tire pressure sensor failed?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,498
Likes: 4
From: Brentwood TN
tire pressure sensor failed?
Took my '98 coupe to Firestone to have tires replaced and 4 wheel alignment. Got a call that the o-rings on the pressure sensors were cracked and brittle and needed to be replaced. Okay. Picked up the car, left rear pressure reading is blank, others work properly. Is no reading an indicator of a failed sensor? Would I get a code without having to interrogate the system or do I need to dump the codes.
My gut hunch is that the dude that swapped out the o-rings probably scrinked the sensor. Now have to go back and get F'stone to replace the sensor if it is indeed failed.
Is it dead if there is no reading?
Charlie
My gut hunch is that the dude that swapped out the o-rings probably scrinked the sensor. Now have to go back and get F'stone to replace the sensor if it is indeed failed.
Is it dead if there is no reading?
Charlie
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
There is a centrifugal micro switch in the sensor. They can and will go bad, sticking in the off position therefore making the sensor worthless. Also, the battery could have died within, also making it worthless. Reprogram the TPS sensors using a magnet and see if that wheel is seen by the onboard TPS system or not. If not, buy a new sensor.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,498
Likes: 4
From: Brentwood TN
There is a centrifugal micro switch in the sensor. They can and will go bad, sticking in the off position therefore making the sensor worthless. Also, the battery could have died within, also making it worthless. Reprogram the TPS sensors using a magnet and see if that wheel is seen by the onboard TPS system or not. If not, buy a new sensor.
Charlie
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
I've had one fail on me too on '99 after a tire change on all wheels was accomplished. They didn't do anything to it, it just failed. Try re-memorizing it first. Use a magnet to do that.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,498
Likes: 4
From: Brentwood TN
If the wheel went back in a different position on the hub, will that cause the sensor to stop communicating with the computer?
I'll check Ace Hardware or something like that for a rare earth ring magnet tomorrow and give the re-learn a try.
Charlie
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
A different position will not cause it to stop working. I suspect that your sensor has just plain failed... unless... they damaged it on the tire machine. Sometimes, the young guys will forget that they are there, and trash them with the tools. The only way to find out, buy another sensor yourself and take the car back to them. When they open it up, if the sensor is ok, then you have your new one there ready to go in. It the original is trashed, they owe you $138 plus tax.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,571
Likes: 1
From: Hollywood Md
Charlie, if these are the original '98 sensors they are nearing the end of their useful life anyway. You might want to consider biting the bullet and replace all four with new ones. If you don't, I suspect you'll be replacing them one at a time in the near future - with all the aggravation that comes with that. 
It is unlikely that the boys at Firestone broke your sensor. More probably they're dying of old age.
It is unlikely that the boys at Firestone broke your sensor. More probably they're dying of old age.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 552
Likes: 0
From: Alton Illinois
same thing on my 99 after tire change. wouldnt report/program. i ordered a new one and when we break the tire down they will put it on and we will decide who pays. i understand life is 5-7 years anyway so i am not going to push the matter. maybe they will not charge me labor on the next 3!
jim
jim
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,498
Likes: 4
From: Brentwood TN
Charlie
