Tire Pessure Sensor Story

[cmcramer]

Service Manager says my 2009 Camry Tire Pressure Sensor is 'broken' and that's why the dash warning light has just begun to flash/stay on. Even though there is no visible damage, this sensor must have been broken by that other shop that dismounted the snow tires back in March. And even though the sensor functioned properly for 4 months after that other shop broke it, it was that damage to the sensor in early March that caused the sensor to stop functioning now in late June.

That's his story....and he's sticking to it.

Does this story add up? I'm having a hard time swallowing it...

...it couldn't be a faulty sensor/battery? Is the failure rate of these sensors after 1 year equal to exactly Zero? Really?

Thanks!

[zppeacock]

If the shop that changed your snow tires could have damaged your sensor. It could also be a faulty sensor but because you got your snow tires changed by a shop other then toyota, I think your going to have to buy a new sensor. I believe the sensors run 125-175 dollars.

I work at a large toyota dealership, And I see this all the time.

[Mike Gerber]

I have no experience with these sensors, but logic tells me that if the shop broke the sensor, the problem whould have shown up immediately, not 3 months later. Might be time to give Toyota corporate customer service a call at 1-800-331-4331 and discuss the issue with them.

Mike

[BUNNYz]

If the sensor broke during installation of the snow tire, the light would come on right away, not few months later.
Double check your tire pressure is within spec., sometimes too much pressure will trigger the light too. Also check your spare tire, whether it has a sensor on it too, sometimes it is the spare tire that trigger the light.
I knew some of the toyota models, the spare tires have sensor on it and low on air after few months or a year.

[PartsGuruu]

Wow, thats a toughie. Heres what you need to do. Take the car to another dealer, dont say a thing about changing your tires over the winter. If theres no physical damage to the sensor then its probably going to go warranty. Internal sensor failure maybe. If they check it and break it down and find damage, you might have to pay for it, but you need it anyways right? At least this way you have a clean slate to work with. Just dont say anything to them about the snow tires!

Chris Lavery
Parts Manager
Lafontaine Toyota Scion