[PunksSTi]

I decided to go with another complete set of wheels and tires for my winter set up while retaining the factory set for summer use -

http://www.iwsti.com/forums/2008-sti...tinentals.html

I purchased new TPMS sensors from Tire Rack to install in my new Rota wheels. I fully expected that I would immediately get the TPMS warning light on my dash once the new set of wheels were on the car since my installer only installed the sensors and did not program them into the receiver. I drove the car over 15 miles and the warning light never illuminated. I know the light is working as it comes on when I turn on the ignition. I had set up an appointment with my dealer for an alignment check later in the week and I figured I'd have the new sensors programmed at that time. When I went to the dealer for my appointment I asked them to check the TPMS sensors as they were new and I was under the impression new sensors had to be programmed in. The TPMS light still had not come on at this time.

I watched the technician work and he went to each tire with a handheld device which he held against the tire for several seconds until the turn signals on the car flashed. After visiting each tire he went under the seat and I'm assuming he was communicating with the TPMS receiver. I figured he was reprogramming the sensors.

When the work was complete the service advisor told me "Whomever installed the sensors did the work correctly as they were all working properly and talking to the receiver". The dealer did not charge me for any TPMS reprogramming.

I'm somewhat confused but have come to the following conclusions:

The TPMS receiver recognized the new sensors without reprogramming - that explains why I never received a TPMS warning light OR the dealer is a complete idiot and the TPMS light had not come on yet and he mistakenly reprogrammed the sensors thinking he had only checked them.

If the second scenario is true I find it a little concerning that it would take so long for the TPMS to not recognize the new sensors and illuminate the warning light.

I guess I should not complain as no money came out of my pocket but I'd sure like to understand what happened. Anyone have any thoughts??

Paul

[Scout255]

You could always lower the pressure in one of your tires to see if the light comes on, and then fill it back up with air right away. Maybe that would shed some light on the situation.

[PunksSTi]

Originally Posted by Scout255

You could always lower the pressure in one of your tires to see if the light comes on, and then fill it back up with air right away. Maybe that would shed some light on the situation.

Yeah - that would be a good test. Only problem is I'd have to have my tire dealer do this as I'm running nitrogen in the tires. I'm still assuming though that because the light is not on the sensors are communicating with the receiver.

Punk

[AP1toGDRev.G]

Do you have directions for the new TPMS sensors? Did you watch the install? Have you read your owners manual? No MIL (see owners manual)? Why Rotas? (J/k)

[PunksSTi]

Originally Posted by AP1toGDRev.G

Do you have directions for the new TPMS sensors? Did you watch the install? Have you read your owners manual? No MIL (see owners manual)? Why Rotas? (J/k)

I purchased the sensors directly from Tire Rack. They are listed as the replacement sensors for stock sensors. There were no directions in the box. The box is labeled Air Aware Sensor. The part number is 28203 manufactured by Schrader Bridgeport. I did not watch the install but I spoke at length with the installer and we both agreed I would be taking the car in to the dealer for a reprogramming. All the installer did was install the new sensors in my new wheels. I have not yet read my owners manual on a no MIL condition just several forums that indicated the MIL would go on if the sensor was not recognized. I'll check the owners manual.

I decided on the Rotas as I really like the look of the Torque model and I had very good luck with a set of Rota SDRs on my 04 STi. They are not expensive (paid $700 for the set new from Subydude) and I am not too worried about them getting thrashed by the sand, gravel and chemicals they throw on the roads during the winter.

[PunksSTi]

Here is a very good link to a thread that explains the Subaru TPMS

Tire Pressure Monitoring System info. (TPMS) - ScoobyMods

[UberWagon]

When I switched in my wheels without TPMS it took about 40 miles of driving over three days before they finally registered a fault. Now it registers as soon as I turn the car on in the morning...

[PunksSTi]

Originally Posted by UberWagon

When I switched in my wheels without TPMS it took about 40 miles of driving over three days before they finally registered a fault. Now it registers as soon as I turn the car on in the morning...

I drove the car to Denver this weekend putting about 150 miles on the car. No TPMS warning lights. Again this is with four new sensors that the tire dealer only installed and the Subaru dealer said were communicating perfectly with the TPMS system with no reprogramming. I wonder if they changed something in the TPMS system at some point during the 08 production run that allowed any 315 mhz Shrader sensor to be recognized in certain cars?