FAQ - Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

[philipa_240sx]

I will let you know in a few weeks. I believe others have tried and it should reset itself.

[roguester]

Thanks PhilipaI will wait to hear from someone that has tried it before I attempt.The tpms wire connector was bunched with the OBD wires next to OBD terminal401 Dixie Nissan quoted over the phone $ 88. just for the reset

[Pescakl1]

Roguester, I am not sure what your question is about.

Yesterday I removed my winter tires and install back my OEM tires and wheels on the car.Today, going to work, I didnot notice it right away, no little yellow light on the dashboard (I was starting to get used to it).

So, if, like me, you got spare wheels for your winter tires and no TPMS on them, you have nothing to do, just install back your summer tires (did you notice the car looks for the programmed TPMS signals each time you start the car (light indicator flashing)?).

If you bought other TPMS to install with your winter tires, then you will have to reprogram your car with the new TPMS each time you change wheels.

Reprogramming (about 80$ each time) is when you change your TPMS, it is not about which tires.

[philipa_240sx]

Pescakl1, you answered the question.

It appears that the TPMS light will turn off when the OEM wheels are re-installed. No need to reset anything. This makes the process of swapping winter/summer wheels much easier.

You are correct about reprogramming for multiple sets of TPMS sensors. ie. if you added a 2nd set of TPMS sensors to your winter wheels. In this case, only the dealer can perform the reprogramming.

[roguester]

Pesckakl1you are right and that's good news I just found out today from a co-worker, he changed to the oem wheels from snows and his tpms light went out after driving a short distanceI will be changing over this weekthanks for the update

[cdmuile]

About the TPMS light. Mine came on recently so I checked all the tires(none were underinflated) and put them all at 33psi. It took 2weeks before the light went out! Didn't really bother me as I knew the tires were properly inflated. Just passing on my experience with the monitor light.

[philipa_240sx]

About the TPMS light. Mine came on recently so I checked all the tires(none were underinflated) and put them all at 33psi. It took 2weeks before the light went out! Didn't really bother me as I knew the tires were properly inflated. Just passing on my experience with the monitor light.

33psi may be borderline depending on altitude and the accuracy of your gauge. You may have to go a bit higher, ie 35 psi to be sure. Once the light goes out, you can lower the pressure if you wish.

[Pescakl1]

Or keep it high. I drive the car with air pressure at 42psi and the ride is still nice and I get some fuel economy with it.

At least, if the light comes on, I will know for sure that I have a flat and not that I am just borderline with a sensor.

[philipa_240sx]

I just spoke with one of our staff members who happens to be an Infiniti Service Tech.

He explained that Nissan TPMS systems can only be programmed using the Nissan CONSULT diagnostic tool. He has yet to see any aftermarket system (scan tool or otherwise) capable of doing the programming. So for those of you planning on getting an extra set of TPMS sensors or replacing/repairing them, the dealer is your only option for getting them programmed.

[ahhbeebee]

I was just at the dealer to get a flat repaired (since Walmart wouldn't touch tires with TPMS) and they quoted me $70!!!. The damage was too close to the sidewall so they then offered to sell me the OEM dunlops for $290 (without mounting and balancing). Thank goodness I've got a full sized spare which is the same tire.

Why would anyone want to add more TPMS sensors?? In my view, they can serve a great function for people not checking their own tire pressure - but for me, I feel their just another option that will potentially lead to expensive repairs in the future.

I'm actually considering getting them all taken off and covering the dash with black tape permanently - but even that would cost an arm and a leg.

[Pescakl1]

Why would anyone want to add more TPMS sensors?? In my view, they can serve a great function for people not checking their own tire pressure - but for me, I feel their just another option that will potentially lead to expensive repairs in the future.

You will have to see with our governments, they are the ones making it mandatory in every car now.

I am like you, I don't like it as it brings me more inconvenients than advantages (this is basic maintenance to check your tires periodically like washer fluid and other liquids in the car).But because of lazy owners who are ready to sue if they have an accident caused by a slow puncture, we have to have them.

[jfunk138]

I just spoke with one of our staff members who happens to be an Infiniti Service Tech.

