Wheel Air Sensor's

[jrizz1]

Replacing tires on my 2000. I am choosing between Kumho Ecsta ASX, Kumho Ecsta SPT or Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus. All three choices are NON Runflats. Do the air sensors in each wheel have a battery? Can and should the batteries be replaced? They are ten years old and I would hate to have a problem after just changing tires.

 

[Toms007]

jrizz, the batteries are not a user replaceable item. There are some guys who are doing it, and for those TPS units on the 97-2000 Corvettes it's a more affordable way to get new life. The new units are pretty pricey, $100/wheel seems to stick in my mind.

1997-2000 Sensors

25981210 - sensor – 94.20 each
15234846 - nuts – 3.73 each

Total setup of 4 is 430.11 shipped

Note: The sensor comes with the washer and valve stem cap.
Setup includes: 4 sensors, 4 washers/o-rings, 4 caps and 4 nuts.


I don't know what the rebuilt units go for, but if you are interested I can probably come up with a contact.

 

[jrizz1]

My sensors are working fine. I was wondering how long they are supposed to work before the battery goes bad. I was wondering because they are 9+ years old if replacement was needed when new tires are installed.

 

[Lucky 3]

My '98 had one bad sensor last year, the others still work fine. The local Goodyear dealer only charged me $16.00 to replace it. I reprogramed it myself. Due to the cost I will wait until they go bad to replace the rest of them. I have also heard that GM does not monitor battery life of their parts but NAPA does.

 

[Red Vette]

The lithium batteries in each valve stem last up to 10 years according to GM, but can have a much shorter life as some of us can attest too. If your sensors are 9+ years old, then bite the bullet so to speak and replace them when you put the new tires on. According to what I have read, and I don't know if this is true or not and maybe someone in the know will respond, but the batteries in the sensors are in the sleep mode until activated with either a magnet or the tire tool Tire Rack sells the tool for around $100+. C5s can use either the tool or the magnet, C6s require the tool to activate. Before I put my new Michelin tires on the 02, I will purchase the new sensors. As Tom said, the batteries in your OEM sensors cannot be replaced easily. His price list is accurate from what I have read. I read on the other forum that Corvette Guy Gal have all 4 sensors C5 and C6 for sale at $179 including the tire tool. When you purchase the sensors, make sure the gromet kit with the special nut is included for each sensor as you do not want to use the old ones off your current sensors. Make sure the tire shop knows about the TPS system on the corvette. There are horror stories on the forum about how tire shops ruin TPS systems on C4s, C5s, and C6s.
Barrett