Hello, Can anybody tell me if the onboard computer needs to be reprogrammed on every tyre change ? My summer and winter tires are mounted on rims and TPMS valves, my dealer charges 50$ for reprogramming the computer so it can recognize those TMPS valves. Am I being robbed ? Thanks

 

You are not being robbed. You would have two separate sets of sensors, and the car has to know which sensors to communicate with. Some manufacturers, like Porsche, have automated this process, to where it can be done without special equipment or procedures, but with Lexus, there are steps involved in pairing the sensors to your vehicle. The alternative is to simply run without sensors during winter.

 

Thank you for a very clear answer.

 

Does this HAVE to be done by a Lexus dealership/Service, or can any reputable shop/mechanic do it?

 

I believe it is possible for any shop or technician provided they know how to do it.

This seems good:

 

Discount Tire does it for free

 

I don’t think anyone really does it for free, but can if you ask nicely. I would think that if they were charging you to swap the wheels they would just include it.

 

On my IS200t there's a button under the dash (adjacent to the PCS deactivation button) which need to be pressed three times in order to swap between winter and summer TPM sensor sets. The vehicle is able to store two sets of sensors, no need to reprogram them every time.

 

You can buy your own programming tool, I did. It pays for itself after a couple of seasons.

 

2nd gen IS stores two sets where 3rd gen IS only stores one set of TPMS sensor IDs. Also 2nd gen and 3rd gen use different frequencies.
Get compatible TPMS sensors that allow for cloning the IDs of your original set to avoid re-programming your car plus the required scanners/programmer. There is a thread that cover this and you can find the Autel TPMS units for $150 on Amazon and they also have the sensors which usually range between $35-$50 each.

 

Pretty sure the frequency is the same but the newer Gen Lexus’s show actual wheel position and that requires a different type of sensor.

 

If you're near Vaudreuil, I can program it for you.