Tire Sensors

[GSORK]

I am looking to get a winter set of tires. I am looking at a factory set with 215/55/17, or some steel wheels with 16" rims. Not sure of the size. Both of these do not have the sensors. From what I understand the cost is around $200.00.
Will I do any harm in runnng without the sensors? Will I have to reset the system every time I switch or does the computer adjust by its self.
Im new to this wheel sensors stuff.
Thanks Gary

[Amaury]

Gsork,
You may get a steady tire pressure warning light on the dashboard, since the tire pressure ECU is looking for the signal from the tire pressure transmitters (sensors) in the tires. I know you can disable this ECU on the Avalon but you need the Techstream software to do that.

Other than having this nuisance (the warning light on the dashboard), as far as my imagination goes, I don’t think you’d run into any other troubles by not having OEM stem valves.

Amaury
'08 Limited

[ShawnM]

It wont have any effect on any other system. You'll just have to ignore the constant light in the dash.

[blacktoy07]

" I know you can disable this ECU on the Avalon but you need the Techstream software to do that."

Can i just reset sensor by following direction from manual, if i transfer tire sensor to new ones.

[virg]

Originally Posted by blacktoy07

" I know you can disable this ECU on the Avalon but you need the Techstream software to do that."

Can i just reset sensor by following direction from manual, if i transfer tire sensor to new ones.

You can; but it will accomplish nothing. The simple way...and the cheapest way is to put a small piece of black electrical tape over the air pressure indicator light on the instrument panel. A jury rig yes; but effective.

[Amaury]

Can i just reset sensor by following direction from manual, if i transfer tire sensor to new ones.
[/quote]


Your idea would work if you could install the stem valves from the original wheel/tire assemblies into the new ones. The transmitters/sensors are built into the stem valve assemblies, and I don’t think it is practical to detach one from the other.

After successful installation (how about “transplant”?) there is no need to do or reset anything else. Why? Because everything else remains the same. True, new tires/wheels but the values stored in the onboard ECU pertain only to the transmitter/sensor ID’s (one ID per transmitter/sensor and these remain the same because of the transplant) and inflation pressure values (they ought to be the same for your new tires; that is, at or around 32 psi for all of them including the spare one in the trunk).

Amaury
'08 Limited