I have just bought some winter wheels (factory 19") for my 2011 RX350 with Nav. I have been told that the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) computer will only accept codes for one set of sensors at a time. In other words, I will have to have the computer reprogrammed every time I switch from Summer to Winter rims/tires. Is this true? If so, is there an easy way around this?? (cheap)

Also, if I just don't install the TPMS transmitters in the wheels and decide to look at the tire light all winter, does this effect anything else? (A friend with a Honda Pilot tells me his traction control won't work if the sensors aren't installed with his winter tires)

Thanks.

alg.

 

That question might be best answered by a tech at the dealership. But if it were me, I'd have the sensors, just sayin .....

 

Depends what you consider cheap...
For a one time outlay of about $150, you can buy your own tool to reprogram the TPMS codes whenever you switch wheels. I bought one of these for use on my 2012, and it works fine: http://www.tpmstools.ca/products/tpm.../ateq-quickset

 

Alex - Can you explain how the reprogramming process works?

 

Ben, if you go onto the link he provided, there are instructions.

 

Thanks Alex. I will try this. $150 is about the cost of one visit to the Lexus shop to have them reset the codes.

alg.

 

I also have the quickset, works like a charm and no lost time sitting at the dealer.

 

you can set 2 sets of TPMS. Set one for main and set your winter as you 2nd.

 

I read a thread that there a switch somewhere to pick summer/winter tires.. is that true ?

 

My understanding is that the computer in the RX will only store one set of codes at a time. (Summer or Winter - not both) As a result, the computer has to be reprogrammed with the new codes when you change wheels from your summer rims to winter rims.
I have bought the quickset and am just in the process of getting winter tires set up. Once I have the winter codes for the TP Sensors I will try it out and see if it works as well as everyone says.
The only "switch" is on the Quickset tool...a snow flake to program in the winter wheel codes and a sunshine to program in the summer.
Stay tuned.

alg.