TPMS Sensor went bad

[NJGuy]

I just wanted to share the latest story about my EX. Earlier this week, the TPMS light on the dashboard lit up. I felt that it wasn't due to low tire pressure because I topped off the tires the day before. But I went ahead and double checked the pressures anyway, and all four tires were above spec. So that meant there was some fault in the TPMS system. I thought it would likely be a bad sensor.

Although the issue wasn't serious, the wife wanted it fixed right away. My Infiniti dealership diagnosed a low battery on one of the sensors. They replaced it and programmed it to the vehicle.

Here are my thoughts on the issue:
-The repair cost us a total of $265+tax, pretty much split down the middle for parts and labor. I already knew that they have a sizable markup on parts, as I think OEM TPMS sensors run about $90 or so online. So I guess my dealership finally got to make some money off of me and offset the costs of the cable TV, laptop computers, bagels, and bottled water in the waiting room. At least my wife was able to get a 'free' loaner vehicle in the process.

-I don't mind bringing my EX to the dealership for repairs like this since the age and mileage isn't all that much yet. But If one sensor battery has already gone bad, what are the chances that any of the others will soon follow? I don't wan't to pay that much every single time I have to change out a TPMS sensor. I will probably start looking for other shops in the area that can handle this issue. I think most chain tire shops have the capability.

-Most threads I've seen that have addressed TPMS programming have been for an entire set of 4 sensors. I've also seen the DIY for programming new TPMS sensors to an Infiniti. While I could have ordered a sensor myself and have it installed at any garage, and programmed them myself to my EX, I had no way of knowing which of my sensors was bad and needed to be replaced. I have not yet found a way to determine which individual sensor needs replacement. If the TPMS sensor electronic tools can do this, I may consider purchasing one in the future if I encounter this issue again. Also, all new cars come with TPMS, so there's a chance I'd use the tool more than once.

I haven't seen any threads about this issue in the EX forum, but if anyone else has had a similar experience please post about it.

Thanks.

[AWGD8]

Are these covered by bumper to bumper warranty? I never had a problem with my TPMS since i have the dash light on for the whole summer (Summer aftermarket rims/tires with no TPMS).

The stock rims/ snow tires / with TPMS are only used for 3-4 months during winter.

$265 plus tax is for one sensor or they replaced the 4 ? If this problem is covered by bumper to bumper warranty, I only paid $1600 extended bumper to bumper for another 5 years or 95k miles ($100 deductible) and this is per visit claim not per item. So if my Exhaust is bad and my sensor is bad at the same time, i only pay $100 deductible.

I had my parking sensor popped off when I hit a piece of tire along the highway, i just told the service manager that it just fell off for no reason.
Parts was $150+ plus labor. I only paid $90 minus the 2 sodas, popcorn and some great cookies in the waiting lounge.....

[NJGuy]

Are these covered by bumper to bumper warranty? I never had a problem with my TPMS since i have the dash light on for the whole summer (Summer aftermarket rims/tires with no TPMS).

The stock rims/ snow tires / with TPMS are only used for 3-4 months during winter.

$265 plus tax is for one sensor or they replaced the 4 ? If this problem is covered by bumper to bumper warranty, I only paid $1600 extended bumper to bumper for another 5 years or 95k miles ($100 deductible) and this is per visit claim not per item. So if my Exhaust is bad and my sensor is bad at the same time, i only pay $100 deductible.

I would think that the sensors would be covered under the b2b warranty, as they don't seem to be a wear item and are supposed to last about the life of the car (I think the batteries are actually supposed to have a 10 year lifespan). You might want to check the the terms of the warranty though.

I wouldn't mind driving around a couple of weeks with a bad sensor, but since my wife primarily drives the car it's a different story .

The $265+tax was for only one sensor. That's why I'll look at other options besides the dealership in case the problem comes up again.
For my own reasons, I elected not to pursue the purchase of an extended warranty. However, the one you got for $1600 seems like a great deal.

