TPMS Question
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Joined: Nov 2012
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From: Cobden Ontario
TPMS Question
I'm looking to install a new set of TPMS's--the previous owner removed them for some reason. I've found a number of vendors listing them online but prices vary significantly from $99/sensor to $150/all 4.
I've also read articles of people questioning the type needed for my style of car. I have a base 1999 FRC . Not sure if it will make any difference but the previous owner changed the cluster gauge and installed one from a 2001 Z06.
Any advice is appreciated
I've also read articles of people questioning the type needed for my style of car. I have a base 1999 FRC . Not sure if it will make any difference but the previous owner changed the cluster gauge and installed one from a 2001 Z06.
Any advice is appreciated
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
The cars Remote Function Actuator module (RFA) determines what sensors you need. If you are using a stock OEM RFA, you have the early style sensors and fobs. The early and new sensors work on different frequencies and can not be interchanged. MAKE SURE, what ever you purchase operates on your RFA Frequency.
If you want new sensors, make sure that you get the early style sensors. They are usually MORE cash than the late style. The LATE sensors started in 2001.
That being said,,, you can change out the RFA module to a late model RFA and run the newer style FOBs and TPMS. Its just a PLUG & PLAY module exchange.
Hope this helps..
If you want new sensors, make sure that you get the early style sensors. They are usually MORE cash than the late style. The LATE sensors started in 2001.
That being said,,, you can change out the RFA module to a late model RFA and run the newer style FOBs and TPMS. Its just a PLUG & PLAY module exchange.
Hope this helps..
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: Cobden Ontario
The cars Remote Function Actuator module (RFA) determines what sensors you need. If you are using a stock OEM RFA, you have the early style sensors and fobs. The early and new sensors work on different frequencies and can not be interchanged. MAKE SURE, what ever you purchase operates on your RFA Frequency.
If you want new sensors, make sure that you get the early style sensors. They are usually MORE cash than the late style. The LATE sensors started in 2001.
That being said,,, you can change out the RFA module to a late model RFA and run the newer style FOBs and TPMS. Its just a PLUG & PLAY module exchange.
Hope this helps..
If you want new sensors, make sure that you get the early style sensors. They are usually MORE cash than the late style. The LATE sensors started in 2001.
That being said,,, you can change out the RFA module to a late model RFA and run the newer style FOBs and TPMS. Its just a PLUG & PLAY module exchange.
Hope this helps..
My key FOB isn't working so I need to check the status of the RFA. Key FOBs and batteries are new so that's why I'm leaning towards the RFA.
Based on your statement of changing to a new style RFA--can this just be a plug/play to the new style or are there other steps.
If its a simple switch, I'll look at doing that--but I assume that will also mean new key FOBs. Is that correct?
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Joined: Nov 2012
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From: Cobden Ontario
To convert to the 2001 and later RFA you need to change the following as well:
1) RFA
2) TPMS
3) Key FOB's
THe RFA is the receiver for both the TPMS and the FOB's so if you go to the newer RFA you also need the later year FOB's and TPMS. One of the Forum Vendors offers a conversion kit that include all you need. I seem to recall the price being around $450 for 2 FOB's, 4 TPMS and the RFA.
The more common cause of FOB failures on the earlier (1997 - 2000) FOBS is covered in the following link:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...em-solved.html
Have you tried re-sync'ing the current FOB? Stand in front of the car and hold both the Lock and Unlock buttons until the horn beeps. Try the FOB once that occurs. Also try it several hours later to see if it still works. The cold solder problem will often allow the Re-Sync and then fail again a few hours or days later.
1) RFA
2) TPMS
3) Key FOB's
THe RFA is the receiver for both the TPMS and the FOB's so if you go to the newer RFA you also need the later year FOB's and TPMS. One of the Forum Vendors offers a conversion kit that include all you need. I seem to recall the price being around $450 for 2 FOB's, 4 TPMS and the RFA.
The more common cause of FOB failures on the earlier (1997 - 2000) FOBS is covered in the following link:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...em-solved.html
Have you tried re-sync'ing the current FOB? Stand in front of the car and hold both the Lock and Unlock buttons until the horn beeps. Try the FOB once that occurs. Also try it several hours later to see if it still works. The cold solder problem will often allow the Re-Sync and then fail again a few hours or days later.
Yes--I followed the suggested link and a few others without any luck on the key FOBs
That's part of the reason I'm leaning towards a bum RFA.
Any idea what the steps are to verifying the RFA? I think that's the first step in this repair.
Thanks for the advice
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
The TPMS AND the FOBs work off of the same RFA. If you have TPMS,,,, The RFA is working.
Theres a FOB ReSYNC procedure and then theres a FOB ReLEARN procedure.
Before you give up on the FOBs,, Do a complete RE-LEARN procedure.. When you re learn,, you have to relearn ALL of your FOBs at the same time.
Give that a try. You can also take your FOBs to most any of the national autoparts stores and most of them will have a FOB frequenct tester that will tell you if your FOB is transmitting.
Bill
Theres a FOB ReSYNC procedure and then theres a FOB ReLEARN procedure.
Before you give up on the FOBs,, Do a complete RE-LEARN procedure.. When you re learn,, you have to relearn ALL of your FOBs at the same time.
Give that a try. You can also take your FOBs to most any of the national autoparts stores and most of them will have a FOB frequenct tester that will tell you if your FOB is transmitting.
Bill
Pro
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 552
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From: Alton Illinois
tpms replacement
I'm looking to install a new set of TPMS's--the previous owner removed them for some reason. I've found a number of vendors listing them online but prices vary significantly from $99/sensor to $150/all 4.
I've also read articles of people questioning the type needed for my style of car. I have a base 1999 FRC . Not sure if it will make any difference but the previous owner changed the cluster gauge and installed one from a 2001 Z06.
Any advice is appreciated
I've also read articles of people questioning the type needed for my style of car. I have a base 1999 FRC . Not sure if it will make any difference but the previous owner changed the cluster gauge and installed one from a 2001 Z06.
Any advice is appreciated
Last edited by bluvette79; Feb 4, 2015 at 08:50 PM.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 63
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From: Cobden Ontario
Bill,
I thought about that before posting my previous response. In the first post the OP says a previous owner "removed" the TPMS. Hence he cannot determine if the RFA works based on them. With a FOB that is apparently not working it becomes difficult to know if the RFA is working or not.
Clearly taking the FOB to a place that can determine if it is transmitting is a start.
I thought about that before posting my previous response. In the first post the OP says a previous owner "removed" the TPMS. Hence he cannot determine if the RFA works based on them. With a FOB that is apparently not working it becomes difficult to know if the RFA is working or not.
Clearly taking the FOB to a place that can determine if it is transmitting is a start.
I did look at the wiring connection at the RFA and it appeared fine.
I also did a search for RFA in the forum and found a few things to look at on the weekend. I'll be checking for power at the RFA connection. Perhaps I have a broken wire in the RFA feed.
Thanks again for the advice
Pro
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 552
Likes: 0
From: Alton Illinois
you might check the receiver fuse as well. mine was blown but that was only a small part of my problem. i just noticed you had new fobs so i understand your tack but since you will neeed 4 tpms as well, you might want to look at the kit regardless of what you find. good luck!
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