Nissan Versa TPMS frustrations w/ happy ending

[mzsquare]

Just want to share my tpm experiences which might help those of you who are still searching for a good 'fix' to this problem in any Nissan car. So far, it was the main problem with my Nissan Versa '07--currently 42k miles-- during the warranty period the tpm warning light was coming on and on, but it wasn't bothering me much-I was hoping that the dealer will permanently fix it for no cost to me. Eventually it was fine for more than a year till' this summer, the warning tpms light was back. This time I decided to educate myself about this stuff, see if I can do it by myself without being dealer-dependent. We all hate to pay their fees, don't we? Figured out that I'm gonna need new tires before winter, so I went to a tire shop and asked the mechanic to show me the rims before he puts new tires on, so I can see the state of the sensors inside- surely enough one of the sensors was very much corroded, there was some water condensation in the tire(?). One more curious thing: three of the sensors were yellowish-tan in color and the one in question was black. Note: up to that point they all supposed to be OEM parts. The mechanic checked the sensors inputs with OTC tool and the black one was totally dead.( later on, after replacing it, I've cracked that sensor open- the corrosion has gotten even into the battery - this whole thing was filled with rusty, sticky mess)- the sensor wasn't sealed well by whoever manufactured it.
Moving forward: I needed a new sensor. Looking around web pages I picked Orange Electronic sensor, compatible w/ Nissan Versa, part # 16 OEC 1029 for $36.83(+S&H) from TPMS Distributors(the price attracted me the most!) went back to tire mechanic, replaced it/re-balanced tire and...still nothing, the mechanic couldn't make it work. He suggested going to the dealer "to get the old ID out from the system", but was able to register input from the new sensor. Well, I went back on the internet and stumbled upon that K Tool 'Nissan TPM Reset Tool KTI 71985', found many skeptical reviews abut that thing from you guys, but I bought it. (still: the price!, found one for $24.79(+S&H). It's (that KTI tool) basically a spring loaded ON/OFF switch to 'hot wire' the tpms circuit, such a tool could be made at home or just a piece of wire can do to 'short' the circuit 5-6 times but it works! (@ key ON, engine Off) - the TPM warning light starts 'blinking' - meaning: TPM system is in 'learn' mode. Called the tire mechanic the next day asking him to give it one more try...you should see my wide smile to share my relief... the mechanic just took a walk around my car with his shop issued OTC TPM RESET TOOL
(while the system is in 'learning' mode) starting from LF to RF, RR and LR and the light went AWAY! Started engine, wow!, there is no warning lit on the dash in my car anymore. That really made my day.
Finally, let's summarize the total cost: Sensor-$36.83, 'tool' KTI-$24.79, (S&H not included), replacement in the rim and re-balancing the wheel: $19.99, final activation in the tire shop:$0 - the guy was nice, I already got my new tires there.
Total Cost: $81.61, unnecessary KTI 'tool' can bring it down to $56.82. OEM sensor only: $90, plus all the 'works' at the dealership--you figure it out. Most important is the knowledge I've gained: priceless, - I beat the OEM monopoly!
/a little disclaimer at the end: by writing this, I do not intent to endorse any product or manufacturer, just stating the facts, I have no personal/financial/business associations with any of the manufacturers and products mentioned above/

[numbnuts240]

i'm not reading all of that bull snot.

[ADDirishboy]

The "Happy ending" portion of this title is misleading.

[alms24sebring]

yay easy problem easy fix. thats a good price for a tpms i think too

[horubeets]

The "Happy ending" portion of this title is misleading.

I think I just got that.