I would appreciate your own experience with this TPMS system and when you replaced the originals.
I am still on the original BF Goodrich tires (only 10,000 miles) but I need to replace them due to age, too many 'patches', beading issues (leaks), and an upcoming Spring long distance trip. My local tire store (I've been a customer for 10 years and they are top notch) told me that when I install my new Goodyear GT tires on Monday it might be good timing to replace the TPMS sensors since they generally last just 5 -7 years, from what they are experiencing at the shop anyway. Mine will be 6 years, 2 months old from the car's build date. It makes sense to me as I would hate to dismount the new tires in a year or two. The shop has 'aftermarket' type that are superior (supposedly) and they can program them for the Mustang. I'm not 'locked in' to anything but the tires will be mounted on Monday.
Opinions and experiences from owners of our 2005 -2009 class of cars would be greatly appreciated.

 

I'd replace them but buy them online. You can score a set of tpms bands cheaper than you would the newer sensors. Tire places will over charge you. I got my set on Fleabay for 80 shipped.

Too bad you couldn't just get a complete rim/tire package and have the shop mount/relearn.

Not sure what your rim set up is but just a thought. It may be the excuse to get those shiny new larger rims. Tis the season for giving!

 

If they have the banded sensors go ahead and get them replaced, the sensor snaps into the cradle and a retainer is used to lock it. Pretty straight forward. You dont need to replace the cradles or the straps if the sensor is compatible with the cradle (and why wouldn't it if its a banded sensor).

In lieu of that, I'd look at a rubber valvestem mounted replacement sensor if its offered.

My final choice (as in avoid like the plague) would be a TPMS sensor with an aluminum stem which has alot of problems mainly stemming from corrosion due to liquid getting trapped in the stem either from loose or missing caps or due to condensation which corrodes the stem which can cause it to snap off or the valve in the stem breaks off in the stem or whatever.

 

Bob, I've heard about those valve type being bad as well. Different types.

 

How much would a shop charge for this? I need tires on my car and trying to get together the pricing it'll all cost.

 

I've bought that kit from AM, easy to set, no problem at all, great product;

http://www.americanmuscle.com/tpms-fullkit.html

 

I just talked to the local Ford parts dept and he told me not to worry about it, that they can last a really long time. Now I'm not so sure I want to spend the money. The shop wants $200 'out the door' (includes taxes, etc...). Keep the replies coming please so I can get a better idea. I still have a few days.
I just hit 10,000 miles on my car and it is garage kept if that makes a difference.

 

The shop that put my rims on messed up my TPMS and now I have a wonderful flashing warning while I drive my car. Dealer is going to charge 100 a wheel to fix. I wish you could just take the entire system off the car.

 

OK, I found this very informative article. If you don't want to read it, the average life is 7 years. $200 now, vs 'issues' in the future plus removing and re-balancing the tires is well worth it. Thanks for all those that responded. Here is the link: http://www.tirereview.com/article/86...batteries.aspx

 

200 is still too much to pay. There's some sets on eBay for much less that that with free shipping.

 

yeah. ebay has some great deals - shop around...

if they give you any grief about installing someone elses sensors, have them dismount/pop them on yourself, have them remount tires...I had to replace one in my wifes car 2 yrs ago, was able to do it at home by just breaking the bead on one side, pushing the tire down enough to unclip/replace.

watch the date codes- a lot of the ones on ebay could be nearing shelf life...no idea on the lithium battery 'draw', maybe 7 yrs is it, maybe some will go 10-12?

 

Oh, I know it is little high but sometimes the stuff on ebay can be old and already on the way 'out'. Other than detailing and oil changes I don't like doing things myself anyway. This way I have professionals installing 'new' items with no doubts while my new tires are being put on all at the same time. The shop installs many of these every week so nothing is sitting around for too long. Also if I have any issues I can return to the shop and they will treat me right. Try doing that with an ebay purchase after 6 months or a year.

 

Totally understand. You have to find reputable sellers on eBay and carefully check the dates.

I usually buy parts from eBay stores like Roush overstock. Luckily I haven't run into any crooks on eBay but I'm sure they are out there.

 

Just a followup if anyone is still reading. I had the Eagle GT tires installed today. This is hard to believe but two of the 4 banded sensor straps were broken and loose inside. I'm surprised I didn't hear them. These new sensors are valve stem type but very rugged and made to last 8 - 10 years (battery life).
4 new 235- 50R18 tires, high speed balance, tax, and 4 new programmed sensors = $1,100. At least I get a $40 rebate from Goodyear. Make that $1,060. I'm glad this bill doesn't come up very often.

 

I would have fainted but I'm glad it worked out. Happy safe driving and holidays!

 

They suck! The TPMS light in my 08 Legacy is on every other day. I check my tires when it goes on and put air in all of them and it comes back on two days later. It comes on if it looses 2psi's. Drives me crazy. I'm about to put a black piece of tape over it.

 

I don't hate all government regulations, but I find this one a waste of consumer money.
Occasionally TPMS can be useful. But if you have been checking tire pressures regularly for 40+ years, not very often. I have never had a light come on with my other cars.
I even had a flat on my 2007 Mustang V6. Because of the way it happened, the sensor was useless. My ex-wife's vehicle had a flat...no use.
The only thing I have seen of any use, was as a reminder to friends to put air in their tires when winter temps hit.

 

Thanks! You too.
My wife did almost faint but she understands. She has now become a fan of the older cars we own without all the modern gadgets and gov't mandates. My $500 bill for a new set of Firestone RWL tires last spring (for the SS) is less than half of what I just paid.

 

Alot of Japanese and European sensors are designed to fire at just 10% below the reccomended inflation pressure.

I've got to ask though, when you fill your tires do you account for the heat build up if you have to drive some place to air them up?

If your driving more than a mile then you have to account for the expansion of the gas in the tire which can be compounded by your location as well. Unless a dry gas is going into the tire then any moisture will exacerbate the expansion in the tire.

Alot of people fall into the trap then of checking the tires while hot then adjusting the tire pressure to the cold inflation pressure on the tire which could be anywhere from 1-4 pounds low depending on how far you've driven, the temperature of the tires and the amount of moisture in the tires.

Its best to check the inflation pressure when the tires have sat 8 hours or more (usually over night) then adjust the tires as needed or if you have to drive some place just set them 4 pounds over the reccomended inflation pressure and then adjust in the morning.

Also make sure you have a good gauge - a high quality digital gauge is the best since its least affected by temperature. A pencil gauge is one of the worst along with whatever mechanical gauge is used by your average gas-station air pump as they are regularly abused, most likely never checked, and probably never replaced.

 

Bob, I certainly felt that way when I bought a quality digital gauge from Griot for $25. It measured right to 1/10th of a pound. I had two other cheaper regular gauges and they showed two pounds difference than the digital. When I just bought these tires Monday I brought my digital gauge with me to test it against the shop's machine and regular gauges. Guess what? My $25 gauge is indeed off by that two pounds. The shop tried 3 of them and they all showed 32 pounds, including my other ones at home. The digital showed 34. Oh well... I'll still use the digital since it measures right to the 1/10th pound but will allow for that two pound difference.