What's the net effect of having aftermarket wheels installed without new TPMS sensors?  Do you just have to get used to having a dash warning light on all the time, or is there more to it than that?  I want to get some alloy wheels for summer, and use the stock wheels in winter.  I'm having a hard time justifying $346 for new TPMS sensors just to get rid of a dash warning light for 5-6 months of the year.

Pretty much its just the light on constantly. Although if its cold in the morning it might not come on.

Dude if you can get TPMS sensors for $10 or even $12 bucks that would totally rock.

Have to side with Eviljack on this.

I bought Motegi racing rims and the sensors were only a few bucks more. My light never came on and I've had my rims on since early August 07. Hope you can get them cheaper to have the idiot light out.  OUCH! 

sorry for the caps

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boblamb58

Tire Rack wants $86 per wheel (which actually works out to $344) for new sensors.  Either $10-$12 is just to transfer the original sensors to new wheels, Tire Rack is selling gold plated sensors, or ??

If you get new sensors they will have to be programmed by Scion/Toyota, for a fee.  If you have winter/summer tires you will have to return to the dealer to have your TPMS reprogrammed so your car will recognize the sensors everytime your change wheels for the season.  The cost of doing this will add up over time.

Someone on another board was going to try to put the sensors in a PVC pipe( drill four holes and mount them), seal up the ends, pump some air pressure in the sealed PVC pipe and keep it in the back of the car where the spare tire is located to fool the computer.   Sounds like it could work.

You could do the homer simpson thing and fix the light coming on problem by covering it with electrical tape...

Ok, I called 2 different Sears Auto Stores. They both told me the same thing.

1. The TPMS can be re-used (they are sensors attached to or inside the valve stems.. I wasn't quite sure of what they told me on that concept.)
2. Up to $25 for programming. For all 4, not each.

I don't know if they'd do it for rims not purchased at Sears, but it never hurts to ask.

If Sears will do it, I am pretty sure Wal-Mart and maybe K-Mart will as well. And probably Pep-Boys and other chain-store tire outlets. And all likely for a lot less than $80.00 per tire.