How Do People Figure Out Which TPMS Sensor Is Bad?

Exactly what the title says lol. I got the dreaded TPMS light and want to switch it myself. I don't have the signal reader from Toyota. How do people know which one goes bad? Do any small shops have these signal readers? Any DIY ways to tell?

Thanks!

 

I purchased all of my last rides tires/wheels and Discount Tire here in Omaha (not sure how far or wide that chain is spread) and they have the handheld meter that can read a good/bad TPMS.

 

We've got them here in Ontario, will call and ask. Thanks!!!

 

There are inexpensive readers. Google is your friend.

You may find your local part store is willing to help. Than you can purchase a replacement from them or go OEM. Not sure if a dealer would help, you could ask. And of course you'll have to get the new one installed.

 

I've tried searching for them on Google but I only see the cheaper GMC vehicle TPMS sensor readers. Can't find one for Toyotas.
I also have a winter set of wheels that I'm planning on taking a TPMS sensor out of. It's already programmed to my car, I literally just need to know which wheel needs it

 

Pretty much ANY TPMS scan tool can identify sensors and quite simple, if one isn't producing a signal, it's dead. The rub is whether the tool can write to the Toyota ECU.

 

The general advice is that if one goes bad and its been around five or more years since you replaced the whole set, you should probably replace the whole set.

Its a pain in the ass to do those one at a time when they reach their end-of-life.

 

www.autelmfg.com

That's a popular brand. Your local parts store may offer TPMS reading as free service. Even a local tire shop may do the same or a small fee to read TPMS.

 

Once one goes they all start to go. The batteries die around the same time. Recommended to replace them all if you can.

 

Just a thought, but if you have an Auto Zone, they will usually loan tools if you buy parts from them.

 

There's handheld scanners specifically for tpms systems and larger/expensive scan tools that cover everything inc tpms

On your 2011 I'd consider replacing them all as a set. All the batteries are likely getting close to end of life

 

You need a tpms service tools obd2 scanner

 

If one goes bad replace them all. Typical life is 7-10 years, but I've seen some last 14+ years. I've started just replacing mine proactively after about 8 years before they go bad. You can buy 4 new sensors aftermarket for $60-$80 and take them with you to any tire store and have them installed at no extra charge when buying new tires. If I need new tires, and the sensors will be 8+ years old by the time I expect to buy tires again, they get new sensors.

If you wait until they actually go bad, you're looking at another $10/tire to install them if you're not buying tires. That will almost double the cost of the sensors. If you're close to needing new tires just wait it out and replace them all at the same time.

It isn't that hard and the cost is about equal to one tank of gas every 8 years or so.