My experience with my local Discount Tire was absolutely positive. After getting estimates from multiple places (including local Lexus dealer), for my 3rd Gen GS, I ended up with Discount Tire installing my Toyota dealer purchased (via internet) TPMS sensors for $10 per wheel. Yes, $40 for all four wheels. They didn't have Techstream but with the equipment they had, were able to program the sensor SN to each specific wheel. For reference, my 3rd Gen doesn't list the psi for each specific wheel, the dash light just comes on when one or more are low on pressure.

$40 for 4 sensors seems very cheap. Did you use a new Toyota/Lexus installation service kit with each new TPMS sensor? I believe these are recommended/required every time tires or sensors are changed.

 

You dont need techstream to log the serial number of the new tpms sensors. Techstream is only a special program meant only for toyota/lexus mechanic, but people have pirated the software, thats probably why they didnt know what techstream was. Majority of high end scan tools can register the data into the ecu. You just have to make sure you write down the serial number of each new sensor that you purchased. If you didnt write the serial codes of each sensors you can check the boxes of the sensors for the code. If you have no box, and no serial numbers you have 2 options, you can remove the sensors to read the serial, or theres a special scanner that when hovered over the new sensor it reads its codes. Then that data is registered into the ecu. You can use a cheap ebay cord to log in the data of the new sensors, im not sure who told you other wise. Discount tire should be able to easily log the data, they have all the special scanners.

Grab a spray bottle of water and soap, and spray the valve covers to make sure there are no leaks. Are you sure you replace the whole tpms sensor and not just the valve core?

As for the clunking, like you said give it time for the snow to thaw and then you can study it properly. Any obvious noise a wheel alignment shop should be able to spot out.

 

Lots of failing things could be pushed over the edge by putting it on a lift. The control arm bushings get twisted pretty significantly at full droop, so a failing bushing could have been torn, failing swaybar bushings may have been twisted or jostled, upper strut mount, ball joint ... so a proper diagnosis is definitely the way here.

As for the TPMS, the Toyota / Lexus system for this generation should be pretty well known by now. However, what may not be well known is that there is a switch under the passenger's side dashboard that lets you select a second set of wheels (actually just tells the TPMS system to use 4 different sensor IDs for the readings). When the switch is pushed, it uses the second set of IDs, but when the IDs are programmed, generally the programmers will default to the first set of slots. Try pushing the button under the dash to switch, then drive a few miles and see if that helps. Then re-torque your wheel lug nuts.

 

So the techs at the Discount Tire here are morons, overcharged me, and my cheap cable ($25 from 10 years ago) should work to communicate to the TPMS ECU to enter my written down serial numbers from the new sensors. I did read a post about some different country configurations making a difference, so I guess I'll try again, and I just saw this too to try:

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Using Jumper wire or equivalent, connect terminals TC and CG at the DL3 connector for at least 30 seconds. Do not cycle the ignition switch to “OFF” position during this step. (Landcruiser use TC and E1 at DLC1)

Once 30 seconds have passed, with the vehicle still in “IG-ON” mode, remove the jumper wire, then connect TIS Techstream and begin the registration process.
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I still have a few days to try and get this squared away.

Thanks for the input guys.

 

Hmm. The cable I have (a VXDIAG VCX Nano, overkill, but it's a nice high quality unit) and Techstream combo will let me register new sensors without having to jumper or do anything other than plug the cable in and run Techstream and navigate to the sensor registration.

Best of luck getting your Lexus sorted ...!

 

Well nothing worked. I'm going to have to assume this is one of those cables that doesn't allow you to access most stuff. Found a cable for $67.99:

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/32568...d=pYpRBOjNVm1r

I guess I'm going to buy it and wait for the slow boat (says 1 month to ship).
I tried to find the clunk issue without taking the lower engine cover and wheels off, but I didn't see anything other than the sway bar links feel tight.

