TPMS Pricing

[Shedkept]

Wholesale prices for Toyota TPMS are around $75.00. Aftermarket are all about half. The real hold up is dealer shop pricing. I got an estimate of $1,100 from one dealer and $1,400 from another one. They say "Jesse James Used a Gun".
The tire shop I use for all of our cars came in at $65 (including labor) per wheel including the spare.

 

[bloc]

Did the tire shop use original quality transmitters? The stuff they typically install doesn’t come close to the lifespan and reliability of original parts.

Toyota uses transmitters built by Pacific Industry, which Denso also buys and reboxes for aftermarket sale. Many of us have bought those for around $35-40 each and had the tire shop install. Note that they use a different programming method than tire shop sensors.. these come with a pre-set sensor ID that must be programmed into the vehicle, vs the tire shop usually using “clone” sensors that they program to emulate the original IDs tricking the vehicle into thinking the sensors were never changed in the first place.

 

[CT3]

I also switched to aftermarket last time around which allowed me to easily work with a great wheel/tire shop that rebalanced the poor work of the dealership, improved the ride, and saved me ~$450. The factory option isn’t always the best if the person doing the install doesn’t have the necessary skills…

 

[ryanCA]

@TLC2013 helped me get the right ones - as they are so much fake ones there. I have had mine for 1 year + no issues.

 

[Shedkept]

Did the tire shop use original quality transmitters? The stuff they typically install doesn’t come close to the lifespan and reliability of original parts.

Toyota uses transmitters built by Pacific Industry, which Denso also buys and reboxes for aftermarket sale. Many of us have bought those for around $35-40 each and had the tire shop install. Note that they use a different programming method than tire shop sensors.. these come with a pre-set sensor ID that must be programmed into the vehicle, vs the tire shop usually using “clone” sensors that they program to emulate the original IDs tricking the vehicle into thinking the sensors were never changed in the first place.

Did the tire shop use original quality transmitters? The stuff they typically install doesn’t come close to the lifespan and reliability of original parts.

Toyota uses transmitters built by Pacific Industry, which Denso also buys and reboxes for aftermarket sale. Many of us have bought those for around $35-40 each and had the tire shop install. Note that they use a different programming method than tire shop sensors.. these come with a pre-set sensor ID that must be programmed into the vehicle, vs the tire shop usually using “clone” sensors that they program to emulate the original IDs tricking the vehicle into thinking the sensors were never changed in the first place.

I can haven them changed them 3 times before I come close to the Toyota bill.

Did the tire shop use original quality transmitters? The stuff they typically install doesn’t come close to the lifespan and reliability of original parts.

Toyota uses transmitters built by Pacific Industry, which Denso also buys and reboxes for aftermarket sale. Many of us have bought those for around $35-40 each and had the tire shop install. Note that they use a different programming method than tire shop sensors.. these come with a pre-set sensor ID that must be programmed into the vehicle, vs the tire shop usually using “clone” sensors that they program to emulate the original IDs tricking the vehicle into thinking the sensors were never changed in the first place.

OTOH, @$65 a pop it could be done three times with the aftermarket units before spending what the dealer wants.

 

[32cls6speedmt]

https://a.co/d/3SX90JR

I purchased five of the above. I have a 13 lx. I took it to discount tire and they installed once I purchased five new tires. No extra charge for the programming or installation since I purchased new tires. I have had for over 2 years. No issues. I did it as preventative maintenance.

 

[Shedkept]

https://a.co/d/3SX90JR

I purchased five of the above. I have a 13 lx. I took it to discount tire and they installed once I purchased five new tires. No extra charge for the programming or installation since I purchased new tires. I have had for over 2 years. No issues. I did it as preventative maintenance.

Did the tire shop use original quality transmitters? The stuff they typically install doesn’t come close to the lifespan and reliability of original parts.

Toyota uses transmitters built by Pacific Industry, which Denso also buys and reboxes for aftermarket sale. Many of us have bought those for around $35-40 each and had the tire shop install. Note that they use a different programming method than tire shop sensors.. these come with a pre-set sensor ID that must be programmed into the vehicle, vs the tire shop usually using “clone” sensors that they program to emulate the original IDs tricking the vehicle into thinking the sensors were never changed in the first place.

Did the tire shop use original quality transmitters? The stuff they typically install doesn’t come close to the lifespan and reliability of original parts.

Toyota uses transmitters built by Pacific Industry, which Denso also buys and reboxes for aftermarket sale. Many of us have bought those for around $35-40 each and had the tire shop install. Note that they use a different programming method than tire shop sensors.. these come with a pre-set sensor ID that must be programmed into the vehicle, vs the tire shop usually using “clone” sensors that they program to emulate the original IDs tricking the vehicle into thinking the sensors were never changed in the first place.

I can haven them changed them 3 times before I come close to the Toyota bill.

Did the tire shop use original quality transmitters? The stuff they typically install doesn’t come close to the lifespan and reliability of original parts.

