Tyre Pressure Monitoring System

[condor]

I had my winter wheel & tyre set installed by my local OPC in October, and when the car was handed back to me the ‘tyre warning’ light was illuminated and no pressures were being obtained.

They told me they system needed to reset.

Having now checked the car, they tell me that all 4 batteries have failed and as the sensors are a sealed unit, I need to replace them.

The car is covered by Porsche’s own extended warranty.

Should these sensors be supplied under the warranty or should I have to fork out £ 1414 including VAT ?

 

[greg_harm]

First thing to check is that they have actually failed, have them scanned at your local trusty tyre centre, however the dealership is correct for some reason all the sensors do come as a sealed unit.

The average lifespan of these are roughly five years so I’m guessing they may be around that age or older for all four to have actually failed, so I doubt they would be covered even on an extended warranty, but certainly worth checking.

If not it’s not the end of the world, you can easily have them replaced and you don’t necessarily have to pay such an eye watering amount just shop around. Why not try your preferred local tyre centre, I’m sure most will be able to replace them these days at a fraction of the cost.

 

[T911UK]

Probably about £30 each from non OPC!

 

[Greenman986S]

did you have the TPMS transferred from your summer wheels to the winter wheels or a new set installed on the winter wheels?

I assume you have done a number of miles on the winter set to allow the reset to work?

 

[SpyderDavid]

In my experience you have to follow the instructions in the handbook very carefully to be in the right option for relearning - same with other manufacturers not just Porsche!

I thought the minimum battery lifespan was 8 years and the latest sensors are at least 10?

You don’t say how old your car is, but yes either buy a scanner if your changing wheels every year or visit your local tyre shop before you spend any money. Pattern TPMS are much cheaper and often made by the OEM supplier, certainly no point in paying OPC rates to fit them and change tyres even if you buy the part from them

 

[condor]

Thank you to everyone who has replied .. I bought my car in 2011.

Does each set of wheels have their own monitors, or would it be the same set of monitors for both the summer wheels / tyres, and the second set of winter wheels / tyres ?

I had the winter set fitted on October 25 and by mid December, the tyre pressures were still not being registered.

 

[Greenman986S]

Have you used this set of winter wheels previously with the pressure system working?
Or are they are new, to you, set and it is possible the TPMS aren't even fitted?
How old are the winter wheels / tyres? If they were new with the car in 2011, it is quite likely they need replacing. Some TPMS, I dont know about Porsche, use the motion of the wheel to "recharge" the battery so if the wheels arent used for a while it is possible they will "die" much like an ordinary car battery

All that said, it does seem the OPC is trying it on with a quote of £1400. How / why did they return the car to you in a faulty state in October (which the warning light illuminate)

Sadly, such poor service seems typical of OPCs these days

 

[SpyderDavid]

The TPMS is an intrinsic part of each valve and is a combined sensor and battery.

They do need to be activated in order for your car to be able to start the linking process (they will go into sleep mode if the wheels are stored away from the car over the summer) - so if they are 'new' ie less than say 6 years old this could be the issue (your local tyre fitter should be able to do this - takes around 30 seconds per wheel without any mechanical intervention). If they are the same age as the car then they could well need replacing which is a tyre off job unfortunately, but one your tyre fitter is well able and experienced to be able to do.
I'm assuming this is a 'new to the car' wheel set if you've not experienced issues before?

 

[condor]

I have used this set previously. I bought a second set around 10 years ago. I'm sure the TPMS is fitted as I dont recall seeing the 'yellow' tyre light illuminating in previous years.

Whether the OPC is 'trying it on' or not is one issue.

I am dealing with the After Sales Manager who is newly appointed, as there was a different problem that had arisen which needed sorting. It is difficult to detect a 'tone' or sentiment in an email but I find the way in which he is conducting himself less than acceptable.

 

[SpyderDavid]

At that age it’s quite likely the batteries have failed but a scan will tell the status of the batteries too - I’ll have a look later and see how much my scanner cost. I’ve used on on 2 cars now so was worth investing in.