So I'm buying new tires from AM in the next couple of days. I am buying the Charcoal AMR rims (20s). Wanted to know if there's something that I should prepare for or any tips on anything. I have heard that people are having problems with the sensor (Something about honking the horn?? Lol). Wanted to know what you guys know about that and if that's a common issue?

 

If you transfer your old TPMS sensors you have nothing to worry about. If you buy new ones, you need the training tool from AM or another supplier. I bought my sensors on EBay for less than a $100 and the training tool from AM. Watch the video and follow the directions, it's easy. And yes, if you do it correctly, the horn will honk! lol

 

Is it possible to use the old sensors? I was thinking of doing that but I didn't think it was possible. I was told the sensor was on the valves so it wouldn't be possible to use them. Do u have any clarification on this? I've heard people having problem with the TPMS sensor but I wouldn't understand why. If u can use ur old ones why not use them instead of not buying them.

 

You can use the old ones if they are not too old. They may need a rebuild if they are more than three years old or so. They have a battery in them that will discharge and they can gunk up. I opted for new ones and the training tool even though they were less than two years old so I can always mount my stock wheels and tires back on if needed in the future. Whatever you decide, I doubt you'll have any issues one way or the other.

 

I am planning to buy the sets they use so the wheels will already be mounted. Does that affect me using the old sensors? My sensors are also about almost 3 years. I bought the car in November of 2010

 

It is in your best interest to add everything when you buy and have the sensors mounted and the training tool in hand. Otherwise you will have to dismount both sets of tires, remove and re-install the sensors. Sounds like a real PITA, so get it all at the same time. I bought my rims and training tool from AM, Ford OEM TPMS from EBay, tires from Sams Club and had them mounted while I watched to make sure the clips were removed and the tires were balanced properly. I did mine as money became available and waited for the rims and tires to be on sale so I got a good deal and stayed on budget.

 

What clips are u referring to?

 

The clips on the studs that hold the rotor on while the car is on the assembly line prior to the wheels being put on. The stock rims have a circular recess for the clips that the aftermarket rims do not have. If the clips are not removed the rim will not sit flush to the rotor causing vibration issues. Each one of mine had two clips that had to be removed and I had to tell the techs about them as they didn't know. The only reason I knew was someone posted this info in a thread like this one.

 

Yes I've heard people talking about that but which I had a visual image. I am more of a visual person.

 

On your next day off, jack up your car and remove one wheel. You'll see the recesses on the back of the wheel and the clips on the studs against the rotor and understand.