TPMS activation process
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: IL
TPMS activation process
I've been reading that some people buy new pressure sensors and are required to take it to the dealer to have them 'program' each sensor. I came across this TSB and thought it might help someone (haven't seen it posted here before). I can't decide if this will replace going to the dealer or not, but I figured someone can try it.
Pole Position
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 229
Likes: 3
From: Texas
I had to pay $29.95 for Lexus to tell me which sensor was bad on one visit. Then after having the new sensor installed at discount tire I went back to Lexus and had to pay another $29.95 to have it activated. I went into the shop and watched Lexus do this to my car to see what was involved. They had the Diagnostic Tester hooked up with the car running the entire time. The diagnostic only tells you which sensor is not working by color. This goes for a bad sensor or a new sensor that is installed and not activated. The process was done just like the 2 pages show. I held the diagnostic tester while the technician lowered the air pressure and inflated each tire and one by one they showed up activated on the diagnostic tester. From what I saw they only way to activate the sensors is with the Lexus Diagnostic Tester. If someone makes it work without Lexus that would be great.
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 12,398
Likes: 455
From: GA
I have read something like that, too. We are allowed 2 sets of TPMS. There is a SW on the glove box. Need to read the manual on this.
We need to find out iof we can get 4 new TPMS (new wheels) activated and recognized by the SC. Like Winter and Summer wheel sets. Other than the dealer.
For some of you who have done this through the dealer, how much was it?
We need to find out iof we can get 4 new TPMS (new wheels) activated and recognized by the SC. Like Winter and Summer wheel sets. Other than the dealer.
For some of you who have done this through the dealer, how much was it?
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Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,759
Likes: 416
From: Texas
No, if it was that simple, anyone and any tire place could do it, but they can't. It requires the diagnostic equipment right now. For some reason, Lexus has held on to that process pretty tightly.
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CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 12,398
Likes: 455
From: GA
The SC has allocation for 2 sets of TPMS (correct me if I am wrong). 1 for summer, 1 for winter tires.
Both of these will have to be initialized by Lexus via their proprietary crap. Then we can select which tires to choose via the button on the glove compartment.
We are so beholden to the dealer. How much does this cost? 0.5 hrs? $100?
There has to be an easier way...
Both of these will have to be initialized by Lexus via their proprietary crap. Then we can select which tires to choose via the button on the glove compartment.
We are so beholden to the dealer. How much does this cost? 0.5 hrs? $100?
There has to be an easier way...
Pole Position
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 212
Likes: 3
From: Vancouver Island, BC -ex Illinois &Toronto, ON
From what I have read on this site the RX is the only Lexus with the glovebox button to switch between sets of TPMS. My LS will only store one set.
I also recall that the charge by Lexus to register a new set (or even a single sensor) varies by dealer somewhere between $50 & $100 per visit.
I also recall that the charge by Lexus to register a new set (or even a single sensor) varies by dealer somewhere between $50 & $100 per visit.
Pole Position
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 212
Likes: 3
From: Vancouver Island, BC -ex Illinois &Toronto, ON
For one the LS does not accept a second set of TPMS so it would mean visiting (and paying) the dealer twice a year to switch between TPMS even though I switch my own wheels. I don't mind living with the TPMS warning.
Plus the system is rather crude in terms (at least on the LS) of not identifying which wheel is low in pressure.
As I check my tire pressure on a regular basis I think TPMS is a PITA at an extra cost with very little benefit, all due to a knee-jerk reaction to the Ford Explorer law suits.
Driver
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 127
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From: Texas