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Aftermarket TPMS Sensors

martadon
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martadon Member

martadon

Posted
Posted (edited)

Well, this applies to all Porsches w/TPMS, I suppose. I had to replace all four TPMS sensors last year (dead battery on 2 of them) and got some aftermarket sensors at less than half OEM cost. Subsequently, my TPMS system would intermittently loose the sensor signal and go into Learning mode on its own. Worked well--didn't work well, randomly. My Porsche mechanic said he never had good experiences with aftermarket TPMS sensors so there was nothing he could do as my TPMS system wasn't at fault. After living with this for months and months I had an idea. I removed the aluminum (I think) stem caps and put cheap, green plastic ones on (N2 filled tires) and tested the TPMS for the past 2 months. Long story short, everything is fine! No intermittent re-learning and the system picks up all four signals even when the car is at rest. So, if anyone has experienced similar anomalies I suggest similar action and see if it works for you.

2007 Carrera S Cabrio

Edited by martadon
Mijostyn Member

Mijostyn

Posted
Posted

Hi Martadon. They say that metal caps are a problem and it looks like they are with some sensors. I suspect it has something to do with their antenna orientation. I always had metal caps. Last year I had to replace the sensors which I did with 1/2 price chinese ones. They work great even with the metal caps on. Go figure. It is good that everyone is warned about the problem. Changing caps is way easier then changing sensors.

martadon Member

martadon

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Hi Martadon. They say that metal caps are a problem and it looks like they are with some sensors. I suspect it has something to do with their antenna orientation. I always had metal caps. Last year I had to replace the sensors which I did with 1/2 price chinese ones. They work great even with the metal caps on. Go figure. It is good that everyone is warned about the problem. Changing caps is way easier then changing sensors.

Absolutely. Since the metal valve stems w/metal caps are the transmission antennae of the TPMS sensors, I suspect that removing the metal caps from the aftermarket sensors changed the radio frequency (RF) characteristics of the stems (antennae) so that the aftermarket sensors became more compatible with the receiving end of the business. Just my theory--as an old, 30-year retired USAF radio and radar guy. ;)

Mijostyn Member

Mijostyn

Posted
Posted (edited)

Hi Martadon. They say that metal caps are a problem and it looks like they are with some sensors. I suspect it has something to do with their antenna orientation. I always had metal caps. Last year I had to replace the sensors which I did with 1/2 price chinese ones. They work great even with the metal caps on. Go figure. It is good that everyone is warned about the problem. Changing caps is way easier then changing sensors.

Absolutely. Since the metal valve stems w/metal caps are the transmission antennae of the TPMS sensors, I suspect that removing the metal caps from the aftermarket sensors changed the radio frequency (RF) characteristics of the stems (antennae) so that the aftermarket sensors became more compatible with the receiving end of the business. Just my theory--as an old, 30-year retired USAF radio and radar guy. ;)

Too bad we can't take them apart to figure it out. All the ones I have seen are potted in epoxy resin. My limited understanding is that these devices transmit only. There is a little accelerometer in them that turns them on when the wheel starts turning. This is how they reserve battery power and why they last so long. The ones I have were 1/2 the price of the Porsche replacements! I expected them to be crap but they are a year old and running fine. Life is good :-)

Edited by Mijostyn
Mijostyn Member

Mijostyn

Posted
Posted

Yes. Tire Rack sent me my winter set up with whatever sensors they use and they are running fine...and they have black aluminum caps on the stems. (with a little Porsche crest)

biopsea Member

biopsea

Posted
Posted

my 2007 911 S's TPMS finally gave up the ghost. from what I've read, 7 years seems to be about the max. anyhow, after doing some research, i purchased the product pictured below. anybody familiar with these? have not installed as waiting till i put new rubber on. definitely much cheaper, but wanting to hear from others prior to installation.

post-48560-0-64574500-1397920417_thumb.j

jl-c Member

jl-c

Posted
Posted

Don't know if I would have a lot of faith in a company that can't even spell Porsche in their applications list!! :rolleyes: :D

Seriously though, if they can replace all TPMS units with a range of three then it can only be a good thing for garages and customers alike.

biopsea Member

biopsea

Posted
Posted

Don't know if I would have a lot of faith in a company that can't even spell Porsche in their applications list!! :rolleyes: :D

Seriously though, if they can replace all TPMS units with a range of three then it can only be a good thing for garages and customers alike.

HAH. funny, and a bit scary. can't remember where i read about these sensors. anybody with any first hand knowledge?

0356kid Member

0356kid

Posted
Posted

search TPMS sensors on this site and you'll see where I had sent a link to buy them (I forgot where, too old HA).

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