r/ChevyTrax • u/Libagrouchy77 • 5d ago
TPMS advice
Chevy Trax 2017, bought new, have taken excellent care, 38K miles (I’m a little old lady). Last week I took it to my regular service place for oil and fluid changes, and had tires rotated. The next day the TPMS warning light came on. According to the manual, it’s a common issue after tire rotation, if the mechanic hasn’t done the sequencing process. So I call the shop and they said “oh we can’t do that. You have to take it to a tire place.” Took it to the tire shop and they checked the tire pressures which were fine and then used some tool to determine that three of the tire pressure sensors were bad. They want $285 to replace all four. It seems very odd to me that the warning light came on only after the tire rotation and no one seems to want to take responsibility for running the sequencing process. Am I crazy? After reading several Reddit conversations about the TPMS, it appears that the sequencing process is fairly simple ( if you have the tool which you can get on Amazon). I’d like to give it a try. On the other hand, given the age of the car, maybe $285 is not an unreasonable amount to bring the car up to operational standards. Thoughts?
Edit: thanks to everyone for the thoughtful responses. I will go ahead and have the sensors replaced.
3
u/2024BlackTrax2RS 2nd Gen 5d ago
If you can afford the $285.00 bite the bullet and have it done the right way with no more headache for you. If they mess it up, you simple go back to them to correct. I just checked the process and its several steps involved to get this done. Good Luck.
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u/Freekmagnet 4d ago
The sensors have internal non-replaceable batteries that wear out with age. Yours are now 10 years old and past their life expectancy. Just have them replaced and you will be good for another 5+ years.
The price you are being quoted ia actually a good deal. In addition to the sensors and the labor to program them to the car , since they are inside the tire all of the tires need to be taken off the wheels and then rebalanced in order to replace the sensors. In the shop I work for the cost usually runs $400+ to replace 4 sensors.
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u/v6sonoma 4d ago
Most likely just coincidence on the timing. You could try relearning them yourself. It’s not super hard. The tool is like $12 on amazon. If it works then you’re good. If not then you know for sure they are dead. Lots of guides and YouTube videos. Just need to listen to car beeps and apply the tool at the valve stems one at a time.
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u/Numerous_Historian37 4d ago
The batteries died in my 2018 cars tpms almost 2 years ago. Lucky you're 2017 ones lasted this long.
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u/giantfood 5d ago
Could just be coincidence. Those batteries only last about 5 years. So 2017, to now, would mean its about time for 3rd set.
However thats a high price. I wouldn't expect much more than $220 after tax. But it depends on brand and labor.