TPMS dilemma and confusion

[anomdeplume]

Purchased a set of 5 OBX (2022 MY) non sas wheels and tires to replace my base steelies (2023 MY). Seller said TPMS were removed. Using Android phone Detectify app, I got a hit that the OBX spare contained a TPMS sensor…or at least something in that rim was emitting a signal. Put that one on as a road wheel, had a shop swap 3 of the sensors from my base wheels and thought I was good for the 4 road wheels. TPMS gauge showed fine in dash. A couple of days later, I determined that the “spare OBX” sensor was not being read. Instead, one of the sensors still inside my old steelies stacked in the garage was being read. Confirmed, by adjusting pressure in tires. So, I moved steelies to backyard and covered valve stem area with some shielding to ensure no longer being read. Went for a drive….TPMS sensor fault at the OBX “spare” wheel. Forum says these things will auto learn. So, I drove 50 interstate miles…did not learn. Tried to go through relearn procedure (brake pedal and ignition button presses). Able to activate the original steelie sensors that were transferred with the single button matchbox size relearn tool I have. But, couldn’t get the OBX “spare” wheel sensor to learn. This is where I’m stuck. Does the OBX have a different sensor that’s preventing the learning? Is it not possible to mix/match sensors? Would a tire shop have a more advanced relearn tool that could learn the sensor? Is there a way to determine if that sensor is faulty? I may just end up swapping a 4th sensor from my steelies but I’m hoping that there might be some insight the group could offer.

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[Ducati1098]

Purchased a set of 5 OBX (2022 MY) non sas wheels and tires to replace my base steelies (2023 MY). Seller said TPMS were removed. Using Android phone Detectify app, I got a hit that the OBX spare contained a TPMS sensor…or at least something in that rim was emitting a signal. Put that one on as a road wheel, had a shop swap 3 of the sensors from my base wheels and thought I was good for the 4 road wheels. TPMS gauge showed fine in dash. A couple of days later, I determined that the “spare OBX” sensor was not being read. Instead, one of the sensors still inside my old steelies stacked in the garage was being read. Confirmed, by adjusting pressure in tires. So, I moved steelies to backyard and covered valve stem area with some shielding to ensure no longer being read. Went for a drive….TPMS sensor fault at the OBX “spare” wheel. Forum says these things will auto learn. So, I drove 50 interstate miles…did not learn. Tried to go through relearn procedure (brake pedal and ignition button presses). Able to activate the original steelie sensors that were transferred with the single button matchbox size relearn tool I have. But, couldn’t get the OBX “spare” wheel sensor to learn. This is where I’m stuck. Does the OBX have a different sensor that’s preventing the learning? Is it not possible to mix/match sensors? Would a tire shop have a more advanced relearn tool that could learn the sensor? Is there a way to determine if that sensor is faulty? I may just end up swapping a 4th sensor from my steelies but I’m hoping that there might be some insight the group could offer.

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Are you sure there is even a sensor in the one that doesn’t work? If the seller said they were removed, why wouldn’t he take the spare sensor also?

Whatever your app detected probably wasn’t accurate as the sensors go into sleep mode after 30 minutes of being stationary. They will not wake up or send any signal until the vehicle exceeds 20 mph.

Every Bronco uses the exact same sensors. Any dealership should have a more advanced reset tool, but it really shouldn’t be needed. Either way, that’s probably your best option at this point after verifying a sensor is actually in the wheel.

 

[anomdeplume]

Are you sure there is even a sensor in the one that doesn’t work? If the seller said they were removed, why wouldn’t he take the spare sensor also?

Whatever your app detected probably wasn’t accurate as the sensors go into sleep mode after 30 minutes of being stationary. They will not wake up or send any signal until the vehicle exceeds 20 mph.

Every Bronco uses the exact same sensors. Any dealership should have a more advanced reset tool, but it really shouldn’t be needed. Either way, that’s probably your best option at this point after verifying a sensor is actually in the wheel.

I did not physically see the sensor. So, I’m not 100% positive there is one in there. But, I also had a different experience with the sleep/wake that you are describing. I had my base steelies stacked in the garage overnight. I was getting concerned that the OBX spare wasn’t sending a signal. I deflated the steelies that still had sensors in them down to 24 psi. Started the Bronco. Did not move it. Display read the one tire as 24 psi. That’s how I determined it was still reading my original steelie sensor. Maybe the extreme change in pressure forced it to wake? I appreciate your input. Probably going to take it back to the shop and have them break down that one OBX rim to physically check for sensor.

 

[swami37]

Take to tire shop. install New tpms sensor
easy fix

 

[anomdeplume]

Take to tire shop. install New tpms sensor
easy fix

After sleeping on it, this is the plan now. My wife pointed out that my curiosity is costing me more time and possibly money than just getting it done.

 

[Ducati1098]

I did not physically see the sensor. So, I’m not 100% positive there is one in there. But, I also had a different experience with the sleep/wake that you are describing. I had my base steelies stacked in the garage overnight. I was getting concerned that the OBX spare wasn’t sending a signal. I deflated the steelies that still had sensors in them down to 24 psi. Started the Bronco. Did not move it. Display read the one tire as 24 psi. That’s how I determined it was still reading my original steelie sensor. Maybe the extreme change in pressure forced it to wake? I appreciate your input. Probably going to take it back to the shop and have them break down that one OBX rim to physically check for sensor.

Yeah I believe any loss in pressure like that suddenly will also result in it waking up.

 

[JBlanco]

After sleeping on it, this is the plan now. My wife pointed out that my curiosity is costing me more time and possibly money than just getting it done.

It's called research for the Bronco community and it's invaluable! (At least that's what I tell my wife)

 

[Owl]

I bought 5 Scrader 33500 EZ-sensors (314.9, 315, 433 Mhz) ahd had America's Tires (same as Discount) install all 5 on my new-to-me OBX tires/rims. One is like < $24 compared to about 60-80 if you use the shop's.

If you want the inexpensive way...

I'd buy one off Amazon, and have it with you when you go to the shop. If the spare doesn't have one... then have them install yours. If the shop can't get the one in the spare working... you still have one to install. Finally, if you don't need it -- send it back to Amazon.

I find the Scrader TPMS work just fine. I've only had them in for a couple of months so I don't know how long they'll last, but Scrader is a decent brand.

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