Hopefully this is an easy question...that doesn't make me sound stupid.

So I just bought my 8! (Yeah!) and according to the previous owner, the front left tire is missing the TPMS sensor. She said she was out of town with only $80 in her pocket when the tire died so she couldn't afford the sensor with the new tire, but with my very limited amount of knowledge about the TPMS, there is no extra money you have to pay to get the TPMS to work. (I never own a car with TPMS, just so you know.)

So now the TPMS light on the dash is constantly on, and I want to get rid of it. How do I know whether a tire has TPMS sensor or not? (I think the question does make me sound stupid....)

Thanks!

 

easy way to tell, is look at the valve stem. On mine they are large (longer than normal stems) and are silver/crome color.

you can get a sensor for $45, but to have it put on, you will have to have the tire removed and the tps installed in the oem rim (if its oem) and then remount the tire. In your manual is a good read up on the TPS as to how it works etc. And make sure your not over filled (over pressured) or under pressure as the light will come on. I know mine was when i got it, and here they let the air out to get the car on the trailer etc. 34psi (or maybe 36/32 will have to look at the eagles that are on it)and light is off.

good luck!

 

Cool thanks! So when the TPMS light goes off there is no way to tell which tire the error is coming from?

I will look at the valve stem tomorrow. So even on a wheel without TPMS the valve stem is not part of what is being replaced with a new tire? I always thought they are.

I think I will start hunting for an used sensor on the for sale forum. Thanks!

 

Replace the missing one and if the TPMS light does not go away, then there is a defective TPMS. Good luck.

 

OK I just took picture for each valve stem...Can you tell me how many TPMS I would need?

I think the answer is pretty obvious...but I just want to make sure! (a little mad about the previous owner)

 

i see only one sensor

 

OK thanks...I already posted a WTB in the FS forum...
I don't think the previous owner lied..she just doesn't know I guess. Oh well now I need to get the sensors before the new tires...which needs to be on the car asap as the rear tires are quite bold already.

 

Just in case, you might want to pick up a set of four. I'd hate for you to go to a tire shop, put on three new sensors, then find out that one that you have is bad also. That would suck if you have to order another one, then go back to the tire shop to have the fourth one done.

OR, you could have a someone scan the TPMS system and see if that one sensor is still good before ordering a fourth one.

 

you can find ebay sellers offering 90 day warranties selling all 4 for under 100 bucks. not a bad deal for used tpms sensors.

 

Yup I would prefer to get 4 at a time. I don't mind to have one laying around to play with.

I seem to get someone on the FS forum having 4 for sale. I will look into the ebay route. I'd like to get everything ordered tonight.

Thanks guys!

 

Do all the RX-8, 2004-2011, use the same sensor? So if one is marked for RX-8, it gotta work right?

There are quite a lot of sellers selling it on ebay. Nice.

 

OK I got them. 04-10 are all the same. Not sure about 11, but I guess Mazda won't change small thing just for one or two year right?