Just sent car in to dealer because the rear tire sensor light was constantly on when tire was properly inflated. Dealer says that due to some form of fluid (they first claimed it was transmission fluid, which almost gave me a heart attack) spilling on sensor, it would have to be replaced at a cost of $120.00. (It could of been fix a flat fluid). Should I pay it especially if I'm going to have to replace all 4 tires really soon with decent ones (OEM Michelins suck) or should I wait to replace the tires and install 4 new sensors?

 

I damaged a sensor by putting a chrome cap on tire valve. (according to shop where I replaced my tires) Charge was $29.95 to replace it.
So I would say NO.

 

Thats what I thought. The shop was able to install a non oem sensor which works with the system? No calibration or programming required?

 

The tire pressure sensor is inside the tire. No leaking transmission fluid could possibly spill on it. You suggest that you might have used fix-a-flat on that tire. If you did, then this clogged the pressure sensor and caused it to fail.

Pressure sensors are only about $25 even at dealerships. The rest of the charge is for removing the wheel and dismounting/remounting the tire. (bg905 got a sensor for $29 because the tire was already off the wheel.)

There's no need to replace the other 3 sensors if they are working. Just put in one new sensor when you change tires -- and don't use any more fix-a-flat!!!

ps. no calibration is needed -- put in the new sensor and the computer will wake it up.

 

^^^ What he said!!!!

 

Thank You. I appreciate it.