It is my understanding that the tire pressure monitors are imbedded in the tire valves and, that a small transmitter provides the tire pressure data to the ES-350's monitoring system. In the past, conventional wisdom recommended replacing the tire valves whenever the tires were replaced. Is this something that should be done with the new type valves? Any idea about the extra cost? Finally, does this mean that tire replacements must be performed by the dealer?
Thanks, Alan
I would look at the condition of the valves before blindly replacing them. If the TPM sensors are good, then any reputable tire shop should be able to replace the tires.
I have a 2006 LS430 Ultra. I had to replace tires at 26,000 miles and wondered where the pressure sensors are. They are NOT in the valve stems. Tire guys said they didn't know. Lexus store guy said they were in electronic sensor which detects small changes in number of revolutions of wheels as the tire pressure decreases. Had a big metal thingy removed at Pep Boys on a Sunday and they pointed out this neat little band of something around the wheel inside the tire that had a pressure sensor in it. They said some cars do use a sensor in the valve stems, but Lexus has them in that little band inside the tires. I think maybe Ray O on this board also said they are in a band around the wheel. So the main point is that they do exist somewhere, but probably not in your tire stems so go ahead a splurge and spend an extra $5 when replacing those $1200 tires that will end up costing about 5cents per mile.
Ah Wayne. There's the rub. "Read" is not something McStupid can do. How sad.
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