Icecap

https://www.tpms.com/20076_Schrader_..._T_p/20076.htm


These are the sensors that were installed on your 2007 at the factory. I ordered mine from this supplier. I did a lot of research before I bought mine and one comment that I read was to avoid programmable clones because they tend to be problematic.

Mad*Max

Thanks for the link and info - do you know if I went to the dealer if they would be selling the same part branded under AC Delco (that website is American)?

Mad*Max

Did you buy from a dealer?

saplumr

Yes. I usually ordered them from forum vendor Gene Culley

Icecap

The Schrader website list them as being original equipment and they probably are rebranded AC Delco since AC Delco doesn't manufacture TPM sensors. I purchased mine from TPMS since the pricing was right and I have a mailing address in the US so shipping was free.


One useful bit of information I read is that someone had purchased an OEM sensor from a dealer and noticed by the date of manufacture code that it was already 8 years old. If their average life expectancy is 10 years that is already off to a bad start.



There are 2 numbered circles molded into the plastic that indicate month and year of manufacture. The ones that I purchased from TPMS.com were manufactured in October of 2016.

Mad*Max

thanks - this is my project tomorrow when shops open up - it is really stressing me out because I have runflats and I won't know if I have a flat

Mad*Max

So I found a shop that has the Dorman programming tool but he tried and told me the sensor is "dead." Amazon is sending me a replacement but I will be out the labour as it could have easily been swapped at no charge when I replaced my tires.

I am not even holding my breath that the replacement is going to work. The ones at the dealer here are about $140.

Amazon has an AC Delco listed for $74 - does anybody know if should have any issues with this one?

saplumr

If you can’t verify by VIN it’s always a crap shot.

Plan C

Mad*Max, a larger shop would very likely have a tool to activate your Dorman sensor. I believe that is a "cloneable" sensor which must be programmed for your specific application - it "fits" many wheels but must be programmed for your specific car. These are very common in retail shops to minimize the number of sensors they have to stock.

Mad*Max

So the chances are that the replacement from Amazon will still need to be cloned by a big shop?

Mad*Max

Dealing with Amazon is like dealing with a robot (which I am beginning to realize more and more) so that won't be possible...

saplumr

Here’s what I would do before you install another tpm that won’t work, I’d go through the learn process before you install it this time. If it programs, install it. If not, plan B, use your VIN through a dealer.

Plan C

When I replied previously I had missed the fact that you found someone with a Dorman programmer. If the Sensor is good, he should be able to program it and it will be good to go. My understanding is that they can pull the info from your original sensor, or from your car, and clone the original such that the re-learn procedure isn't even necessary. Best of luck!

Mad*Max

Thanks - the store I found wanted $60 to relearn the sensors (which I agreed to) for something that literally takes less than 5 minutes

Mad*Max

good idea!

Plan C

For what it's worth, I recently replaces all of the sensors on my 07 with Schrader OE TPMS from forum vendor Bob at HOUSE OF WHEELS? They were fresh, priced right, and shipped quickly.

saplumr

Cheaper to buy the tool. It can be be used on all types of monitors. I constantly switch wheels on vehicles so the tool is priceless.

Mad*Max

The Dorman tool is quite expensive like a few hundred dollars unfortunately.

saplumr

Mine is a OTC Tips and wasn’t overly high priced a few years ago but I was shocked at what the cost is now. There are cheaper ones but not sure how they perform.

Mad*Max

Do you think a non-Dorman might also program it? The guy at the big store said that they are all basically the same (he even mentioned Schrader).