Toyota uses transmitters built by Pacific Industry, which Denso also buys and reboxes for aftermarket sale. Many of us have bought those for around $35-40 each and had the tire shop install. Note that they use a different programming method than tire shop sensors.. these come with a pre-set sensor ID that must be programmed into the vehicle, vs the tire shop usually using “clone” sensors that they program to emulate the original IDs tricking the vehicle into thinking the sensors were never changed in the first place.

OTOH, @$65 a pop it could be done three times with the aftermarket units before spending what the dealer wants.

@TLC2013 helped me get the right ones - as they are so much fake ones there. I have had mine for 1 year + no issues.

Amazon sells these: Denso 550-0105 TPMS Sensor, direct plug-and-play with no programming required. $38.36 each​

​

 

[lx200inAR]

If they cost less than 30-40 each, they are most likely fake. I ordered a set off eBay for $100 and they were fake. I ordered a single of Amazon from Amazon and it was real. I think people like to order them from Rock Auto as well.

All that said, my fake ones have been working for 4+ years, so not the end of the world. I know they are fake because the codes printed on the outside were not the actual codes they were transmitting with. I had my trusted tire shop install the sensors i procured and did the ECU update myself. 4 of the 5 sensors didn't work. Luckily, I took it back up to my tire shop and they used a RF sensor scanner to see the codes being broadcast by each sensor while installed. I was able to use the codes they found and update the ECU and then everything worked fine. I contacted the eBay seller and they were more than happy to refund my money after i returned the fake sensors, but it would have cost me more money to recover the sensors than the refund would have been. Pretty sure they know that going in before they offered.

If you are the kind of person who isn't interested in DIY and don't want to pay dealer prices, then using your shops sensors are probably the best route. Like mentioned above, a tire shop is only going to guarantee the install of sensors they sell you. Installing aftermarket Denso/Paciific is not hard and does not require expensive equipment, but you do have to get the right sensors and have a tool to talk to the ECU of the vehicle.

 

[Shedkept]

I can haven them changed them 3 times before I come close to the Toyota bill.

OTOH, @$65 a pop it could be done three times with the aftermarket units before spending what the dealer wants.

Amazon sells these: Denso 550-0105 TPMS Sensor, direct plug-and-play with no programming required. $38.36 each​

Per their notes, these are direct replacement for my 2016 Land Cruiser.​

 

[lx200inAR]

I can haven them changed them 3 times before I come close to the Toyota bill.

OTOH, @$65 a pop it could be done three times with the aftermarket units before spending what the dealer wants.

Amazon sells these: Denso 550-0105 TPMS Sensor, direct plug-and-play with no programming required. $38.36 each​

​

Be careful with these statements. DIfferent years of LC and LX have different sensors and different programming requirements. None of the early systems can change out the sensor without reprogramming. I don't know about the new systems. But the point remains, blanket statements like this with no qualifiers about what they were used on will get people buying the wrong stuff.

 

[bloc]

I can haven them changed them 3 times before I come close to the Toyota bill.

OTOH, @$65 a pop it could be done three times with the aftermarket units before spending what the dealer wants.

Or you can purchase the $40 PI/Denso parts and bring them to the tire shop and have them installed with your tires.

One thing people don't consider.. the factory parts often last 8 years, chinese tire-shop clones typically 4-5. So those clones aren't as cheap as they seem.


BLANKET STATEMENT: there were year model changes in the sensors so a given Denso number won't work for all 200s. I think things are pretty consistent from 08-14, 2015 might be when they started switching numbers around.

Amazon sells these: Denso 550-0105 TPMS Sensor, direct plug-and-play with no programming required. $38.36 each​

For the record that's not the correct number for 08-14.. though I don't know what year you have. Not to mention the chances of getting fakes on amazon.

If they cost less than 30-40 each, they are most likely fake. I ordered a set off eBay for $100 and they were fake. I ordered a single of Amazon from Amazon and it was real. I think people like to order them from Rock Auto as well.

All that said, my fake ones have been working for 4+ years, so not the end of the world. I know they are fake because the codes printed on the outside were not the actual codes they were transmitting with. I had my trusted tire shop install the sensors i procured and did the ECU update myself. 4 of the 5 sensors didn't work. Luckily, I took it back up to my tire shop and they used a RF sensor scanner to see the codes being broadcast by each sensor while installed. I was able to use the codes they found and update the ECU and then everything worked fine. I contacted the eBay seller and they were more than happy to refund my money after i returned the fake sensors, but it would have cost me more money to recover the sensors than the refund would have been. Pretty sure they know that going in before they offered.

If you are the kind of person who isn't interested in DIY and don't want to pay dealer prices, then using your shops sensors are probably the best route. Like mentioned above, a tire shop is only going to guarantee the install of sensors they sell you. Installing aftermarket Denso/Paciific is not hard and does not require expensive equipment, but you do have to get the right sensors and have a tool to talk to the ECU of the vehicle.

Agreed on the risk of amazon fakes. They're ~$35 on rock auto right now. I've bought two sets from them with no indications they weren't genuine.

 

[Shedkept]

Mine is a 2016.

