Idea to fool the tire pressure sensors

I found some interesting info on this subject at this link Toyota TPMS - Toyota TPMS Tools & Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems

"The sensor measures the pressure and temperature in the tire and transmits this data along with the unique ID of the TPMS to the tire pressure monitor ECU/receiver."

"Before attempting to replace a Toyota TPMS we advise the use of one our Bartec Wheelrite tools to establish the need for replacement and the nature of the fault. This may support a warranty claim but will also ensure that the dealer or tire shop is covered for liability claims. The legal position is that as soon as the dealer breaks down the wheel then he becomes liable and cannot allow the car to be driven away from his shop with the TPMS warning light still on. Many dealers have found that customers will not accept the costs for repair and may attribute any breakage to the dealer if there is no audit trail."

 

If you do my simple "paperclip" hack, the light will be off, and there are no codes.

 

pEEf, How would you do this trick with a gen II Prius?

Thanks

 

Hmmm may jump the wire if I get aftermarket wheels used.. Thanks for this post!!

 

thanks to this thread, I wont need to put TPMS in my summer wheels! Its a shame I already bought the TPMS though.

 

I went to the tire shop with my wheels and they swapped the tpms for mr for 20.00.. Just to give u guys an idea of the cost..

 

I don't plan to buy aftermarket wheels, but this fix will also work when a sensor fails electrically if you don't consider it worth the time and money to replace it just to get the light on the dash turned off. Tire pressure monitoring is the one safety item that, in my opinion, is unnecessary for people who check their tire pressure regularly.

Thanks pEEf for posting this solution.

 

Boy, Thank You pEEf for saving me time and money. As a new Prius owner I was surprised the efforts (and expense) you had to go through twice a year if you were swapping out snows on rims and summers on rims just to avoid a light coming on. I always check my tire pressure and rely more on my eyesight to read a gauge than a a computerized analysis.

 

Just sayin....

 

Funny but a paper clip is cheaper than tape.

 

This was a great thread and provided a lot of information on a stupid problem.. The following link provides more information from a Tire shop perspective. I hope the link works.

What I got from the link is that its not illegal for the shop to install wheels without TPMS, but it is illegal for them to disable the warning light. Apparently from the link below, a warning light indicates the TPMS system is working. So if you get in an accident with Tires/wheels without TPMS installed, But your TPMS system/warning light is intact, you are good. I hope this helps.

TPMS / TPWS

 

It is not illegal in any state. It is a liability for the shop. They do not want to get sued if something happens.

 

It is Illegal for the shop to disable your TPMS system. But not illegal to sell you tires/wheels without TPMS sensors. Thanks.

 

I disagree. There is no law in the US that makes it illegal for a dealer or a tire shop to disable the TPMS using an electronic tool, hardware or anything else. It is strictly a liability.

What do you thing the penalty is? Third degree felony? LOL

 

It is illegal to disable the TPMS light per FMVSS 138. Actually FMVSS 138 establishes the requirement for TMPS. An older law prevents disabling any safety system:

A good write-up about TPMS law can be found at this link:

Tire Review - The Final Word: NHTSA Clears the Air on TPMS Regs and Plus-...

While there is still some legal debate, the general answer is that a tire shop can install wheels lacking TPMS, but they cannot disable the warning light.

Tom

 

If you click on the news entry near the top of the page, you can see a PDF of the letter from the NHTSA.
Press Releases | Tire Industry Association

 

Ok so this is to disable the TPMS light in the Gen3 Pri. Got it.

A web search reveals similar procedures for the Yaris, RAV4, etc... but not for the Gen2 Pri?!

Does anybody know where the TPMS module is in the Gen2 Pri? I'd be more than willing to explore with a multimeter and see if I cant get the stupid light off in my Gen2.
This could be a worthwhile endeavor for us Gen2 owners!!

 

i installed a bypass switch for my ct200h. very similar to a gen III prius.

TPMS Wiring Diagram - Tire Pressure Monitoring

better than a jumper because you can switch between enable/disable without taking out the glove box.

 

Blame it on the government who thinks they need to be in every part of our lives. If you cant keep the correct tire pressure in your car by checking it then you are too stupid to be driving.

 

I ended up buying a mini-VCI cable on ebay and using that to shut off my TPMS light Now I program my sensor ID's and can monitor the battery levels of each sensor, etc. I highly recommend it!!