Valve Stem Caps
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,276
Likes: 8
From: Tucson AZ
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
It is my understanding in earlier model C6's - the valve stem cap was an integrated part of the TPMS, the metal it was made out of was supposedly a critical element to the functing of the overall antenna (included the valve stem). I do recall reading threads where some who had changed out their valve stem caps, opting for chrome plated versions had problem with their TPMS working properly ~ and then there were others who did the same and the system continued to work fine. You could always give it shot.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 7,158
Likes: 152
From: Chicago IL
I've been using Chromies/ Spinners These go on and lock with a special key to keep anyone from swiping them while your car is parked! When/ if someone tries to remove them they just spin around but don't come off!
The key...
I agree with the above post. A buddy of mine who has a '07 coupe changed the chrome caps with no problems... I sometimes get bad readings on one particular wheel.. When I put the stock ones back on, no more problems... I use the Chromies/ Spinners in the Summer mostly and for car shows... When/ if I get new wheels/ tires later this year, I'll replace the T.P.S.'s and see if the error/ bad read continues.
The key...
I agree with the above post. A buddy of mine who has a '07 coupe changed the chrome caps with no problems... I sometimes get bad readings on one particular wheel.. When I put the stock ones back on, no more problems... I use the Chromies/ Spinners in the Summer mostly and for car shows... When/ if I get new wheels/ tires later this year, I'll replace the T.P.S.'s and see if the error/ bad read continues.
Last edited by Tom_Slick; Aug 17, 2008 at 03:48 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,136
Likes: 212
From: Long Island New York
It is my understanding in earlier model C6's - the valve stem cap was an integrated part of the TPMS, the metal it was made out of was supposedly a critical element to the functing of the overall antenna (included the valve stem). I do recall reading threads where some who had changed out their valve stem caps, opting for chrome plated versions had problem with their TPMS working properly ~ and then there were others who did the same and the system continued to work fine. You could always give it shot.
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Moderator
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 40,888
Likes: 4,342
From: Lakewood Ranch, FL
I've been using Chromies/ Spinners These go on and lock with a special key to keep anyone from swiping them while your car is parked! When/ if someone tries to remove them they just spin around but don't come off!
The key...
I agree with the above post. A buddy of mine who has a '07 coupe changed the chrome caps with no problems... I sometimes get bad readings on one particular wheel.. When I put the stock ones back on, no more problems... I use the Chromies/ Spinners in the Summer mostly and for car shows... When/ if I get new wheels/ tires later this year, I'll replace the T.P.S.'s and see if the error/ bad read continues.
The key...
I agree with the above post. A buddy of mine who has a '07 coupe changed the chrome caps with no problems... I sometimes get bad readings on one particular wheel.. When I put the stock ones back on, no more problems... I use the Chromies/ Spinners in the Summer mostly and for car shows... When/ if I get new wheels/ tires later this year, I'll replace the T.P.S.'s and see if the error/ bad read continues.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 24,491
Likes: 312
From: Scottsdale AZ
Iv'e got an early `05 with a Sept `04 in-service date . . .picked up these caps at my local Checker Auto parts for $10 . . . matches by modified crossed flags nose and tail emblem with the American flag on `em . . .no problem with TPS.
Last edited by CQRT; Aug 17, 2008 at 04:02 PM. Reason: geez . . .calipers would look much better painted- wouldn't they !
CF Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,313
Likes: 25
From: Tucson Arizona
Valve Cap Confusion
I've heard so many conflicting things about valve caps...some BMW owners check the color of their valve stems for gray or black as one or the other determines if they can use a chrome valve cap with their TPMS (lest the TPS signal be reflected off the valve cap). I've read white-papers saying that plastic caps are only used during transport and are not advisable afterwards...plastic is affected by heat more than metal and not effective to hold pressure if there's a valve core failure. I've read many chrome caps hit the schrader valve when seated and aren't good to use. Acura recalled all their aluminum valve caps as being prone to corrosion...saying they could corrode and ruin the TPMS and advised replacement with non-metallic caps. I guy as Discount Tire I know says 'never use chrome valve caps.' There are plastic/metallic caps.
I've never heard chrome valve caps will adversely affect the TPMS but maybe BEZ06 will know. I'm confused on the subject of valve caps.
I've never heard chrome valve caps will adversely affect the TPMS but maybe BEZ06 will know. I'm confused on the subject of valve caps.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 7,158
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From: Chicago IL
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 10,399
Likes: 25
From: Austin Texas
'05 Helms Manual says to use only the stock caps!
Volume 1, page 3-93;
"The cap is aluminum and the valve is nickle plated to prevent corrosion and are not to be substituted with a cap or valve made from any other material"
Volume 1, page 3-93;
"The cap is aluminum and the valve is nickle plated to prevent corrosion and are not to be substituted with a cap or valve made from any other material"
Team Owner
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Tech Contributor
Cruise-In 11 Veteran
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St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'10
You need to concern yourself with two things when you swap your valve stem caps. You need to avoid material that could cause interference with the transmission of the signal from the TPMS. As was indicated above, the second thing that you need to concern yourself with is the possibility of corrosion (galvanic) that can be cause by two dissimilar metals in contact with each other. If you find caps that are nickel or chrome plated you should be fine. However, the metal caps that are chrome plated can in fact cause trouble with the sensor readings.
