Feb 20, 2015, 01:39 PM
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How to replace TPM Sensor Batteries
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 10,233
Likes: 21
From: Baltimore suburbs Maryland
Well I've replaced 2 of 4 sensors right now as preventative maintenence since I'm switching over rims. This is what I've learned so far:
The Digikey batteries work well. I bought 10 of them, since I have 8 sensors total, and 2 incase I screw up a battery (already did) and 10 is slightly cheaper per unit.
I found that removing the potting material was fastest and easiest/cleanest with a dremel with the wire brush attachment. Wear a mask/respirator cause it turns that material into fine dust. And then, use compressed air to clean it off.
Important step- be sure the tabs are completely desoldered. I ruined the first one and tore off most of the conductive contact strip off the circuit board. Fortunately I was able to repair it with a crap load of solder. Hopefully it holds.
Also, be sure to test that the sensor is working before you glue it all up.
I'm using this epoxy stuff from Home Depot, it is a 2 part paste that is dark grey so it matches the color. I will report tomorow how well the material works after it dries.
The Digikey batteries work well. I bought 10 of them, since I have 8 sensors total, and 2 incase I screw up a battery (already did) and 10 is slightly cheaper per unit.
I found that removing the potting material was fastest and easiest/cleanest with a dremel with the wire brush attachment. Wear a mask/respirator cause it turns that material into fine dust. And then, use compressed air to clean it off.
Important step- be sure the tabs are completely desoldered. I ruined the first one and tore off most of the conductive contact strip off the circuit board. Fortunately I was able to repair it with a crap load of solder. Hopefully it holds.
Also, be sure to test that the sensor is working before you glue it all up.
I'm using this epoxy stuff from Home Depot, it is a 2 part paste that is dark grey so it matches the color. I will report tomorow how well the material works after it dries.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 10,233
Likes: 21
From: Baltimore suburbs Maryland
Well its done. The stuff I sealed the TPS's back up with is called PC7. It dries almost the right color, hardness feel and it appears to be removable with wire brush should I need to do it again.
I got my Y2K chromies mounted and balanced today with the new TPS that I had serviced. They learned fine and upon my first road test they appear to work accurately. Hopefully they will hold (crosses fingers!). This forum has been a wonderful resource! Probably saved me $200+ for when my sensors started dying.
I got my Y2K chromies mounted and balanced today with the new TPS that I had serviced. They learned fine and upon my first road test they appear to work accurately. Hopefully they will hold (crosses fingers!). This forum has been a wonderful resource! Probably saved me $200+ for when my sensors started dying.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,085
Likes: 0
From: Broken Arrow OK
Originally Posted by RPOZ4Z
nice!
I'll have to go to home depot and look for that stuff.
I'll have to go to home depot and look for that stuff.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Liquid rubber
That material on the back of the sensor looks like that rubber you buy in the hardware store to make thr rubber handles for tools. I have used it before to rubberise the handle of a pair of pliers and it sticks very well while it is still pliable. Anyone know what I am talking about?
Luis
Luis
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Mineral VA
Well I tried it. It still didn't work. I ended up buying a new one from fred beans. I noticed that the new one had something rattling in it, where the old one did not. Perhaps this rattling ball is what activates the TPM when the car starts moving. So it is my assumption that if your TPM does not sound like it has a rattling ball inside, then the battery is not the problem. Does anyone else know about this?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,266
Likes: 156
From: Galloway Twp. NJ
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Originally Posted by my6thvette
I just came back from Home Depot and couldn't find the stuff. What section is it located in and what is the brand name?
I found it at home depot, look in the section (paint dept) where all of the epoxies are located. it's called PC7
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 10,233
Likes: 21
From: Baltimore suburbs Maryland
Originally Posted by deveaum
Well I tried it. It still didn't work. I ended up buying a new one from fred beans. I noticed that the new one had something rattling in it, where the old one did not. Perhaps this rattling ball is what activates the TPM when the car starts moving. So it is my assumption that if your TPM does not sound like it has a rattling ball inside, then the battery is not the problem. Does anyone else know about this?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,085
Likes: 0
From: Broken Arrow OK
I have 4 extra tire sensors, all made in 1998, and none of them rattle. All of them still work, including the one that I replaced the battery in. I know that people have been replacing batteries in these things for some times. Does anyone have any long term experience with sensors after battery replacement, including those replaced by Neri Creations. Also,deveaum , you might want to recheck the sensor that you replaced the battery in. When I first replaced the battery in mine, it initially failed to work. However, after setting for a while, the BCM was able to learn it quite easily.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,421
Likes: 3
From: Memphis Tn
Just found this, this is great! I was wondering if a liquid rubber would be a better potting material for the reinstallation? I was thinking of the can of liquid rubber you can buy at tool shops that you dip the handles of your tools into to give them a rubber handle. I've seen it at Sears and Walmart and HD and Lowes. anyway, this is so cool! And saved!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,085
Likes: 0
From: Broken Arrow OK
I suspect that that that the liquid rubber would work fine. I was not able to locate the PC7, that others have reported using, but did find something called "Liquid Electrical Tape" at Home Depot. This is a solvent base rubber like material. The only problem is that it requires several applications to fill the cavity around the battery since the material shrinks upon solvent evaporation. The end products resembles silicone rubber but is somewhat stronger and stiffer. It should be easy to remove if battery replacement is again required.
One thing to consider when selecting a potting material is it's electrical conductivity. A conductive material will eventually drain the battery since it is in contact with both positive and negitive sides of the battery.
One thing to consider when selecting a potting material is it's electrical conductivity. A conductive material will eventually drain the battery since it is in contact with both positive and negitive sides of the battery.
