TPMS Nonsense
 

So I have my Winter wheels and tires on now. Ordered from reputable online tire \ wheel place. Purchased the correct TPMS sensors from them as well (dealer quoted $550.00 just for sensors lol). They WERE programmed before installation in the wheel.

Much to my surprise I now have the blinking TPMS light on startup. Idiotic if you ask me. Unlike my Challenger or my sons Mustang, the car wont just pick them up. Because...Nissan. Sigh

Anyway, after some research I purchased the Autel TS601 tool which is around $375.00 US dollars.
I'm still reading the manual, but the gist is you take it from wheel to wheel so it can read and store the new sensors, then connect to OBD2 port and upload them into the ECU and of course reset the idiot light. Tire shops also use this tool apparently.

Before I give this a try, was just wondering if anyone had used the same tool \ procedure? The manual is a bit convoluted and the procedure is probably dead simple once you do it once or twice, but never hurts to ask.

Thank You

so these tpms sensors were verified working with your car's system before installation? I assumed that they worked for awhile and now you have the tpms dash light on?

Is it possible that one for more of the tpms sensors is NOT working properly?

I am sure you have proper air pressure for all 4 tires?

No.

The OEM wheels, tires, and sensors were replaced with Winter wheels, tires, and new sensors. When ordering, a company like Tire Rack will also offer to sell you and install TPMS sensors prior to mounting your tires on the wheels and shipping them to you. You MUST tell them the make of your car so they can use the correct sensors for your car brand. Additionaly the sensors must be programmed by them. This is all done before the wheels are shipped to you.

Now, with some cars, such as Dodge and Ford, after installing your new wheels, the car will automatically pick up the new sensors and all is fine. I have personally done this with 2 cars with no issues.

Nissan is different...as is BMW and others. The car will NOT pick up the new sensors by itself. Stupid IMO.

There are multiple threads here about this topic and even a thread on how to reset the TPMS by grounding out a plug.

Anyway, I found a video on how to use the tool correctly and will be trying it this morning.

All I had to do is ask the dealer to program mine for a very small cost.

I know its too late now, but it is possible to clone your exsisting TPMS sensors. Then your car has no idea different wheels or different sensors are mounted. Much easier in my opinion. Any good tire shop should be able to do this without even needing to dismount your currrent wheels (your TPMS IDs can be read with a scanner).

The tire shops around my location cant be bothered to do this unless you have purchased tires from them.
Not to mention the time factor of driving there twice per year.

Cloning is also something a tire shop or dealer would have to perform.

EDIT: Cloning...the only sensors the tool can clone are AUTEL sensors (I asked). AUTEL sells their own brand of sensors, presumably tire shops would buy these in lots of 100, then they use the tool in conjunction with the sensors.

So.. IT WORKS.

Took less than 10 minutes for the entire operation.

First you take the tool and go from wheel to wheel and it will read the sensor and put it in memory, then connect to OBD2 and go to TPMS diagnostics \ relearn mode, it programs the new ones into the PCM...at that point you back out of the menu and I went to the OBD2 codes...The tool showed 4 flashing TPMS sensors (icons)..I hit "clear" and they all turned green. Shut down the tool & disconnected.

Started car, no flashing TPMS light....took car for 30 minute drive..no light, no codes, perfectly normal.

Yeah, it wasn't cheap but now I have no need to rely on dealer or some tire shop. Considering what we spend on our cars, I dont think the cost is out of line really.

DO NOT buy the two lesser models unless you only want to diagnose...they do not have all the write functions.

All's well that ends well :)

EDIT: You can also use the tool at any time to read all the sensor info including PSI and battery.
As well, if you are so inclined, I'm sure you could pick up the odd case of beer here and there for doing a buddys car and getting rid of his TPMS light :)

EDIT: Thanks to the folks who replied and if I can help anyone, dont hesitate to ask.

This video might be helpful to find out why the TPMS light is flashing -AND- how to see your actual tire pressures in real time.



Just by using a cheap OBD scanner, OBD Fusion and a $15 enhanced diagnostic add on. (Note: it is read only, it can not program new TPMS sensors)

I have a 2017 Titan XD and ordered aftermarket wheels with tires and TPMS installed. When I got my wheels I simply deflated the tires to 35psi ( Max pressure 80) when I inflated the tires back to 65psi the sensors automatically linked . I was shocked and one who had previously believed it not possible with Nissan but I was wrong.

Thanks for being the guinea pig. Definitely going to add that tool onto the price of a spare set of tires. Don't really need winters in Southern California but been wanting a second set with stickier tires...