He explained that Nissan TPMS systems can only be programmed using the Nissan CONSULT diagnostic tool. He has yet to see any aftermarket system (scan tool or otherwise) capable of doing the programming. So for those of you planning on getting an extra set of TPMS sensors or replacing/repairing them, the dealer is your only option for getting them programmed.

Another question for the service tech... If the TPMS sensors are "missing" does it throw a code that would be picked up by a state inspection station scantool?

I predict a nice small piece black electrical tape in the future for this annoying dealer only system.

[jfunk138]

One more question. If I rotate the tires myself, will the system need CONSULT to reprogram the new locations of the tires?

[Pescakl1]

As contrary as other system on other cars, TPMS system on the Rogue doesn't take in account the location of the sensor for display: You just have a light coming on, no message or code explaining which tire is in fault.

From Philip's information. it seems that the location of the sensor can be programed, but in everyday life, it didn't show, so you can rotate your tires like I did without reprogramming, but if one is malfunctioning, it would be harder to find which one I suppose. Philip, do you have more details on that?

[philipa_240sx]

The TPMS system does not care if you mix the tires up... ie. during tire rotation. It will still work and not throw any codes.

Pescakl1 is correct though, a fault showing up on one sensor could cause the tech to go on a wild goose chase trying to find the fault. But I imagine most Nissan tech's are aware of this issue and would likely reprogram the sensors to thier the new locations before troubleshooting.

[roguester]

a local dealer uses the Wheelrite Tech 400 from Bartec http://www.bartecusa.com

[Scruff]

Just curious, what is more accurate, a good handheld gauge (not one with the plastic piece that shoots out, but a circular one with a dial that goes around like a scale or a compass); or the TPMS system.

My gauge is saying 34, but TPMS said 32 as soon as it registered after driving (so barely warmed up). Curious to know if I'm under or over inflated since the recommendation is 33.

Thanks for any help.

[philipa_240sx]

Just curious, what is more accurate, a good handheld gauge (not one with the plastic piece that shoots out, but a circular one with a dial that goes around like a scale or a compass); or the TPMS system.

The difference in readings is not due to accuracy, it how a hand held pressure gauge and the TPMS sensor read pressure. If you read back several posts, I explained it. But here it is again, just to clarify:

The TPMS sensor in the tire reads absolute pressure. Absolute pressure is referenced to zero... a perfect vacuum.

All hand held tire pressure gauges are referenced to atmospheric pressure (a.k.a. gauge pressure). Atmospheric pressure varies with altitude and weather.

You can read more on these changes further back in this post:

zer...70701

[philipa_240sx]

Update regarding valve stem caps and corrosion issues:

Schrader Bridgeport makes the OEM TPMS sensors for Nissan and many other mfgs. Here is some special precautions from their website:

- Always use new grommets, nuts, plastic or nickel-plated valve caps and electroless, nickel-plated valve cores (Service Pack) when performing any tire service.

- Never use a brass valve core or un-plated brass cap with an aluminum TPMS sensor stem. Contact between dissimilar metals may cause galvanic corrosion, which can lead to loss of air pressure.

[psfod3]

I was driving on the highway the other day at around 75mph when the tps sensor came on. I pulled right over into a highway service stop and the pressure in each tire was 37 as I was on the highway. When I restarted the car the light was off. The mechanic in the service station said he sees that alot on the highway over there. The next morning I checked all the tires when they were cold and they were all at 34 and the light has not come back on. My back right tire looses around 3lbs a week for the last month but I see no punctures in it. I will have the dealer check the valve and tire at the next oil change. At the point the light went on I put air in the night before and the tires were perfectly even. What could make the tps sensor do that. It went off as soon as I restarted the car.

[philipa_240sx]

Just to add to the FAQ,

If you decide to use wheels without TPMS sensors (ie steel rims with winter tires, NO TPMS sensors installed), there are no adverse effects on vehicle handling, VDC or braking systems. All you will get is the orange TPMS light appearing on the dash and of course, no TPMS warning.

Once you re-install the OEM wheels with TPMS sensors, the TPMS warning light will disappear.

Many Rogue owners have been using steel rims with winter tires, and NO TPMS sensors installed. They are very happy with the results.