[kingfrog]

Nissan Dealer may have done it for less. Nissan does all the service on mine since the Infiniti dealer 90 miles away. I have an offer to buy an Infiniti Elite 3/36 for $600 but may pass because the dealer is so far away and they would not be the selling dealer on the Infiniti warranty

[NJGuy]

Nissan Dealer may have done it for less. Nissan does all the service on mine since the Infiniti dealer 90 miles away.

Thanks, that's not a bad idea. I might be able to save a couple of bucks by going to the Nissan dealer. There are two of them in my area. I'll check them out sometime to see what portion of the EX they can handle, and what is beyond their capability. And if you ever have a problem that gets repaired by your Nissan dealership, please let us know how it goes.

[jamesstock]

Not 100% sure if Infiniti's TPMS sensors can show which exact corner the sensor / tire is @. But usually (at least in other manufacturers such as Toyota), the TPMS sensors only read 4 (or 5) registered sensors w/in the proximity of the vehicle (to my surprise the 'proximity' is quite FAR - like 6 cars length and still register ok) and do not show the location of the sensors. Hence a technician will have to plug into the OBDII / scanner to the vehicle, adjusted each tire's pressure and read from the scanner to determine which TPMS sensor s/he is making the adjustment on. Those that don't register / N/A etc..will mean it's a bad sensor. Then of course the tech will have to dismount the tire, install the new TPMS sensor, balance the tire, mount tire back to vehicle, use the scanner to 'learn' the new TPMS sensor. That should take about 20 minutes.

[AWGD8]

Nissan Dealer may have done it for less. Nissan does all the service on mine since the Infiniti dealer 90 miles away. I have an offer to buy an Infiniti Elite 3/36 for $600 but may pass because the dealer is so far away and they would not be the selling dealer on the Infiniti warranty

This does not apply to some. Here in SE Wisconsin, I compared the cost of services of local Nissan vs Infiniti and they charge the same. I was even surprised that some service at Nissan is a bit more expensive than Infiniti. Rear/front/transfer case fluid change cost $99 each total of $300 both at Nissan and Infiniti. So I decided to check Pennzoil quick change ,a block from my house, since differential fluid change is quick and easy. I was floored when the guy at Pennzoil quick lube wants to charge me for $99 each too!!!!

I can do all this fluid change in my garage, but I heard that the differenctial oil stinks! I do not want the garage to have that distinct smell ...

[AWGD8]

Not 100% sure if Infiniti's TPMS sensors can show which exact corner the sensor / tire is @. But usually (at least in other manufacturers such as Toyota), the TPMS sensors only read 4 (or 5) registered sensors w/in the proximity of the vehicle (to my surprise the 'proximity' is quite FAR - like 6 cars length and still register ok) and do not show the location of the sensors. Hence a technician will have to plug into the OBDII / scanner to the vehicle, adjusted each tire's pressure and read from the scanner to determine which TPMS sensor s/he is making the adjustment on. Those that don't register / N/A etc..will mean it's a bad sensor. Then of course the tech will have to dismount the tire, install the new TPMS sensor, balance the tire, mount tire back to vehicle, use the scanner to 'learn' the new TPMS sensor. That should take about 20 minutes.

Just a side note: If you guys live in the midwest or east coast where salt spray is being use during winter season, you guys have to change the tire valve stem cover from steel cap to a cheaper rubber ones.
The steel cap supplied by Infiniti deteriorate inside and you will not be able to remove the valve cover from the tire valve stem. I ruined all 4 valve stems tread( stripped) while removing the stuck steel valve covers. They were all look new and innocent until I tried to remove them and $!€#%\€\£!!! The distal part of the tread were stripped, but some tread still ok from mid to the base, where I can still use a black valve stem cover and still could tighten it. No TPMS codes or light even with rubber ones.

I heard this story 4 years ago on my Honda Suv with stuck steel valve cover. Infact, it was a recall or TSB or something. I got 4 rubber valve stem cover from the mail sent by Honda .

[CalgaryDan]

Not 100% sure if Infiniti's TPMS sensors can show which exact corner the sensor / tire is @.

