I know that this may have been addressed, but I am not finding an answer to my specific issue.

I have recently acquired a set of 2003 wheels for my 1997. The difference in the years saw a difference in the TPMS systems. One from 97 - 2000 and the other from 01 - 04. Will the sensors from my 1997 fit the newer wheels? Will I have to get the newer sensors? If I have to get the newer sensors, will they be able to be programed to the older?

Bob

 

The sensors themselves are interchangeable to pretty much all the popular wheels out there, including the '03 wheels. No worries.

Tip: just check to make sure your mounting hardware is still in good shape, especially the rubber mounting "O-ring" (actually not "O"-shaped but you get the idea). Item 3 in the drawing:



Also look at the condition of the nut (item 4). Both the "o-ring/seal" and the nut are available as separate items if you need them. Be especially careful of the nuts as they are ALUMINUM and are easily rounded-off/damaged if some ham-fisted tire jockey starts cranking down on the them when tightening. Too many of them are of the school of: "If tight is OK, REALLY tight is better".

I don't have the tightening torque in front of me right now, but IIRC it's measured in the INCH POUNDS and needs to be followed carefully and meticulously. It's also an appearance item as well.

HTH

 

The early sensors will fit the '03 wheels. I did that exact swap on my '99.

If you get the newer sensors, they will not work with the older RFA receiver in your car. You do have an option to upgrade to the new sensors, RFA receiver, and key fobs. All 3 need to match either early or late they do not mix between early and late. I did the upgrade on my '99 and it works fine. The newer setup does not have the option of using a passive fob since that was never available in the newer setup.

Lone Star FRC has a good point on making sure the mounting is in good condition. Usually the nut is reuseable, but the seals will take a set after being mounted for a long time. The newer style use a squared off cut style gasket, but the early versions use a rubber O-ring.

On my '99 I replaced the seal with O-rings from Home Depot.In our Home Depot there is a section with a lot of small o-rings, seals, connectors, etc. In that section I found a clear plastic small rectangular container hanging on the wall. The container is about 1" x 1" x2.5" and has 10 o-rings in it. I don't remember the cost, but I think it was only a buck or two.

The information on the paper liner inside the container is as follows:

Danco is the brand.
It says:

Repair
#9 O-Ring
5/8" O.D x 7/16" I.D x 3/32"
10 O-Rings Enclosed
#96726

On the side the SKU # is 3715596726

When I did mine i just removed the old O-rings and put the new ones in the same groove. Be careful taking the old ones out. They have been seated in the groove for years and are stuck. With a small blade or pick you can get the o-ring to start coming up in one section and pull it out. Be careful not to scratch the seal surface in the groove if you use a tool.

On the wheel, I just cleaned the inside surface where it sits.

I was most concerned on how tight to make the nuts. I found that value on the forum and it worked good, but I don't remember the value.

The sensors worked good for a couple of years until I sold that car last year, and I did not have to add any air from leaks.

If you want to buy a service kit that has the nut, valve, seal, and cap, check out Rock Auto. They are the best prices I found and are a dollar something per wheel for either early or late styles.

Good luck!