looking for a procedure to disable the TPMS

[martums]

Has anyone found a way to either disable the low tire pressure warning light, or the system, etc.? Can we delete all four entries in the ECU that reference the unique sensors, or can we pop out a fuse unique to the TPMS?

In the 100 days I've owned my touring/sport, two of her TPMS devices failed, (actually snapping off inside---which makes for a horrible sound as they bounce around inside the rims). I've recently had all four of the TPMS devices replaced with regular valve stems on my 19" RAYS--no, not by Nissan service.

Of course, the "Low tire pressure warning light" (page 2-10 here) stays on, like a severed body part that still itches.

There's at least one page on the web that says disabling this is a no-no. This is unfortunate, especially in NJ where the state's motor vehicle inspection stations will reportedly fail you for any illuminated warning indicators. (That, and of course a $40k+ sports car shouldn't have these issues, especially so early in her life)...

These TPMS devices are in the neighborhood of $120 (3rd party) to $150 (dealership) for replacements. Yes, it's a sin to be even remotely cheap with this car. I disagree with having to repeatedly spend money on these little pieces of crap, when they have demonstrated a high failure rate.

She's a daily driver with almost 9,000 miles in 90 days. The daily commute includes some lovely post-Winter potholes, decrepit railroad track crossings, etc. Could these sensors be replaced? Of course. Will this happen again? Youbetcha.

Yes, I've read on the web that disabling this is a no-no. Yes, I understand it's a safety feature. Yes, yes, yes. And yes, they're crap.

[370Zsteve]

"Of course, the "Low tire pressure warning light" (page 2-10 here) stays on, like a severed body part that still itches."

[Liquid_G]

I posted this before but thought I'd throw it up here again, Not really a disable but this was one guy's solution..

Got TPMS? Problem solved. - JDM Chicago-Japanese Car Community

[jmlenz]

Originally Posted by Liquid_G

I posted this before but thought I'd throw it up here again, Not really a disable but this was one guy's solution..

Got TPMS? Problem solved. - JDM Chicago-Japanese Car Community

If stupidest is even a word then Im sorry but thats the stupidest idea ever.

[ChrisSlicks]

Originally Posted by jmlenz

If stupidest is even a word then Im sorry but thats the stupidest idea ever.

Yeah but funny as hell.

"5. Now take your new friend for a ride. I let him ride shotgun since he is so pimp looking, and it also lets other people know that I am not messing around with the NOS stickers all over it. Honda civic owners get really jealous when they see this."

[martums]

Originally Posted by Liquid_G

I posted this before but thought I'd throw it up here again, Not really a disable but this was one guy's solution..

Got TPMS? Problem solved. - JDM Chicago-Japanese Car Community

Thanks Liquid_G. It's awesome that someone has a DIY work-around that leaves the car in a position it can be resold. I'd simultaneously love and hate to pull the light in the cluster. Though, I might cave in to peer pressure from jmlenz and skip the paint & NOS stickers.

The discussion in the thread is pretty interesting, too. Some like-minded thoughts.

[Liquid_G]

Originally Posted by jmlenz

If stupidest is even a word then Im sorry but thats the stupidest idea ever.

do you have a better idea? I think its an awesome way not to have to deal ******** tpms sensors..

[cossie1600]

It's a federal mandate, kind of like airbags.

[Jeffblue]

i dont see what the big deal of having the light on is. I've had the light on my altima for a long time and it doesn't bother me.

[martums]

Originally Posted by cossie1600

It's a federal mandate, kind of like airbags.

I hear what's you're saying. What kills me about these TPMS's is that they don't appear to be mature yet. If my 40-mile commute can result in trashing two of them in two months time (or so), there's no value in keeping them. I consistently visually inspect and test the pressure on my tires, so while the TPMS is a nice alternative, I wouldn't rely on it primarily.

Also, if airbags had a higher failure rating, although I don't know how to draw the parallel, we'd have the lawmakers rushing to the books to do, what else, make more laws. (Useless Idiots).

I'm curious whether other members/owners have encountered these little buggers snapping off inside their rims, as well.

[Liquid_G]

Originally Posted by cossie1600

It's a federal mandate, kind of like airbags.

So are catalytic converters, but no one ever has replaced/removed those right?

[martums]

Originally Posted by Jeffblue

i dont see what the big deal of having the light on is. I've had the light on my altima for a long time and it doesn't bother me.

It bothers me. I love my Z.

I reckon that if someone takes good care of their car, there shouldn't be any stinking warning indicators lit all the time. Must be something I picked up from my dad or one of my brothers, who knows.

*shakes fist at the potholes*

[jmlenz]

Originally Posted by Liquid_G

do you have a better idea? I think its an awesome way not to have to deal ******** tpms sensors..

Umm yeah I do...

1) Just ignore it...I dont like warning lights either but this one is small and not very bothersome. I have been driving like this for a few months and I dont even notice it anymore.
2) the easy solution...Put a small black circular sticker over the damn light, yes ghetto but still not nearly as ghetto as having a TPMS filled PVC pipe rolling around in your Z!
3) the harder way...If you really want it done right pull the cluster and disconnect the LED for the tpms.

[cossie1600]

Originally Posted by Liquid_G

So are catalytic converters, but no one ever has replaced/removed those right?

The same reason why your check engine light would come on after removing it. If you can pay to disable it, more power to you.

[dwntwnall4u]

Does anyone have the wiring diagram to disable the TPMS light on the Z? On my Tacoma there was a wire I just cut to diable the TPMS light.