Repair/fake-out Tire Pressure Monitor System

Step 2: Fake Out Computer

I decided that I wanted to test the repair. Also, I had put a regular tire stem on the wheel with the broken TPM. This wheel could be used as the spare tire where I'm less concerned about monitoring the pressure. Therefore, I was in no hurry to re-mount the TPM. However, I wanted the dashboard light to go out and only report if one of the other 4 tires on the wheels had low pressure.

I needed a way to put the repaired TPM under more than 26 psi air pressure.

I took a short section of 4" ABS pipe and glued a cap on one end and a threaded plug on the other. These parts cost me $15. Any similar closed container that you have on hand would work just fine.

I drilled a 0.4"" hole in the ABS cap and fitted the TPM. After pressuring the pipe to 30 PSI the dash board idiot light went out!! I can carry the tube next to the tire jack.

I'm a little worried that this looks like a pipe bomb if I'm ever stopped by the police. I'm thinking of putting a label on the pipe saying "Tire Pressure Monitor Tester". That should cover it.

All this could be avoided if Toyota made the engine computer open to owners without special electronics.

Comments

[turbonut48]

Can you remove all the sensors and mount them on the canister? The you can use sensorless valve stems.

[randy82k]

Great invention! looks like you can remount it in the tyre now. I think you could also use large PVC pipe. might save money as the large size ABS gets expensive.