[WalterPeck]

So like a lot of others around here I am getting an extra set of rims for my '08 STI and have the spectre of TPMS on the horizon. It seems from other threads that some aftermarket TPMS will work, but which ones, and will I have to get them programmed at the dealer or has anyone found any tire/wheel chains that can do it now? Also, is it a matter of reprogramming the car to accept the new sensors, or programming the sensors to work with the car? Until then, I'll be busting out the electrical tape.

[CoOlSlY]

Does somebody know if we have TPMS in Canadian spec STi?

[WalterPeck]

Originally Posted by CoOlSlY

Does somebody know if we have TPMS in Canadian spec STi?

I don't think they have TPMS at all.

[Pkskull77]

I went with the Subaru TPM sensors, and ordered the tool that allows you to program the Subaru sensors. The tool that Subaru uses was actually developed by Nissan and has been around for quite some time. I'd imagine that some of the better tire shops would have the tools to set up the monitors correctly.

I haven't gotten the tool yet, but once I learn how to use it, I'd be willing to help out any locals in the same situation as me.

[Edvig]

^^^
I'm interested to find out if this works.

[Slimey]

Originally Posted by Pkskull77

I went with the Subaru TPM sensors, and ordered the tool that allows you to program the Subaru sensors. The tool that Subaru uses was actually developed by Nissan and has been around for quite some time. I'd imagine that some of the better tire shops would have the tools to set up the monitors correctly.

I haven't gotten the tool yet, but once I learn how to use it, I'd be willing to help out any locals in the same situation as me.

link to parts?

From looking at the shop manual - you need the Subaru Select Monitor to reprogram - not exactly cheap or easy to get if you are not meant too (from what I gather).

[Pkskull77]

http://subaru.spx.com/pdf/SU07-631.pdf

I called and double checked with the company and they confirmed it worked with the Subaru sensors. However, they said I can return the part if it doesn't work.

I'll let you know if it works.

[Edvig]

I'm pretty sure that you will need the Subaru Select Monitor as well as the wheel sensor tool in order to reset the TPMS sensors to the ECU.

[Rube1966]

I bought a universal TPS sensor tool similar to the one show in this thread.

I use it for my Z06 and TBSS, however, in both of those cases the vehicle must be in "Learn" mode before the computer will take the sensor tools info.

Do the Subie require that also? Is there a "Learn" mode? Anyone??

Also, have any of guys replaced the factory ugly rubber TPS value stems with metal ones with TPS??

[Pkskull77]

Originally Posted by Edvig

I'm pretty sure that you will need the Subaru Select Monitor as well as the wheel sensor tool in order to reset the TPMS sensors to the ECU.

Thats not my understanding of the process. The ECU is not involved -- the sensor that detects and activates the warning light is a standalone unit.

If you wake, and then register the sensors, which this tool will do, the system will work properly.

I'm not sure why you think I would need the other tool as well? If you can point me to something that describes why you need to work with the ECU it would be greatly appreciated.

[Slimey]

Edvig is right - at least how the directions are set up in the Service Manual. I also think that you're right in that it's not in the ECU, but an actual separate TPMS black box that you are setting.

According to the manual, you need BOTH the scan tool and the Subaru Select Monitor.



Edit - I should add a Good Luck to you. Please let us know if it works with this device alone. I'm interested.
$200 would be worth my time to avoid a trip to the dealer twice a year when I change my wheels from summer-winter-summer-winter etc.

[WalterPeck]

So has anyone discovered any other chain besides a dealer that can re-program the TPMS? I'm sure I'd still be paying some cash but I bet it would be less than a dealership (or do they charge you at all?)

[jla415]

i've heard some dealers don't charge... I haven't put on my winter tires yet so i haven't checked with my local dealers

[Edvig]

Pkskull77: my TPMS sensors have been reset twice since I've owned my car. Both times there has been a laptop plugged into the OBDII port and each wheel has been reset using the wheel tool.

It is my understanding that the sensor in each wheel needs to be reset to the ECU, but I don't have the technical background to discuss the specifics.

However...I could be wrong and I'm interested in reading about your results.

[Pkskull77]

You guys were dead on -- you need both the special tool and the Subaru Select Monitor. I spoke with a friend of mine who is a Subaru tech, and he confirmed that you need both tools to do the reset.

As soon as the tool comes, I'll be returning it. This really makes me angry, Subaru designed such an inefficient system. It would have been very easy to design something that could be calibarted from the car with no additonal tools. Clearly a money maker, and nothing more.

If anyone figures out how to disable the system, please let me know, I'm getting sick of looking at the light.

Thanks....