TPMS Sensor Testing

dmppdx · 08-11-2020, 10:33 AM

I have a set of TPMS sensors that were removed from a set of wheels a few years ago. They were working fine at the time, but I'm not sure if they still are of if the batteries would have gone bad. I believe even when not is use they use a little bit of battery, but not as much as when they are in use so they might still be fine even though it has been a few years.

So given that, is there a way to test them without installing them on wheels with tires?

I wasn't sure if there was someplace I could take them to have them tested, but I don't really want to go to the dealer since they will likely charge me more than buying a new set.

Do you think it would be possible to just remove the existing wheels, move them out of range, put the ones I want to test in the wheel well areas and then see if the car recognizes them? Or is there some reason they need to be installed on wheels for the car to recognize them?

Cyberdemon · 08-11-2020, 10:50 AM

I'm only speaking based on the F30 I had, but if the sensors are anything like the newer BMW sensors, they need motion to wake up and communicate with the car while it's running. Otherwise they are in a low power state the entire time.

jun_e92 · 08-11-2020, 10:52 AM

Maxi TPMS can complete the test. It can also complete the test without being in the tire. Generally, the battery can last for 7-10 years.

dmppdx · 08-11-2020, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jun_e92

Maxi TPMS can complete the test. It can also complete the test without being in the tire. Generally, the battery can last for 7-10 years.

Thanks for the information. Do you know if there is any places that would have one of these that could be used by me? Like to tire shops normally have these?

If I had to buy one, it would be about the price of new set of TPMS sensors, so I don't think it would make sense to buy one just for testing this one set.

jun_e92 · 08-11-2020, 11:43 AM

Professional tires should have this.

08-11-2020, 10:33 AM	#1
dmppdx First Lieutenant 67 Rep 399 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 M3 Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: PNW iTrader: (2)	TPMS Sensor Testing I have a set of TPMS sensors that were removed from a set of wheels a few years ago. They were working fine at the time, but I'm not sure if they still are of if the batteries would have gone bad. I believe even when not is use they use a little bit of battery, but not as much as when they are in use so they might still be fine even though it has been a few years. So given that, is there a way to test them without installing them on wheels with tires? I wasn't sure if there was someplace I could take them to have them tested, but I don't really want to go to the dealer since they will likely charge me more than buying a new set. Do you think it would be possible to just remove the existing wheels, move them out of range, put the ones I want to test in the wheel well areas and then see if the car recognizes them? Or is there some reason they need to be installed on wheels for the car to recognize them?
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08-11-2020, 10:50 AM	#2
Cyberdemon Brigadier General 1669 Rep 3,407 Posts Drives: 2025 X5 40i, 2018 M3 Comp Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Long Island NY iTrader: (3)	I'm only speaking based on the F30 I had, but if the sensors are anything like the newer BMW sensors, they need motion to wake up and communicate with the car while it's running. Otherwise they are in a low power state the entire time. __________________ Current: '25 X5, '18 M3 ZCP Previous: '20 X5, '11 E90 335i, '11 E90 M3, '16 VW GTI, '15 M235i, '13 335i, '08 TL-S, '00 Corvette
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08-11-2020, 10:52 AM	#3
jun_e92 Second Lieutenant 143 Rep 264 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 M3 ZCP Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Bay Area， CA iTrader: (3)	Maxi TPMS can complete the test. It can also complete the test without being in the tire. Generally, the battery can last for 7-10 years.
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08-11-2020, 11:43 AM	#5
jun_e92 Second Lieutenant 143 Rep 264 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 M3 ZCP Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Bay Area， CA iTrader: (3)	Professional tires should have this.
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