More on TPMS
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 352
Likes: 6
From: Centreville Maryland
More on TPMS
With the help of this site, some reading, a wee bit of extra knowledge I have concluded (correct me if I am wrong please) that there is nothing special about the Corvette TPMS system. So, I have found a set of senders for $130 at TPMS Wholesalers 
that should work just fine and I could get them installed at any tire discounters.
The wheels I bought sat on the shelf in storage for several years so the batteries went dead and that is the reason they won't program. I am not in a position to replace the batteries myself, nor would I for what TPMS Wholesalers charges. A hell of a lot better than the $110 each the Dealer charges.
Thoughts?
that should work just fine and I could get them installed at any tire discounters.The wheels I bought sat on the shelf in storage for several years so the batteries went dead and that is the reason they won't program. I am not in a position to replace the batteries myself, nor would I for what TPMS Wholesalers charges. A hell of a lot better than the $110 each the Dealer charges.
Thoughts?
Last edited by oldtee; Oct 16, 2013 at 10:23 AM. Reason: cost of sensors
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,019
Likes: 2,713
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
You will want to verify that they are selling you sensors for a 2005-2009 Corvette, other years or other cars use different sensors.
Some folks have reported frequent problems with aftermarket sensors, but I don't recall which brands.
I got a set of 4 GM sensors for $239.92 + shipping from GM Parts House here, didn't want to be messing around with something that might or might not work.
EDIT:
Corrected price of sensors.
Some folks have reported frequent problems with aftermarket sensors, but I don't recall which brands.
I got a set of 4 GM sensors for $239.92 + shipping from GM Parts House here, didn't want to be messing around with something that might or might not work.
EDIT:
Corrected price of sensors.
Last edited by Gearhead Jim; Oct 16, 2013 at 12:32 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,555
Likes: 1,255
From: Saint Albans, WV
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 27,420
Likes: 64
From: San Clemente CA
You will want to verify that they are selling you sensors for a 2005-2009 Corvette, other years or other cars use different sensors.
Some folks have reported frequent problems with aftermarket sensors, but I don't recall which brands.
I got a set of 4 GM sensors for less than $200 from one of the GM parts houses here, didn't want to be messing around with something that might or might not work.
Some folks have reported frequent problems with aftermarket sensors, but I don't recall which brands.
I got a set of 4 GM sensors for less than $200 from one of the GM parts houses here, didn't want to be messing around with something that might or might not work.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 352
Likes: 6
From: Centreville Maryland
You will want to verify that they are selling you sensors for a 2005-2009 Corvette, other years or other cars use different sensors.
Some folks have reported frequent problems with aftermarket sensors, but I don't recall which brands.
I got a set of 4 GM sensors for less than $200 from one of the GM parts houses here, didn't want to be messing around with something that might or might not work.
Some folks have reported frequent problems with aftermarket sensors, but I don't recall which brands.
I got a set of 4 GM sensors for less than $200 from one of the GM parts houses here, didn't want to be messing around with something that might or might not work.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 955
Likes: 68
From: Monroe Michigan
St. Jude Donor '14
You don't TMPS's.
When I had my 2013 Camaro SS, I didn't get TPMS's with my new wheels and tires. I just had to live with was the TPMS light on the dash, didn't even notice after a while.
How did we ever live before all these nannies they put on cars now?
When I had my 2013 Camaro SS, I didn't get TPMS's with my new wheels and tires. I just had to live with was the TPMS light on the dash, didn't even notice after a while.
How did we ever live before all these nannies they put on cars now?
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,555
Likes: 1,255
From: Saint Albans, WV
Without functioning TPMS active handling will be affected.
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Pro
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 662
Likes: 111
From: Carmel, NY & Bradenton, FL
You will want to verify that they are selling you sensors for a 2005-2009 Corvette, other years or other cars use different sensors.
Some folks have reported frequent problems with aftermarket sensors, but I don't recall which brands.
I got a set of 4 GM sensors for less than $200 from one of the GM parts houses here, didn't want to be messing around with something that might or might not work.
Some folks have reported frequent problems with aftermarket sensors, but I don't recall which brands.
I got a set of 4 GM sensors for less than $200 from one of the GM parts houses here, didn't want to be messing around with something that might or might not work.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 352
Likes: 6
From: Centreville Maryland
The GM OEM sensors are made by Schrader. You can get them online. I think I paid about $42 each and they arrived in 2 days. I had a bad experience when a tire dealer replaced mine with another brand that was supposed to work on Corvettes. I wouldn't use anything but Schrader - it's not worth the hassle if they don't work.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,043
Likes: 2
From: Bergen County, NJ Sarasota, FL
My 2005 C6 takes the Schrader 20076 TPMS sensor.
They are readily available for between $45 and $50 on the internet.
I'm going to change mine when I get new tires this winter.
They are readily available for between $45 and $50 on the internet.
I'm going to change mine when I get new tires this winter.
Tolero Apto Victum
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 9,669
Likes: 37
From: Woodlands TX
On my 07, when I am driving around and I receive a TPMS warming and it stays there for about 5 miles, then I will check the tire pressure with my tire gage. I believe my TPMS batteries need to be changed, but I have heard it is easier to just buy new ones instead.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
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From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
good to know that was the issue, but it does seem odd to me. if I recall, the TPMS batteries are supposed to last about ten years. to be all used up by sitting on the shelf, even if after being used on the car, seems unusual.
but I do think getting the right kind/brand (if needed, and it seems like it is needed) for the car is the solution vs. some cutrate brand that may or may not work. after all, one putting on then taking off again to put another set on will eat up any savings.
hope this solves your issues!
but I do think getting the right kind/brand (if needed, and it seems like it is needed) for the car is the solution vs. some cutrate brand that may or may not work. after all, one putting on then taking off again to put another set on will eat up any savings.
hope this solves your issues!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,409
Likes: 129
From: Fairview Heights IL
I don't think TPMS batteries are replaceable. Starting around year eight of service it will be time to plan your purchase of a fresh set of four sensors.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 314
Likes: 4
From: Ontario
I bought the unit for re-programming the sensors to the car's computer. It's about a two minute job. Takes longer to get the tool out of the drawer. I have two sets of wheels and tires that I swap back and forth so the tool comes in handy. My original tires are eight years old now, so when they are worn out I will install new sensors along with the new tires.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,555
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From: Saint Albans, WV
There has been at least one guy here that has changed the batteries in them. The work required to do so is nothing short of more pain in the azz and certainly not worthy of the effort!
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 153
Likes: 5
From: Olney MD
I picked up four "OEM replacement" TPMS units from American TPMS for 45.99 a piece.
http://www.americantpms.com/
http://www.americantpms.com/
Pro
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 662
Likes: 111
From: Carmel, NY & Bradenton, FL
This is what the sensors look like. As you can see, they are sealed so you can't change the battery (batteries?) without cutting the case open. If you do cut it open, you might cut into the antenna or some other critical component.
Since these things last 7-10 years, it's really not worth messing with old ones.
Since these things last 7-10 years, it's really not worth messing with old ones.