[mpbclutch33]

I have a 08 Altima Coupe and while driving on the highway, my TPMS light will flash for about a minute and then stay on for about 5 minutes and then go out all together. The first time this happened I pulled over to check the tires and they were all at 33psi. I understand the light going off in the morning, but not after driving for 30 mins. It happened again today. Any ideas?

[zek]

For my '08 Rogue FWD, this is the TPMS sensor from one of the rims, I've been having issues with tire pressure and a tire shop said it was the sensor. I'm going to a dealership to have them run a diagnostic to possibly have Nissan pay for all/some of the replacement costs given theres only 38K miles on the car.

Also, quotes for 4 dealerships around the Boston, MA area to replace a single TPMS:

colonial nissan of medford (104 Mystic Avenue, Medford, MA (888) 290-8625) - $280
clay nissan of newton (431 Washington Street, Newton, MA (617) 964-3000) - $175
ira nissan (95 Cedar Street, Woburn, MA (781) 835-3500) - $231
quirk nissan (600 Southern Artery, Quincy, MA (617) 472-6700) - $282

[psfod3]

I would not even bother the Tpms was forced to be used way before they perfected it. Mine could start blinking every day and then stop for weeks and then start blinking again. the fact that you cant replace the batteries and the sensors are so expensive is rediculus. Once your warrenty is up you not only have to pay for the sensors but diagnostics by the dealer also. To me mine sometimes go off at almost the same locations on certain roads it is possibe that out side signals from other sources or cars may influence them.

[ThandaPani]

Reading through the entire thread, or searching through all these threads can be a little tough, while someone is at work. But I think I got my answer though. Then again, I did not want to start a new thread either.

I am looking to do a little cleaning and paint job on my rim. So I need to take those tires off. But I wasn't sure how TPMS is connected and if removing the tire requires some special technique or tools or not. But it seems like; TPMS is a wireless thing that is inside the valve. So removing the tire for some minor art work will not affect the reading or the performance.

Am I right? Is there any special precaution should I maintain, other then what is required in any other car?

[kerrton]

Sounds right to me, you can remove the wheel/tire from the car any time without worry, the TPMS won't be affected.

I tend to agree with psfod3, the TPMS is all fine and good as long as it's working properly, but even then I'm not sure how beneficial it is but if things go wrong it can get ridiculous in a hurry. Case in point, zek reports that these are battery powered and once the battery fails it seems that the entire unit must be replaced to the tune of 200+ dollars per unit.

If those prices are in fact correct, then I agree this is completely ridiculous and I will not be replacing my sensors - I'll use Philipa_240sx technique that he uses with his winter rims with no TPMS sensors: place a small piece of tape over the TPMS light and your problem is fixed, no more annoying light!

[philipa_240sx]

ThandaPani,

I don't understand... are you physically removing the tire from the rim? Any tire shop worth their salt should be able to do it without damaging the sensor. Tire removal by itself IS NOT a DIY project as it requires special tools and skills to mount and balance them.

If you just taking the complete wheel off (with tire attached), there is nothing to worry about. You don't even need to re-install it in the same location. I take my summer tires off (with TPMS sensors) and they sit in storage for 5 mos. during the winter. Next spring, they go back on and the TPMS light clears within 15 min of driving.

[ThandaPani]

Oh, I am simply taking the wheel off to do a little paint job on the rim. I am not taking the tire off from the rim. I am not that brave.

I just wasn't sure how TPMS work. So I was feeling a little hesitant. But this thread cleared it. Cool...

[rogue-ra]

a local dealer uses the Wheelrite Tech 400 from Bartec http://www.bartecusa.com

Does this mean that I am no longer restricted to only a Nissan dealer in order to have the TPMS's on my spare winter wheels/tires reprogrammed using "CONSULT" (i.e., a local tire shop that uses this Bartec tool can do it...as Discount Tires claims)?
Thanks!

[rogue-ra]

Second question: The few web hits I get for a 2011 Rogue TPMS sensor shows that the part will work on 2008 to 2011 Rogues (and part #40700-1AA0B is listed). Any chance a TPMS sensor from any of these years will work on my 2012 Rogue (I get zilch hits for a 2012 Rogue or Nissan TPMS other than for the uber-pricey versions from online "authorized" Nissan parts reps)?