Our '09 FX35 shows the actual air pressure at each wheel in either PSI or KPA while our '14 QX50 only has an alarm when the air pressure drops. It's too bad Infiniti did not give the EX line that functionality because it's a wonderful way to keep track of the tires' pressure.

[sg77]

My Infiniti dealer replaced 2 TPMS sensors for free after my EX35 was out of warranty. Maybe because it's a safety issue (you could try arguing that), or maybe because I was already paying them $500 to replace a door lock actuator.

When I initially brought the car in, the TPMS light was on, and when the dealer told me how much it would cost to replace a TPMS sensor I said nevermind, I'd just deal with the light always being on. Later (I forget if it was after doing other work, or when discussing the other work to be done), they said they'd replace the TPMS sensor for free. And the invoice says after replacing one TPMS sensor due to low battery, they found that another sensor also had a dead battery, so they replaced that one for free too (not sure how much of this is true, or if the dealer just wanted extra money from Infiniti).

[kingfrog]

Are these covered by bumper to bumper warranty? I never had a problem with my TPMS since i have the dash light on for the whole summer (Summer aftermarket rims/tires with no TPMS).

The stock rims/ snow tires / with TPMS are only used for 3-4 months during winter.

$265 plus tax is for one sensor or they replaced the 4 ? If this problem is covered by bumper to bumper warranty, I only paid $1600 extended bumper to bumper for another 5 years or 95k miles ($100 deductible) and this is per visit claim not per item. So if my Exhaust is bad and my sensor is bad at the same time, i only pay $100 deductible.

I would think that the sensors would be covered under the b2b warranty, as they don't seem to be a wear item and are supposed to last about the life of the car (I think the batteries are actually supposed to have a 10 year lifespan). You might want to check the the terms of the warranty though.

I wouldn't mind driving around a couple of weeks with a bad sensor, but since my wife primarily drives the car it's a different story .

The $265+tax was for only one sensor. That's why I'll look at other options besides the dealership in case the problem comes up again.
For my own reasons, I elected not to pursue the purchase of an extended warranty. However, the one you got for $1600 seems like a great deal.

For years cars had no sensors in the tires. People notice a tire was low and filled it up. These things are a hair away from useless. If mine go I will leave them alone until I am ready to sell then get them replaced.

[kingfrog]

Tire Rack has them for around $61 each,

http://blog.tirerack.com/blog/choose-th ... -tire-rack

[NJGuy]

Well, it happened again.

A few weeks back, the TPMS light had come on again. And like last time, all tire pressures checked out fine.

The blinking pattern of the TPMS light made it appear to be more than just a sensor issue. I couldn't get the TPMS into diagnostic mode to get a better look into the problem. I didn't have more time to play around with the car and feared that the issue could be with one of the more expensive electronic components tied to the TPMS. So I decided to book an appointment with the dealership. I was a bit fearful of having a repair that would be more costly than just a sensor replacement.

The dealership tech diagnosed another bad TPMS sensor. He replaced the sensor and programmed it to the car.

Here's the best part of the story for us. My wife, who brought the car there, expressed to the service writer her dissatisfaction with the Infiniti product. It was the second time in less than 6 months that she's had to bring the car in for the same issue. In order to make her happy, the service department decided not to charge her for the repair .

We were both surprised and grateful for our dealership's kind gesture; after all, the car is well out of warranty and the dealership was not obligated to provide us any additional assistance. While I'd prefer that Infiniti put out a more reliable product, I am happy that Infiniti had at least come through for us on the customer service side. Kudos to Salerno Duane Infiniti (of Denville, NJ) .

My only minor nitpick is that the service dept. and invoice incorrectly stated which TPMS sensor was replaced. I took a look at all the wheels, and they actually replaced the sensor on the other side of the car. But given that we were not charged for the repair, I can't really complain.

On a side note, my wife was given a loaded Q50 loaner. While she loved the look of it and the interior space, she was a bit overwhelmed by the need to use the touchscreen commands in order to control the audio and HVAC systems.