Gen 5 TPWS solution

I'm happy to report the TPWS sensors from Tire Rack are now installed and working correctly on both my Gen 5 Priuses. For those interested, they are the "315 MHZ Tire Pressure Sensor, with Optional Black Valve Sleeve and Cap." They're only 42.00 apiece, much cheaper than the Toyota versions.

Installing them is easier than it seems when going through the process. The pertinent manual ref is Page 522. When going through the menu, be sure to select "Settings" - "Vehicle Settings" - "TPWS Settings" - then select "Tire Set Switching" and then "Register New Valve/ID". Then select "Tire Set 1" or "Tire Set 2," whichever is pertinent (I assume Toyota has Tire Set 1 as default for the OEM wheels and sensors). It will ask if you've selected the right set, then click "Yes."

At this point, what actually happens is not exactly what the manual says. It's a bit confusing, but the main thing is (whether or not you actually get a message saying the ID code is being performed) you need to drive above 25 mph for awhile... Don't go in reverse, not at all, so be sure you're already facing forward when you set this up. I can't tell you when it took effect, because that's not really transparent to this operation, and I started over once or twice with each car, because I wasn't sure what was happening, but, eventually the tire pressure warning light stops blinking, and goes solid, then, when they are registered, it goes out. Eureka! Call up the normal tire pressure monitor screen, and there are your readings. Hallelujah!

Just be patient and be prepared to try several times. It almost seems to be some kind of magic, but it's just the procedure doesn't happen just like the manual says, at least in my experience. Maybe I messed up, but they did "take." Now, let's just hope it's easy to switch back to Tire Set 1 next winter.

 

I wasn't being very clear: I have both OEM and winter tires/wheels for both G5s.

 

You just select tire set one or two. The computer searches for and registers the ID numbers and wheel position.