I recently bought some aftermarket wheels and was curious as to whether the TPMS will be compatible with my new wheels. After spending the past week doing some research on the topic (resulting sometimes in more questions than answers), I decided to post this FAQ for those interested in this over-looked option. Some of the information posted might be way off in left field so for the more well-informed members, please feel free to correct me or contribute to this faq.
What is TPMS? It is a system of sensors and an annoying dash light that warns you of any drastic change in tire pressure in any one of wheels. I believe it goes off when the pressure is below 22 PSI or above 42 PSI. The TPMS does not eliminate the need to check the tire pressure yourself on a regular basis! The TPMS does not indicate specifically which tire is going bad.
How do I know I have TPMS? On the 2004 vehicles, it came with the Xenon headlight option package. Supposedly, the Feds are making it a mandatory feature on all passenger cars starting in 2006.
Where is it located? The actual sensor is located on the wheel valve stem. The warning light is located on your dash (obviously) with the rest of the 'idiot' lights. See the owners manual for more details.
Is it transferable to my aftermarket wheels? Yes, it can be transfered as long as the actual sensor/valve stem actually fits valve stem opening in your aftermarket wheels. Just as a word of caution, it would be wise to replace the rubber grommet on the sensor if your transferring the sensor from your old wheels to your new ones, to ensure that there is a solid air-tight seal. Also, the sensors on the Mazda3 might be calibrated for 17 inch wheels only (will somebody confirm this...). If you get wheels that are larger or smaller, the sensors might go off regardless of tire pressure. The RX8 has the TPMS, so those owners who bought 18's, you might want to use the sensors from that car.
What is the part number? 37-140a
How much does it cost? $120 per sensor (according to Byers Mazda of Columbus, Ohio)!!!!
How do I install it on my aftermarket wheels? Don't know.... yet. I'm sure somebody on the forum knows and will post it to this faq (2thumbs)
What is TPMS? It is a system of sensors and an annoying dash light that warns you of any drastic change in tire pressure in any one of wheels. I believe it goes off when the pressure is below 22 PSI or above 42 PSI. The TPMS does not eliminate the need to check the tire pressure yourself on a regular basis! The TPMS does not indicate specifically which tire is going bad.
How do I know I have TPMS? On the 2004 vehicles, it came with the Xenon headlight option package. Supposedly, the Feds are making it a mandatory feature on all passenger cars starting in 2006.
Where is it located? The actual sensor is located on the wheel valve stem. The warning light is located on your dash (obviously) with the rest of the 'idiot' lights. See the owners manual for more details.
Is it transferable to my aftermarket wheels? Yes, it can be transfered as long as the actual sensor/valve stem actually fits valve stem opening in your aftermarket wheels. Just as a word of caution, it would be wise to replace the rubber grommet on the sensor if your transferring the sensor from your old wheels to your new ones, to ensure that there is a solid air-tight seal. Also, the sensors on the Mazda3 might be calibrated for 17 inch wheels only (will somebody confirm this...). If you get wheels that are larger or smaller, the sensors might go off regardless of tire pressure. The RX8 has the TPMS, so those owners who bought 18's, you might want to use the sensors from that car.
What is the part number? 37-140a
How much does it cost? $120 per sensor (according to Byers Mazda of Columbus, Ohio)!!!!
How do I install it on my aftermarket wheels? Don't know.... yet. I'm sure somebody on the forum knows and will post it to this faq (2thumbs)