How does TPMS work when switching rims?

[GA 08 XLT]

Hey guys,

I've tried to search the forums but could find anything so if this info is already posted... sorry.

But, bought the wife an 08 XLT last week and it has the 17" alloy rims. I found some of the Ford Chrome 20" off a 2010 limited on Craig's list they also come with the Pirelli Scorpion STR 275/55R20 tires with 5k miles on them, which I believe were the tires from the factory.

My question is how does the TPMS work and how does it affect the system if you change out the rims?

Also anybody care to offer a guess what a good price on a set of rims like this would be used with the pirelli scorpions that go with them?

How will the ride be affected with the change over?

 

[SOLISIMO]

As far as the sensors go you can just swap them and you'll be find. You might have to find a bigger band since it's a 20" rim. You wont notice a difference in the ride either. As far as price I wouldn't pay more than 1k for a set that is mint.

 

[GAINMOB]

i upgraded to 24s...didnt have the sensors and your message reader will constantly give you a message...hit reset and it'll go away...but it will come on ever time you start your vehicle and the tire indicator will stay lit...i took the sensors from my factory 17's and got them installed...they reset the computer and it's been good to go every since...you need to get the TPMS computer reset since tire pressure ratings change with different sizes...they can do that...they may charge you for removal/reinstall...but if youre getting the tires mounted to the rim...they should be able to cut you a deal since the wheel is bare...mine were just done last month

 

[GA 08 XLT]

thanks for the quick reply.

Are the bands adjustable or do they have different bands for diff. wheels? Where do you get the bands?


Ross, you mentioned "they". Is that the dealership or any auto shop/ tire store? How much did they charge you to reset your TPMS?

Thanks for your help, guys.

 

[SOLISIMO]

I think the dealership resets them bc they have the tool. I really think your bands will fit so you wont have to worry about it.

 

[GAINMOB]

thanks for the quick reply.

Are the bands adjustable or do they have different bands for diff. wheels? Where do you get the bands?


Ross, you mentioned "they". Is that the dealership or any auto shop/ tire store? How much did they charge you to reset your TPMS?

Thanks for your help, guys.

for me it was the rim shop...i have 24'z...its normally $100+ to put skins on 24's...so dude hooked me up with $75 per wheel to remove the sensors from each factory wheel and air them back up...install on 24's and put my 305/35/24 tires back on...couldnt pass that up...i've heard someone say $200 extra when they bought their new wheels...thats just to install the sensors...

 

[tmajikman]

I do beleive the TPMS uses RF (radio frequencies) my bet is that who ever does the work needs to either set the system to the specific RF of the sensors in the tires, or match the sensors rf up with the vehicle's monitoring system, (reset one or all devices)

 

[SOLISIMO]

I do beleive the TPMS uses RF (radio frequencies) my bet is that who ever does the work needs to either set the system to the specific RF of the sensors in the tires, or match the sensors rf up with the vehicle's monitoring system, (reset one or all devices)

Well there is a specific tool they need, some have it, others dont. It depends on your installer.

 

[GAINMOB]

they had it...tire rack sells it too...EXPENSIVE!!!

 

[tmajikman]

Well there is a specific tool they need, some have it, others dont. It depends on your installer.

Kind of like when you need a duplicate key made, if you only have 1 key for PATS 2 I think, you have to have a special computer to reset all keys and the PATS system, if not your new key will not start the vehicle, and that is as useless as a popcorn fart.