greggc

Getting ready to replace the tires on my C5. Have purchased a set from the Tire Rack and going to take the Vette & tires over to one of the local installers first week in May. Wondering if I need to do anything about the tire pressure sensor transmitters? The tires being replaced are the original tires (18 years old) so have never had the tires off. The pressure sensor system was working fine last year. Do not know if they are battery powered or how they work. If battery power thinking maybe I should replace the batteries? Any help/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

PS: I found (after reading the below replies) that new Shrader type sensor costs around $70.00 each and if one decides to change their own tires and sensors (or change the batteries and re-install the old sensors) one has to be VERY CAREFUL when installing/re-installing the sensor because the torque setting is very very low and you can damage the sensor very easily by apply to much torque..I was told a plastic tool is used so do not use a wrench of any kind.

PS #2: (Updated info on the Gen 1 & 2 Schrader Sensors); Found out that the Generation 1 Schrader Sensors are not available anymore but the Generation 2 Sensors are but the thing is you have to replace all four. As mentioned about they sell for anywhere from $70.00 to $80.00.
Below is a copy of the info page from the TPMS Direct web site on these types of Schrader sensors for the 1997-2000 Corvettes. it is the same style but a different color now (Red).

1997-2000 C5 Corvette Second Generation Schrader 10438853 TPMS Sensor
Schrader has released its second generation of the Schrader 10438853 tire pressure sensor for the 97-00 C5 Corvette. Schrader has changed the style of the 1997-2000 C5 Corvette TPMS sensor to match the C6 Corvette TPMS sensor. The external shape of the sensor is identical to the previous generation, but the internal sensor components differ and do not function the same as the first generation.

The factory equipped, first generation Schrader 10438853 is not interchangeable with the second generation model. A TPMS system malfunction will result if you mix the first and second generation sensors together. Replacing one faulty, factory equipped C5 sensor with the upgraded model, will require you to replace the other 3 (even if the other 3 are fully operational).

Unfortunately, TPMS Direct will not be able to obtain the first generation Schrader 10438853 since it is no longer in production. You can purchase the second generation Schrader 10438853 for your 1997-2000 C5 Corvette here.

MrNiceGuy!

I'm having the tires replaced on my '04 and am also questioning replacing the TPMS units. I was quoted $80.00 a sensor when the tires are being replaced or $125.00 per tire sometime later. Sounds a little pricey but the sensors will be new.

CJ1957

From what I have gathered searching the internet, typically the TPMS batteries last on average 5 to 10 years, so you may have the eveready rabbit running around inside your tires.

There’re videos on how to replace the batteries and the YouTube link below shows how but I feel it’s not worth the effort. Your sensors are 15 years old and TPMS Sensors are probably manufactured better now. I would, and did bite the bullet and spent the extra $135.00 ($36.33 each) for the peace of mind.

If you do replace them and the tire installers can’t calibrate them, you can do it from the right side DIC buttons. When I replaced my tires and TPMS Sensors 2 years ago, the installers could not program them for some reason but I was able to do it right there in front of them. They were impressed.

You don’t want to tear your tires off down the road if either taking the chance they’ll last another 15 years or if replacing the batteries doesn’t work.

vettenuts

I just bought new Schrader sensors from Tirerack. They had one of the best prices I could find. I would definitely replace them.

greggc

$70.00 each at Tire Rack.

rollin59

Rock Auto has the OEM sensors for $98 each. ACDELCO 25981210 GM Original Equipment

JWM

EBAY Schrader 28006 $170.00 for set of four. I purchased these when I had new tires installed about four months ago. Programmed them at home with the Schrader magnet.

turabo87

Schrader's are great. I replaced all 4 a couple months ago. You can get the Schrader magnet and program them yourself, like I did.

rollin59

Where did you get the Schrader magnets? Or will any strong magnet work?

turabo87

In theory, any strong magnet should work but ideally you want a "donut" shaped magnet to put it right over the valve stem. I didn't want to be hit and miss so I just got the Schrader magnet, I bought it from eBay.

lonerider2002

My experience with with Shrader wasn't too good... They worked for a while but would lose memory from time to time, and this is with aftermarket wheels by the way. I took the magnets out of a broken microwave (which are very powerful) to set the sensors and all would be fine until the last one and it just wouldn't read it for some reason. Long story short- bought OEM and had a local tire shop install them for $40.00 and the system has worked perfectly since then. Sometimes trying to save those few extra bucks just aren't worth it. My .02.

rollin59

Local tire shop tried several aftermarket sensors, couldn't make any work, they told me to go to the dealer.
They did not say which sensors they tried. One of my 4 sensors is still working so I think the receiver is probably OK but 3 of 4 sensors no reading and won't relearn, I assume have dead batteries.

I just ordered a set of (4) Schrader sensors 28006 from RockAuto for $109 shipped for all 4. The AC Delco sensors are almost that much EACH.

Hopefully, they will work. I have stock wheels and car has no mods. 58,000 miles.

Is it possible to test them when they are not mounted to the car?

turabo87

For me the only bad thing of the Schrader sensors it's that they do lose memory or connection with the computer if the tires are not rolling for long, so you might get readings of 0 and trigger the "service tire pressure monitoring system" message if you're just sitting for long, but as soon as you start moving it will register again and read the tire pressure fine. I have no big complaints.

I don't see why they wouldn't work, and I don't see why you couldn't test them before installing. Just do the learn procedure and place the new Schrader sensors near the tires when you test them. You WILL need the magnet to do so.