I have been driving for about 2 years on dead tire pressure sensors. It is time to fix the system. (yes, they are dead. My indicator blinks 10 times on startup.)
1. What kind are you guys buying? I have gotten them off ebay for my Miata and they worked fine.
2. Do I have to get one for the spare? I would rather get 4 as that is usually what they sell on ebay.
3. Is there any programming involved? I didn't need to on my Miata.
PS. Funny story: I have 2 sets of rims for the Miata and on the winter set I have the ebay monitors. The second winter the tire pressure light went on and I thought maybe they didn't hook up to the car and eventually they would. So I drove it for about a month and still no joy. So I finally thought to check the tires and they were all low pressure. I guess. Took me a month to figure that out.
When I put new wheels and tires on my 2017 I used Autel TPMs (MK808S-TS). I also got an Autel programmer. One of the screens on my Scangauge III is set to show tire pressures for all five tires, and temperatures for the four on the road. I do five tire rotations on this vehicle. Each time I rotate tires I reprogram the car so the reported tire locations are correct. It takes me longer to remember how to do it each time than to do it.
It costs more to do it this way but I like having the display that tells me which tire is the problem. Just being able to check pressure from the seat is way more useful than I expected. For me it's worth it. YMMV.
I just get them done at the tire shop when one goes out. Usually about $70 a wheel, installed and programmed. Not worth my time to DIY them considering the sensors should last 5-7 years before they need to be replaced again. You will need to get all 5 working to have the tire light turn off, and they do need to be programmed.
To your question about needing TPMS in ALL five tires, yes, you will need to replace ALL five or you will get your dash light.
Go on Amazon, find some with a huge amount of rating and > 4 plus rating, you should be fine. While you're on Amazon, also get TechStream so you can program your TPMS sensors yourself. Or just let the tire shop that puts them in do it for you. I don't think it should cost very much if anything at all. It's a simple process for them.
I had to replace all my sensors a few years ago on my 2013 GX, so speaking from experience, although I just had the tire guy I use get me the sensors.
I replace all five on every second set of tires (~50K). The parts are reasonable...the cost of having to dismount and break the bead for installation after failure...is not. If you corral like wear items into groups, you can greatly reduce labor hours(cost). Your chosen mechanic will likely appreciate you handing them new sensors and valve stems of your choosing versus having to risk damaging a new tire in order to replace an old sensor. Hope that makes sense.
