How To Replace TPMS Sensor Battery?

Are you frustrated with your vehicle’s Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) giving you false readings or displaying a low battery warning? If you’re searching for how to replace TPMS sensor battery, you’ve come to the right place.

In this comprehensive guide, we will lay out the full process of how to replace TPMS battery. With our step by step guide and how much you can expect it to cost, we’ll cover all the essential subtopics to ensure a successful battery replacement.

Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or simply want to be informed before visiting a tire shop, by the end of this article you’ll have the knowledge of what it takes to replace a TPMS battery. This will ensure accurate tire pressure monitoring, clear the warning light on your dashboard and give you peace of mind on the road.

Is it possible to change a TPMS sensor battery?

In most cases, TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) sensor batteries can be replaced. However, it’s important to note that not all TPMS sensors have batteries that can be replaced separately.

Some sensors are designed with sealed batteries, requiring the entire sensor to be replaced when the battery life is depleted. TPMS sensor designs can vary, so it’s crucial to consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer for specific instructions on replacing the TPMS sensor battery.

Where to find your TPMS Sensor

In most modern vehicles, the TPMS sensors are typically located inside each tire, attached to the valve stem.

The location of the TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) sensors can vary depending on the vehicle make and model. There is usually 1 sensor per tire or wheel on the vehicle, so 4 for most vehicles.

How to know when your TPMS sensor battery needs replacing

The first sign of an issue is a warning light on the dashboard. If the low tire pressure or TPMS warning light illuminates and remains lit, it could indicate a battery issue or a malfunctioning sensor. Some TPMS systems are designed to provide a low battery warning when the sensor battery is running low.

Another sign will be if you notice that the TPMS system consistently displays incorrect or inconsistent tire pressure readings, it could be a sign of a failing battery. The sensor may struggle to transmit accurate data, resulting in unreliable readings or no readings at all.

How To Replace TPMS Sensor Battery

We understand the inconvenience and potential safety risks associated with a malfunctioning TPMS system. Ignoring the low battery warning or inaccurate readings can lead to compromised tire performance, decreased fuel efficiency, and even potential tire failure.

Make sure to gather the necessary tools before you begin. You’ll typically need a valve core removal tool, a small flathead screwdriver, a replacement battery, and a TPMS programming tool (specific to your vehicle’s make and model).

The first step is to check which battery needs replacing. You can find out by checking your vehicle dashboard. It is worth considering if the battery has ever been changed before as it may mean that the other wheels are likely to need replacing in the near future as well.

You will then need to remove the tire from the vehicle if it hasnt already. Once the wheel is off the vehicle, you will need to let the air out of the tire.

Once the air is out of the tire, you can begin to break the bead and remove the tire from the vehicle. This is easiest done by a tire shop with the correct machinery. However you can also do this at home by following our guide.

When you have removed the tire from the wheel, the next step is to remove the TPMS sensor from the tire. Depending on the design of your TPMS, you may need to remove the sensor from the valve stem. Some sensors have a separate battery compartment that can be accessed directly, while others require removing the entire sensor.

If your sensor has a separate battery compartment, carefully open it using a small flathead screwdriver or a similar tool. Be gentle to avoid damaging the sensor. Once inside the battery compartment, remove the old battery.

Now it is time to install the new battery. The battery used is typically a 3-volt lithium ion batteries. Pay attention to the battery’s orientation, as you’ll need to install the new battery in the same way. Reassemble the sensor and reinstall the sensor into the wheel. Make sure it is properly tightened to prevent air leaks.

Once the sensor is back in place, you can mount the tire back onto the wheel and inflate it to the correct PSI. This information can be found on the inside door jamb or in the vehicle handbook.

The final step is to reprogram the TPMS sensor. Using a TPMS programming tool specific to your vehicle’s make and model, reprogram the sensor to ensure it communicates properly with your vehicle’s TPMS system. The programming tool usually connects to the OBD-II port in your vehicle.

Your sensor should now be up and running! Repeat the process for other sensors as required. If you have multiple TPMS sensors on your vehicle, repeat the steps for each sensor that requires a battery replacement.

It’s important to consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer for specific instructions related to your vehicle model. Additionally, if you are not comfortable performing this task yourself, it’s recommended to take your vehicle to a qualified technician or a tire service center for assistance.

Cost to change TPMS sensor battery

The cost of replacing a TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) sensor battery depends on whether you choose to do it yourself or have it done professionally.

DIY replacement typically involves purchasing a replacement battery, which can cost between $2 and $10 per battery. Professional replacement will incur additional labor fees, ranging from $20 to $50 or more per wheel. It’s important to check if a battery replacement is possible as it will be cheaper than replacing the sensor itself.

Cost to replace TPMS sensor

The cost of changing a TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) sensor can vary depending on factors such as the vehicle make and model, the type of sensor needed, and where the replacement is done.

Generally, you can expect to pay for the sensor itself, which can range from $30 to $100 or more. Additional costs may include labor charges, programming fees, and potential valve stem repairs. For accurate cost estimates, it’s advisable to contact local shop or dealerships based on your vehicle’s make and model.

Final Thoughts

The first sign of any issue will be the warning light on your dashboard. We would recommend checking your tire pressures to see if it is simply the result of low tire pressure. If this is a constant issue, you may want to visually inspect your tires for any nails or punctures that you may have sustained.

If this is not the issue and your TPMS sensor needs a new battery, you now know the steps on how to rectify the issue. For faulty TPMS sensors, there are affordable ways to replace the sensors on your car, or even to add them to older vehicles which did not come with this feature.

The easiest way to have this issue fixed is to take it your vehicle to your local shop as they will have the tools and machinery to do this job quickly. However with just some basic tools, you can complete the job at home and save a few bucks.

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