Weird TPMS Experience

[Gadget Man]

I have an RV TPMS system on my MH & toad, a Toyota Tacoma. All of my TPMS sensors are screwed onto the valve stems. Yesterday while driving my Tacoma, the low tire warning light came on for the Tacoma’s factory (internal) TPMS. All of my tire pressures checked ok, so I attempted to reset the truck’s TPMS. It would not reset, so I took it to America’s Tire to have them take a look at it. They have a scanner that they hold up to the wheel to run a diagnostic check of each wheel’s TPMS sensor. They determined that the R/F wheel’s factory sensor was bad. I run my RV’s TPMS wheel sensors on my truck all the time, so I asked the tech if he was possibly picking up the signal from my RV TPMS sensor. He said no, that he received a signal with a Toyota serial number.

The tire shop replaced my internal TPMS sensor and then attempted to reset the system. Their process requires them to scan each wheel again to record each sensor’s serial number. They then attach their scanner to the OBD II port of the vehicle to clear the warning light. 30 minutes later, after repeated attempts, they couldn’t clear my warning light. It hit me that my RV’s TPMS sensors may be creating interference, so I told them to remove them and re-scan each wheel. Worked like a charm - they were then able to clear the low tire pressure warning light.

When I got home, I rechecked my RV’s TPMS monitor to make sure they didn’t replace a good sensor with a signal from my valve stem sensor. I got a good reading so it looks like I didn’t waste my money.

So...if you need to have your toad’s internal TPMS sensors replaced, make sure you remove any external TPMS sensors first.

[gerdutch]

Originally Posted by Gadget Man

I have an RV TPMS system on my MH & toad, a Toyota Tacoma. All of my TPMS sensors are screwed onto the valve stems. Yesterday while driving my Tacoma, the low tire warning light came on for the Tacoma’s factory (internal) TPMS. All of my tire pressures checked ok, so I attempted to reset the truck’s TPMS. It would not reset, so I took it to America’s Tire to have them take a look at it. They have a scanner that they hold up to the wheel to run a diagnostic check of each wheel’s TPMS sensor. They determined that the R/F wheel’s factory sensor was bad. I run my RV’s TPMS wheel sensors on my truck all the time, so I asked the tech if he was possibly picking up the signal from my RV TPMS sensor. He said no, that he received a signal with a Toyota serial number.

The tire shop replaced my internal TPMS sensor and then attempted to reset the system. Their process requires them to scan each wheel again to record each sensor’s serial number. They then attach their scanner to the OBD II port of the vehicle to clear the warning light. 30 minutes later, after repeated attempts, they couldn’t clear my warning light. It hit me that my RV’s TPMS sensors may be creating interference, so I told them to remove them and re-scan each wheel. Worked like a charm - they were then able to clear the low tire pressure warning light.

When I got home, I rechecked my RV’s TPMS monitor to make sure they didn’t replace a good sensor with a signal from my valve stem sensor. I got a good reading so it looks like I didn’t waste my money.

So...if you need to have your toad’s internal TPMS sensors replaced, make sure you remove any external TPMS sensors first.

Thanks for the good advice!
I have a question off subject! I see you have a Tacoma Toad, is it Manual drive or automatic? Reason i ask, is i have considered towing a tacoma myself though they are not listed as four down towable.

[Gadget Man]

I have a 2wd auto. I installed a Remco driveshaft disconnect. Tows like a champ.

[gerdutch]

Awesome, thanks for the info..

[FL420]

I have been wondering if I installed the screw on EEZ TPMS sensors on the valve stems of my KIA's rear wheels if they would play nice with the internally mounted OEM sensors. If I have read this thread correctly it seems like maybe they will. Is that correct? If so are there any other unintended consequences besides what you encountered?

[Gadget Man]

You should be just fine towing your Kia. This is the only issue I have ever encountered. Once you program your TPMS, it should only pick up the intended sensors.

[FL420]

Originally Posted by Gadget Man

You should be just fine towing your Kia. This is the only issue I have ever encountered. Once you program your TPMS, it should only pick up the intended sensors.

Thx G-Man.