[reddoak]

All the new systems are very simple wireless battery sensors which simply signal the ECU that pressure is within spec doesn't matter if you rotate the tires or even if one is dumped in the spair tire bin with the proper pressure as long as all 4 sensors are seen and heard from thats all the TPMS system wants to know.

Doesn't work. They won't transmit unless they get spun up. Toss them in the spare and you'll get a light on. I know this because I've rotated my full size spare and it lights up. The only reason I need to get the dealer to reset is so the ECU has the 4 on the car in memory. Having the fifth in the car does no good.

If you rotate 4 tires, as stated by a few people, your dealer/tire monkey is ripping you off if they charge you extra for the reprogram. Odds are, the tire monkey can't reprogram it anyways. Ask them to show you what they are doing when they reset it.

Then tell them that you aren't going to pay a **** dime extra for that, blinker fluid flushes, or any other worthless crap they try and push.

 

[reddoak]

I find this a little bit offensive. Unless you go to Donnie's Discount Retreads, I'm sure wherever you go will be able to reset the TPMS...

Maybe that was true years ago, but TPMS has been mandated on all vehicles for 5 years now... most shops have the proper equipment.

Also I'm sure Walmart uses a torque wrench, too much liability if they don't.

Not sure what part offended you, but the local tire chains (Discount Tire, for example) do not have the tools to reset the TPMS monitors. Neither did the local Firestone, Action Gator, or Sears. The dealership does. I wasn't out to offend, just to inform. Discount tire can move the TPMS from tire to tire, or rebuild the kit, but the ones local to me can not reprogram a Subaru ECU to accept a different sensor than the 4 already programmed in. In locations with cold weather (winter tires) and lots of Subarus (not Florida) that may be different.

If you are offended by the term tire monkey, then I'm sorry. Feel free to ignore the slang term and use tire tech or mechanic instead. No offense intended to anyone that changes tire for a living. Unless they are a monkey. In which case they are stealing jobs from humans, and should be beaten vigorously with a banana branch. In any case, please accept my apology if I offended, as that was not my intention.

I've had plenty of tires changed over the years... and torque wrenches are in every tire shop. They are usually sparkly, shiny, and mostly in like new condition. Unlike the socket on the air gun. Walmarts might be better.

I know the mechanic I take my car to torques them to spec, I know this because I'm usually 15 feet away, having a conversation with them. Make friends with the people that take of the things you care about, and you'll find your things are taken better care of. And who couldn't use another friend or two, anyways?