replace TPC sensors or not?

[DaveVan]

Just starting on the forum. I own a 2008 Boxster and I'm shopping for my first new set of tires. I plan to stay with the same Michelins that it came from the factory with. I'm being told to replace all the TPC sensors at the same time. I'm not having any issues, but they tell me the sensors last about 5 or 6 years, and it will be cheaper to do now. I'm told they will cost $169 to $202 each, WOW!! Is this good advice? Is this the cost I should expect? The shop I use has a good reputation, been in business for 20+ years, working on European cars. If some place else gave a lower price, is there a significant quality issue with these sensors, that I may get a cheap price with cheap parts?

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by DaveVan

Just starting on the forum. I own a 2008 Boxster and I'm shopping for my first new set of tires. I plan to stay with the same Michelins that it came from the factory with. I'm being told to replace all the TPC sensors at the same time. I'm not having any issues, but they tell me the sensors last about 5 or 6 years, and it will be cheaper to do now. I'm told they will cost $169 to $202 each, WOW!! Is this good advice? Is this the cost I should expect? The shop I use has a good reputation, been in business for 20+ years, working on European cars. If some place else gave a lower price, is there a significant quality issue with these sensors, that I may get a cheap price with cheap parts?

Unfortunately, the TPMS sensors do have a fixed life expectancy, but it is about 4-6 years max. As you need to dismount the tires to replace them, all four wheels need to be rebalanced as well. Budget about $100-125 per sensor. plus the prevailing labor to dismount, install, and then rebalance the tires. 1 1/2 to 2 hours labor is a good budget range.

[Super 90]

I have a 2008 also and my TPMS started to throw an error on the dash. The dealer's diagnostic system is able to look at battery strength and give you an idea of how long they're going to last.

In my case, one was replaced and they told me that the others look to have perhaps 18 months of life left. We're all hoping that they die within the confines of the CPO warranty...

If I were putting tires on a 2008, I'd probably just put new ones in at that time.

[stealthn]

Yes put new ones on....by the way there is a lot of this information already covered in this forum; search for TPMS

[Dkennel]

I had new tires put on within the last year on my 2008, sure enough about 2-3 weeks ago I started getting the RDK error.....
After searching on several forums here is what I ended up doing. Ordered a new set of generic sensors from oewheelsllc.com, they sold me a set of four sensors for $141.00 shipped! Took the sensors to my local tire shop (Rick's Tire Warehouse in Lubbock, TX), they charged me $25 labor for all 4 wheels and replaced all 4 sensors. They also tested the sensors with a handheld unit, scary part was after driving off the system stayed in learning mode for a good 10-15 minutes, my mind was racing that maybe I had the wrong sensors or something else was wrong, but then finally the warning lights went off and I have pressure readings on all four wheels, no more alerts.
Bottom line: four sensors $141, labor $25, tip $5, I ended up paying a grand total of $171 and have a working system....tire shop said they could order sensors, but their price would have been about $70 per wheel...
I will see how long these sensors will last, the stamp on the plastic housing shows a manufacture date 07/13, instructions say sensors are in "sleep mode" upon delivery. I will update if I have any problems with them, can't beat this price though!

[Wyvern]

I got so sick of the error messages ... then dead TPMS batteries .. I bypassed the system .

Yes I check pressure and ... yes something "could" happen but no me warnings or beeps or head ache. I am of the thought that TPMS is a redundant "stupid system"
Why Porsche doesnt tap into ABS like other mfgs is beyond me...

I disconnected the TPMS unit then use a Durametric to tell the computer that there was no TPMS .

I switch between wheels for track days and playing with pressures at Auto X always had the darn thing going off .

Good advice to search for TPMS .. but wanted to put my experience in a nutshell for you

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by Wyvern

I got so sick of the error messages ... then dead TPMS batteries .. I bypassed the system .

Yes I check pressure and ... yes something "could" happen but no me warnings or beeps or head ache. I am of the thought that TPMS is a redundant "stupid system"
Why Porsche doesnt tap into ABS like other mfgs is beyond me...

I disconnected the TPMS unit then use a Durametric to tell the computer that there was no TPMS .

I switch between wheels for track days and playing with pressures at Auto X always had the darn thing going off .

Good advice to search for TPMS .. but wanted to put my experience in a nutshell for you

Just be aware that in many states, disabling the TPMS will automatically fail the car at state inspection (it is a Federally mandated safety system). And, as many have found out, shops will not disable these systems as they could lose their state licenses to inspect cars, and because they can be held financially liable incase of a future accident involving the car (lawyers just love this kind of stuff).

[Wyvern]

Good point on Dem Lawyers ..

Nothing is permanent .
3 min to reconnect the unit ... new sensors that would then hopefully all have good batteries and a quick re program. so back to Sq 1 and all new .
Mine was so sensitive that if I parked sideways in the sun 2 of the readings would trigger the system

[lkchris]

Factory service manual for my Mercedes says sensor life is seven years. Mine are now seven and still functioning.