Tire Pressure Monitor Battery Replacement

[redsled2007]

Just had a set of tpm's installed on my RV. When I was reading the manual before installation I noticed that manufacture stated that the battery in the TPM's would last 7 years. (I presume that this number is the date of assembly on the TPM).

This got me to thinking about the TPM's on my SD. I checked the owners manual and didn't find any info on this. My dealer's service manager gave me that blank stair.

So, anybody know how long the TPM's batteries are suppose to last before replacement. They can't last for ever!!

I just replace my factory original tires @ 48000 miles which lasted 4 years to the date. So more then likely if I get another 48K and 4 years, I should replace them If they haven't given up by then?

Anybody have to replace them due to battery failure?

[ruggedlife]

thats been happening more and more lately, they're supposed to last 5-7 years from what ive noticed, and most are around 100 bucks a piece give or take from what ive seen

[Ianf]

OEMs will last three-five years and some after market ones five to seven years. The units go into shutoff mode after thrity seconds of no movements prolonging the battery life somewhat. The more you drive (hours on the road) the faster they should require replacing. My Orange Electronics TPMS meter tells me the battery status, temperature and tire pressure any time I use it. A good indication of when I might need to replace my sensors as the batteries are NOT replaceable. A full set of sensors or anywhere from $150-300 depending on whose you use and where you get them. I would NEVER buy a used set off the internet as the batteries may already be low.

[69camarorag]

On a somewhat related discussion, I work at a Nissan Infinity dealership, and we have had our local Costco call us regarding pressure sensors. They are telling us that they are now REMOVING all sensors with all tire installations and replacing seals. While this may sound like good preventative maintenance, I believe this is an invitation for disaster! These sensors are very fragile and made from aluminum. This particular instance was on a vehicle still in factory warranty, and the customer showing up on our door with 2 sensors in his hand with cut off stems! Apparently they could not remove them so they just cut them off and charged the customer $160 for the replacements! Of course we denied any warranty, and the customer was left with the bill. When I talked to the Costco tire manager, he told me they are perfrming this "service" as per some "Tire and Wheel" association recomendations. BEWARE OF THIS PRACTICE. I told the Costco store they are in for a world of hurt, and to leave well enough alone.

[redsled2007]

So does the GM dealer have a tester that will check the battery?

[Ianf]

Yes the dealer and all reputable tire shops have a tester that reads the battery level of the TPMS sensors.