Automotive technology you miss.

[8thTon]

How do they make it a pain in the ass?

If you don't have the training tool or know the secret key combination to get into the setup mode you'll have a TPMS light after tire rotation.

 

[Snoranger]

I figured there are probably issues with them. Being in industrial maintenance, I have worked with rotating unions in many applications. They always require more maintenance. I'm sure that is the most common failure point on those systems. But I still like the concept.

Our biggest issue is dry rotted seals.

 

[sgtsandman]

And then there is the expense. Those systems aren’t cheap. I think that is why a lot of off roaders and overlanders stick with tire deflators and a good air compressor.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I agree. They a total pain in the butt. All because people are too lazy to check their tires and Ford made a bad tire selection. Now everyone has to pay for it.

I have seen two cars in the last week that should be new enough to have TPMSrunning on dead flat tires.

My junk is old enough I have big sidewalls. You know you have a flat because the truck is listing to one side.

And then there is the expense. Those systems aren’t cheap. I think that is why a lot of off roaders and overlanders stick with tire deflators and a good air compressor.

Most international overlanders avoid military looking vehicles too for easier border crossings.

 

[adsm08]

If you don't have the training tool or know the secret key combination to get into the setup mode you'll have a TPMS light after tire rotation.

No you don't.

 

[Dirtman]

The programming tool cost like 12 dollars.... I have a drawer full of them

 

[adsm08]

The programming tool cost like 12 dollars.... I have a drawer full of them

Ah, but the super-secret key cycle can be found hidden in the depths of the forbidden Holy Tome titled "Owner's Manual", that only those deemed worthy by the high priest may access, and only then after passing the rigors and trials to prove his worth.

 

[Curious Hound]

Ah, but the super-secret key cycle can be found hidden in the depths of the forbidden Holy Tome titled "Owner's Manual", that only those deemed worthy by the high priest may access, and only then after passing the rigors and trials to prove his worth.

In other words, you have to know how to read and have enough self-drive to actually open the book. Those two things will always keep some of us employed.

 

[Snoranger]

In other words, you have to know how to read and have enough self-drive to actually open the book. Those two things will always keep some of us employed.

Reading is for the upper class... not us lowly serfs.

 

[Dirtman]

I'm usually opposed to complicated nanny systems. But TPMS systems are so basic, non intrusive, and simple I can find no reason they aren't beneficial.

I check my pressure every month or so but have had more than one occasion on a long trip where I developed a small leak and the tpms light came on. Pulled over to find a nail in the tire and was able to plug it before it caused more damage.

As for making it complicated... like I said the tool literally cost 12 dollars to reprogram. And you only need that when rotating tires if you have the system that monitors each tire seperate. Or when replacing a sensor.

As for cost, the batteries lasts 10+ years. And they cost 25 bucks each to replace the entire sensor. 100 bucks every 10 years is expensive?

And as for changing tires... you are a moron if in this day and age do not know not to run the tool past the valve stem. That's all that matters. How is that hard?

Again... why is this system to complex for anyone? Even @rusty ol ranger could operate, repair, and program a TPMS system.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

@8thTon

Hey man. I'm (halfway) on your side at least. Some are cheap and easy. Some are NOT.

 

[Dirtman]

@8thTon

Hey man. I'm (halfway) on your side at least. Some are cheap and easy. Some are NOT.

Typical... take everyone else's side.

 

[Dirtman]

@8thTon

Hey man. I'm (halfway) on your side at least. Some are cheap and easy. Some are NOT.

I'll send you a tpms tool. Then you have literally nothing to complain about. Ford and GM are the same, chrysler is different pre fiat. Post fiat is different. I got them all. Everytime I go to work at a tire shop (welding) I grab a gizmo. How many you want?

I think my launch 431x does it without the cheapo gizmos but why bother. It's so simple!!!!!!

 

[Curious Hound]

I’ve never had any trouble using the procedures in the owners manual, even for rotating tires. No tool needed. Didn’t even know the tool exists until now.

 

[Dirtman]

The tool is to add a new sensor, or for when you rotate tires and have a system that says "left rear is low". You have to teach the system where the sensors are. My 09 just says tire low... doesn't know which is low so never a need to relearn positions.


But the owners manual has that too. The tool is just easy when you work on many vehicles. Press a button, walk around, done.