This is long post but please stick with it:

I am having problems programming my tire pressure sensors. I have read the shop manual and many postings and still can’t figure out why I can’t get them to program.

I have an 04 Coupe. I replaced the stock wheels and TPSs with new polished aluminum wheels with new small TPSs preinstalled. I understand these are the standard type for the 04 model.

My key FOB works perfectly.

I have also tried many different magnets from 2” long rare earth magnets to the magnet from a 15” subwoofer. I hold the magnet next to the valve stem, usually on either side of it. The magnet is held parallel with the valve stem.

I have tried at least 20 times to program the sensors. Out of the 20 times I got the left front to beep the horn twice. When I move to the right front wheel, I get nothing.

However, if I initiate the programming sequence and hold the magnet near the sensor for the left rear tire, it always beeps the horn. But then I move to another wheel and get nothing again.

I also tried placing one of the stock wheels near the car and got it to respond once to the programming sequence.
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Is this how the sensors work ???
The magnet closes a switch in the sensor causing it to transmit a signal that is picked up by the FOB receiver. Each sensor transmits a unique ID code (with pressure data) so the computer matches the sensor’s signal to the appropriate location (LF, RF, LR, RR).
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Troubleshooting:
1) If the above is true then I should be able to place the stock wheels with sensors near the car and program the system using the magnet. But this doesn’t work either. OK, I suspect the magnet is not strong enough.

2) I understand that the FOB receiver is located overtop the left rear wheel well which is the only wheel that consistently responds to the magnet. OK, I suspect the receiver has a range problem (although the FOB works fine).

3) Tomorrow, I will move the LF wheel to the LR position and see if it responds. If it does then its not the magnet or sensor. If this works I guess I could place each wheel on the LR as I go through the programming sequence and if each transmits a unique ID the computer wouldn’t know the differences.

Anyone else experience this much difficulty and how did you resolve the problem? THANKS…