After the jumper was installed this screen popped up (along with pretty much every light on the dash):



Cable check utility in Techstream not showing K, and L lines (which I assume is why it's not working).



Lol - they put it in as my old car (which had more like 25K miles)...


(THIS MAKE ANY SENSE???????????????)????????????????????????????????????????

 

Receipt makes some sense. Were your tires originally installed incorrectly? The rim dismount and remount appears to be done to correct a tire mounting problem.
Others can chime in on whether $46/per wheel for mounting and balancing is reasonable.

Since I purchased OEM sensors exactly like the ones originally on the car, my Discount Tire did not have to dismount or balance the tires...they just popped the valve side open, installed the new mounting kit and sensor, and then reinstalled on car with new programming. $10/per wheel.

I'd probably go back to the place and get a proper receipt (correct car), ask for a clear explanation of the charges, and have them program correctly. Speak with the manager.

...or you can wait a month and see if your new cable works...

Good luck.

 

You dont need to dismount a tire to install the tpms, all you have to do is break the bead only on one side of the tire. Plus why would you need a balance, your replacing the sensor with the exact same dimension and weight, so that wouldnt affect the previous balance on the wheels. Ya they over charged

 

The guy said "you risk damage to the sensor if you don't unmount the tire fully". - Since he said this, I decided to instruct them to flip the tires over due to dry rot setting in already on an EXPENSIVE Michelin 80K mile tire with only 13K miles on them. They just wanted to milk me for all they could get away with. Yes - I'll be waiting for that new VX cable for further progress.

This guy had similar issues:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/...lution.779403/

 

Thats BS! The tire machine bead breaker holds the tire down to allow just enough space to replace the tpms sensor. File a complaint and see if they will credit you back some money.

 

I sent a polite message to corporate today. We'll see how they respond.

I figured, since a lot of guys do it with a 2x4 and the car's scissor jack. The whole thing took like 20 minutes - did they even try to program them?

 

Carista?

Carista wireless OBD2 adapter.
Free 1-month trial of paid app features $39.99

Set your custom settings, and program TPMS:

Carista

Sent them a message asking if 3GS is supported, and they replied "Thank you for your interest in Carista! Unfortunately, we support Lexus GS300 vehicles only from 2011 and onwards". I wonder if that's true. The next time someone here needs a customization just buy one and let us know if it works. Way cheaper than seeing the Lexus dealer...

 

Uh oh ... that looks like a cable for Audi, SEAT, and Skoda vehicles. It may be possible that the VXDIAG cables are all the same hardware, but they do have firmware in the cable and I'm not sure the cable you linked will work with Techstream.

Here is the cable I use:

https://a.co/d/7iXknUz

 

^ I'd say the internal hardware is the same for all VXDIAG units, and if I have to change firmwares - I'll go down that road if need be.

Well today was interesting. Went to the next closest Discount and they had no luck programming either. The tool they are using is a Bartec TECH450PRO (https://www.bartecusa.com/pdf/tech450pro-user-guide.pdf). The guy was surprised that it wouldn't work, he also tried a different one with no luck. So wondering why Discount Tire didn't have the ability to program the new sensors, I told corporate I think they are supplying their stores with below average programmers, that another store tried with no luck, now where is my refund? (No response yet). Then I contacted Bartec and asked why their equipment wouldn't program my Lexus sensors? He assured me that the programmer will work, and that he just did my exact car. He suggested contacting him for assistance. Matt Hitchcock (Product Manager @ Bartec). He responded to my email CRAZY fast and actually knew about the under passenger dash button/switch for winter/summer wheel selection. We'll see what Matt can do on the next visit.

Tomorrow I go to a local nice guy mechanic that said he'd put my car on the lift to try and figure out the clunk for free. I guess I will make another appointment @ Discount and suggest they contact Matt from Bartec for support. After that - I'll just be waiting for my Chinese VXDIAG.

I did see a 2012 LS460awd thats looking, uh, pretty much AMAZING. Can't program the TPMS? Get a different car... LOL