Swapping OEM wheels between a BRZ and FR-S: need to swap TPMS sensors too?

[hushypushy]

I have an FR-S with the original wheels and tires; my friend has a BRZ on original wheels and BFG Rivals. Long story short, he realized he got overzealous and doesn't really need low treadwear max performance summer tires...however, I drive the crap out of my car and like to autocross, so those are the perfect tires for me.

So, I proposed a simple cash + wheels swap. But then we remembered that modern cars have pesky TPMS sensors. Now the question is this: can we simply swap wheels and be on our way? Or do we have to swap the sensors too? I'm aware we can just swap the wheels and have a light in the cluster, but that is not an acceptable solution for either of us...

[SkAsphalt]

Pretty sure your car will either auto learn the new sensors, or you can stop by your dealership and they should be able to get your car to recognize the BRZ's sensors as your own *like pairing a phone to a new bluetooth device)

[hushypushy]

Well, I did some research as I was waiting for replies. TPMS is so weird. Only certain TPMS tools will reset the sensors...for example, at work we have an ATEQ VT30, which will read the info from the sensors---but it won't reset them.

The easiest way to complete the swap I described in the OP would be to simply swap the wheels and then use something like ATEQ Quickset to pair and reset the sensors (apparently BRZ/FR-S sensors are interchangeable, but are unique [different than other Subaru/Toyota])

However, our ATEQ won't reset them. Fortunately, we do have a tire machine at work. So basically what we're going to do is pop the bead on each tire, slide it down to access the TPMS, and then just swap the sensors. That way, in the computer's mind, nothing ever changed.

If you don't have access to the proper TPMS tool or tire removal tools, this wheel swap would be a huge pain in the ass.

[OICU812]

Ya no such thing as "auto learn" never heard of that sounds dreamy lol, someone should invent that though.

Yea a big tire shop or dealer will have that tool and do it for you, for a price of course.

[hushypushy]

Originally Posted by OICU812

Ya no such thing as "auto learn" never heard of that sounds dreamy lol, someone should invent that though.

Actually, that's exactly what BMWs do (and some other European cars too). They literally auto-learn your new sensors! Why all cars don't have this feature, I have no idea. It seems like such a no-brainer.

edit: check this TireRack page, it's really informative. I've learned more about TPMS this week than I already knew in general.

1. How do I reset my TPMS? (Lakin said this question was the most popular one, and not surprisingly has the most possible answers).

Answer: The first question should be: What kind of car are we dealing with? For example, a 2006 BMW M3 uses an indirect system, so it has one simple reset button. Once the tires are set to the correct pressure, the vehicle’s engine can be started, and then the reset button must be pushed for no longer than eight seconds. After the warning light turns off, the vehicle can be driven normally and the system will calibrate itself.

But not all indirect systems are alike.

A Buick Rendezvous must be driven at several specific speed ranges, including 74.5-plus mph for 10-20 minutes in a straight line after pressing multiple buttons and turning the ignition key on and off a few times. After receiving your speeding ticket in the Rendezvous, you can return to your shop and decipher how to register new sensors to a vehicle with a direct system.

Some direct systems automatically learn their new sensors, like in the Acura MDX, while other vehicles must be sent to the dealership. Currently, all Hyundais, Infinitis, Kias, Lexuses, Mitsubishis, Nissans, Subarus, Suzukis and Toyotas must have their new sensors registered at the dealership. To complicate things for the aftermarket, Lexus and Toyota models must have each sensor’s ID code entered into their ECUs using a dealer-only OBDII scan tool. (To simplify the work for the customer, when Tire Rack sells a TPMS-equipped wheel/tire package for a Lexus or Toyota, they include each sensor’s ID code on the customer’s invoice and in their database so that the customer can go directly to the dealership and get the ID codes entered into the vehicle’s ECU. Still, the customer has to make a separate trip).

Many vehicles are coming out with auto-learn systems or at least have initialization procedures that can be done at a tire shop or in the consumer’s driveway with minimal tools. So, on some level, the systems are becoming more user-friendly.

[Figo]

go to the dealer and they will reset it。

[wbradley]

I thought the Subarus don't have TPMS sensors,.

[hushypushy]

Originally Posted by wbradley

I thought the Subarus don't have TPMS sensors,.

I believe that's only true for the Canadian BRZ. The USA BRZ has TPMS for sure.

[raptor87]

you can repair them with a qwickset or the toyota tech stream software, or go to the dealer

[SkAsphalt]

Originally Posted by OICU812

Ya no such thing as "auto learn" never heard of that sounds dreamy lol, someone should invent that though.

Yea a big tire shop or dealer will have that tool and do it for you, for a price of course.

friends Jag XF with 3rd party sensors auto learned. but hey, whatever you say

[OICU812]

Originally Posted by SkAsphalt

friends Jag XF with 3rd party sensors auto learned. but hey, whatever you say

I said I never heard of it no need to get all worked up..
Now I know it exists but frankly not a big deal..

BMW and Jags are not scions and lower to mid class cost vehicles right? Those cars should rub your nuts when you sit in em for what they cost.

[SkAsphalt]

Originally Posted by OICU812

I said I never heard of it no need to get all worked up..
Now I know it exists but frankly not a big deal..

BMW and Jags are not scions and lower to mid class cost vehicles right? Those cars should rub your nuts when you sit in em for what they cost.

I just went by what I read 8-10 other guys say about the car, some sensors support auto learning, in most cases you need to go to a dealer and get them re-sync'd. Just as I said

[Foobar]

Our cars use the Lexus TPMS sensors. The dealer will charge you $50 to reprogram them (per car).

Or just borrow an ATEQ Quickset from someone local and you're done.

[OICU812]

Originally Posted by SkAsphalt

I just went by what I read 8-10 other guys say about the car, some sensors support auto learning, in most cases you need to go to a dealer and get them re-sync'd. Just as I said

Ya I know how that works I've had it done several times it's a 50-60 dollar charge for them to hook up to obd and change the sensors numbers to match etc. Some vehicles have two banks that you can just request be changed as you get to your fall/winter maintenance. The auto learn is new to me I don't waist that kinda coin on vehicles rather on my home etc so hey... Learned something new there ya go..