Tire pressure sensor question

[bsmith]

I bought a new set of wheels, and leaning towards just getting new sensors and tire mounted on them.
The dealer wants $450 for the sensors, including $72 to "program" the sensors.
Is there anything beyond the "learn" procedure in the manual.

Do they have to pair them to the car with a tech tool the first time or something, or is this padding the old profit margin?

[Vegas Bound]

The dealership, service manager, parts manager, service writer, technician all get a piece of that pie.

Years ago, I needed motor mounts on an S10. Dealership wanted $550. I asked the tech how much he got, $80. Mounts were $50. Do the math.

Buy the sensors online and go to a shop like Discount Tire.

[JimE]

The "learn" process is what they are referring to and should be included in the price (your dealer sucks). One walk around the car with a scan tool (2 minutes tops if you walk slow) and you are done.

[bsmith]

Originally Posted by JimE

The "learn" process is what they are referring to and should be included in the price (your dealer sucks). One walk around the car with a scan tool (2 minutes tops if you walk slow) and you are done.

They sell tires cheap, they are obviously making it up on the related items.

[craZed]

I picked up an Autel TS401 a few years ago for about $70. Has worked on Camaro and Honda. Has a pretty robust list of vehicles that can be updated. I swap between sets of wheels about every six weeks, so its worth the investment, even at the current price of $140.

Amazon has tpms relearn tools for $15-20. Never tried one, so I can't speak to the reliability of them. For $20, its worth a shot.

When I bought a new set of wheels I picked up refurbed TPMS sensors online for $30 or less/each, compared to $85 new at the dealer. Local Firestone dealer gladly mounted the sensors on the wheels without any additional charges. I didn't have them do a re-learn since I was carrying the new wheels out. Only somebody out to nickel-and-dime you will charge for it.

[Deputy347k9]

Originally Posted by bsmith

I bought a new set of wheels, and leaning towards just getting new sensors and tire mounted on them.
The dealer wants $450 for the sensors, including $72 to "program" the sensors.
Is there anything beyond the "learn" procedure in the manual.

Do they have to pair them to the car with a tech tool the first time or something, or is this padding the old profit margin?

Someone is attempting to over charge you in a bad way! As other member have stated you can purchase sensors for a fraction of what they want. And $72.00 to program them is outrageous.

I own a 2014 Camaro and frequently change wheel from 20" to 21", one set is a square setup allowing me to rotate the wheels. Locally they wanted $25.00 to program them each time I rotated, WRONG!

Thankful for this Forum who led me in the right direction. I went to eBay and purchased my own relearn tool. Cost back then was $26.56 shipped, now I just looked and you can get one shipped for under $20.00!

The tool is VXDAS EL-50448 Tire pressure monitor sensor relearn reset activation tool OEC-T5 for GM.

This is the cat's tail, I have used it at least 10 times, relearn/program takes all most 2 minutes!

[ChibiBlackSheep]

x2 I have an EL-50448 and use it every time I swap between summer and winter tires.

[bsmith]

I have a set of snow tires for the winter and have swapped out in the spring and fall for several years.
I just do it by letting air out of the tire until the horn chirps.

One of those would be handy at $20 though.

[ChibiBlackSheep]

They are very handy and well worth it. Also the newer models (I think 2012+, you can't do the air trick)

[bsmith]

Originally Posted by ChibiBlackSheep

They are very handy and well worth it. Also the newer models (I think 2012+, you can't do the air trick)

Good to know, and the tool will be here Thursday.

[Deputy347k9]

Originally Posted by bsmith

I have a set of snow tires for the winter and have swapped out in the spring and fall for several years.
I just do it by letting air out of the tire until the horn chirps.

One of those would be handy at $20 though.

They are not only handy they are very much cost effective. At the Marine Corps base "Hobby Shop" I actually got to help out two individuals.

[ChibiBlackSheep]

Originally Posted by bsmith

Good to know, and the tool will be here Thursday.

Depending on where you ordered it, I have had a couple of bad ones deliver. If it's not working, it's most likely the tool and not you

I bought mine no problem, had to return one that I bought for my father twice before one worked. Seems like there's a few knock-offs being sold.

[Deputy347k9]

Originally Posted by ChibiBlackSheep

Depending on where you ordered it, I have had a couple of bad ones deliver. If it's not working, it's most likely the tool and not you

I bought mine no problem, had to return one that I bought for my father twice before one worked. Seems like there's a few knock-offs being sold.

I agree there are some knock-offs out there, this is why someone interested should probably go directly to VXDAS's site and order from them. I just check them out and the basic one such as the one I posted is on sale for $16.99 and they now also offer the VXDAS Ultimate EE-50448 that covers GM, Ford and others, cost is $39.99.

[CamaroFred]

Originally Posted by ChibiBlackSheep

They are very handy and well worth it. Also the newer models (I think 2012+, you can't do the air trick)

The regulations changed when they began to require them on trucks.
But they also changed to 10 year batteries instead of 5, so we've got that going for us.