 

[bloc]

Be careful with these statements. DIfferent years of LC and LX have different sensors and different programming requirements. None of the early systems can change out the sensor without reprogramming. I don't know about the new systems. But the point remains, blanket statements like this with no qualifiers about what they were used on will get people buying the wrong stuff.

I'm quoting this to stress your point..

550-0103 for the earlier rigs.

More good info:

2015 Land Cruiser TPMS ID and Part Number Tech Info

forum.ih8mud.com

Mine is a 2016. View attachment 3857420

I would not trust amazon sensors, nor their part number cross referencing.

Rockauto seems to think it should be 550-0106 for a 2016 but I'd confirm that on this board (search) before purchasing.

 

[TheIcemanCometh]

When I changed wheels I bought five OEM sensors during one the Toyota sales. I took them to my local tire shop to install when I bought tires from them. They did not need to do anything. We were all happy.

 

[Shedkept]

There is at least one company offering a phone app for TPMS sensors. No need for the "tablet". These are money makers. SEMA had a number of manufacturers hawking products at the last show. Competition will be good for all of us.

It's not the cost of the units, but the greed of the dealerships. I recently watched a YouTube video of a young man install one on his driveway with a 2x4 made into a bead breaker.

Wholesale Toyota Dealer parts vendors prices are similar. Here's one that sells the units for $66.26 each or $331.30 for 5. Retail is $100 each and there is still "meat on the bone" for the parts department selling at a $34.00 discount. I'd venture "Cost" is around $40.

Justify $500-$600 to install them at retail. (The mechanic "might" get an hour.)

FWIW: Parts and service are the bread and butter of car dealership with the highest gross margins.

 

[gasman4u]

There is at least one company offering a phone app for TPMS sensors. No need for the "tablet". These are money makers. SEMA had a number of manufacturers hawking products at the last show. Competition will be good for all of us.

It's not the cost of the units, but the greed of the dealerships. I recently watched a YouTube video of a young man install one on his driveway with a 2x4 made into a bead breaker.

Wholesale Toyota Dealer parts vendors prices are similar. Here's one that sells the units for $66.26 each or $331.30 for 5. Retail is $100 each and there is still "meat on the bone" for the parts department selling at a $34.00 discount. I'd venture "Cost" is around $40.

Justify $500-$600 to install them at retail. (The mechanic "might" get an hour.)

FWIW: Parts and service are the bread and butter of car dealership with the highest gross margins.


View attachment 3857951

I think parts/service is behind the finance dept with highest margins. Or I might be thinking of gross sales. Anyways, yes - they don't make their money where most people think for sure (selling cars).

 

[bloc]

Our vehicles can be programmed to the new sensor IDs via a few options. There is no need to go to the dealer, since that appears to be the hang up here.

Note that all PI sensors (genuine Toyota, denso, whatever) must be activated before they will transmit data. This is accomplished by installing the sensor and tire, then raising pressure, lowering pressure, and raising it again. Electronic “waking” of the sensor via an outside device as tire shops are used to does not work.

Also VERY IMPORTANT: for programming these sensors you’ll need the ID code printed on the body of the transmitter, which is what will be programmed into the vehicle. If you don’t note that before install, you’ll have to have a tire shop use their reader/scanner detect the ID after pressure-cycle activation. I personally keep all these numbers in my broader maintenance spreadsheet for future use.

Programming options:

Techstream is the official Toyota diagnostic software, and cracked versions are available on eBay for very reasonable prices. Note that you’ll need two things here.. a PC to run it on, and an adapter cable. TS is often sold with “MiniVCI” cables that will do basic diagnostics but will NOT program TPMS (or do “live data” in TS). The “VCX Nano” adapter cables are a bit more expensive but have given a number of us great results both for TPMS and live data. I personally consider this the most powerful option.. it can be a little onerous to set up, but gives you virtually all the tools a dealer would have to perform diagnostics on a given Toyota, and if you do your own work at home it is extremely valuable.

The Carista smartphone app and Bluetooth OBD dongle is also effective at programming TPMS. There may be other brands but this has been a go-to for many of us when we don’t want to crank up the TS laptop. You’ll need a temporary subscription to their Pro level but it is affordable and effective. You can also do diagnostics.. or use their dongle with another app like OBDFusion which is even more powerful, and can be configured to run custom dashboards for monitoring vehicle vital signs during roadtrips.

There are new handheld Techstream interfaces that require very little setup and no laptop. Great option for many, though do have some quirks due to their non-Toyota programming of the Toyota diagnostic interface.

Handheld Techstream Alternative Found!

First off… Huge thanks to @misteracng for bringing this to my attention. Figured I’d share as many will likely benefit from it. I got zero interest in needing a laptop to make tweaks to my truck... Got it to try to disable the auto telescoping steering wheel, figured it was on Amazon, so if...

forum.ih8mud.com

Take it to a tire shop. They can sometimes struggle with this (in my experience and others)

Get an Autel TPMS programming tool.. can program clone sensors and has the great feature of being able to detect IDs if they weren’t noted. This will only do TPMS however, so for many home mechanics I consider this money better spent on other diagnostic tools. But it’s specificity does make it easy to use.