Hey guys, I'm hoping someone here can chime in through experience or whatnot, but I have a question about TPMS.

I just recently purchased a 2015 Nissan Pathfinder SL Tech Package, and I bought aftermarket wheels and winter tires.

Nissan is telling me that if I install the wheels without purchasing Nissan TPMS Sensors, I'll lose my Traction Control, ABS, Navigation and Reverse Camera.

Does anyone know if this is legitimate or not? I'm planning to install the wheels and tires tomorrow and test out for myself, but I'm wondering if anyone has experience/input?

Likely BS. my wife has a 2010 Rogue, winter wheels don't have TPMS. Traction control and ABS work fine. No nav or reverse camera to compare there.

With Acura, you only have to deal with the light being on.

With Nissan, it wouldn't surprise me if they're not operating, it takes out their VDC system as it is linked to everything from ABS, traction control and probably stability assist. Not to mention lane departure or collision warning if they have it now.

They're problem right. But I'm sure google will answer your question.

Google hasnt been useful. I always search before posing questions

I did find someone asking the same question regarding a 2014 Nissan Rogue SV, but the question was never answered.

ABS and Traction Control are done through wheel speed sensors just like every other manufacturer. Reverse camera's are activated with reverse switch, though each manufacturer will call it something different. Finally not sure how a TPMS sensor could affect your GPS.

They're a dealership. The only thing they know is how to sell, regardless if they know anything about the product. Actually just today at the Mitsu Dealer they told me in Japan all cars sold are LHD and only country that use RHD vehicles is Australia...

That would be pretty accurate assumption 40 years ago. But nowadays, there's a lovely governing body called OMVIC which oversees the operations of all new and used car dealerships. Exclusively in Ontario and Alberta of course. But by their standards, it's literally breach of code of ethics that every dealership is bound to thus giving all consumers recourse if they, OMVIC sees fit.

I'm not saying you're wrong about dealers bullshitting or plain lying. It's obviously unavoidable. Just need to take it with a grain of salt so to speak.

Sounds like at least the VDC won't operate if the TPMS has issues. I realizing I am just assuming based on what is written here but this isn't extremely technical so I would say it's safe to assume.

Installed today and the verdict is: it effects nothing. The dealer lied through their teeth. I tested the abs on some ice and it works fine. Traction control systems are not effected nor are the nav and rear camera. The tpms warning light is illuminated but that's all. And the vehicles VDC system still functions.

...And they know they can't really get in trouble for it because the sensor has at least one legitimate purpose!

OMVIC: So you're complaining that the dealership sold you a sensor that you should have for safe operation of the vehicle? GTFO

I was referring mostly to sales end. If the vehicle had been accidented, stolen..

Glad it worked out for you Eric.

Well that's good news!!

'Accidented'? Really?

Let's say it together: "Had been in an accident"...

Now repeat it again: "Had been in an accident"...

This has been your daily English lesson brought to you by Professor Ponte.

You're a dick.



If you prefer...

You are a dick.

You get the point right?

Nice looking truck! What wheels are those? Glad it all worked out...

They're fast hayaku. 18x8. Tires are Bridgestone blizzak dm-v1.

Ah, I thought the topic was the service dept.

Why not just buy the sensors? They are relatively less expensive than they used to be. They are way cheaper than shredding a flat tire because you or the wife didnt notice it in time.

I realize everyone checks their tire pressures before they drive a car. Maybe it's just me and I'm old but why not take advantage of the tech that comes with the car. Would you get a nav unit installed and still use a paper map? I think not.

Not trying to be a jerk or anything. I've nothing but back luck with tires so maybe thats why I'm an advocate for the TPMS systems. It's saved me way more than a handfull of times.

On a sided note, this is great information for me as I am going to be getting new winters for my 2015 Rogue SV and I'm sure Nissan will try the same with me.

Inexpensive? not so.

$104/sensor = $416 (Nissan OEM, as aftermarket for 2012+ not yet available)
install and balance = $80 (dealer)
reprogram ECU = $50

Give or take after tax = $617

I'll deal with an annoying warning light for a couple of months.

They used to be $400 each once apon a time. Better question, what vehicle is no longer in the driveway besides the talon?

Agreed. I also just put up with the light in the winter time, and it goes back out after about 45 minutes of driving with the summer tires in the spring. (but not a Nissan...a soccer mom's minivan)

I'd look for a source of cloned sensors. There's a guy who does them for Mitsubishi on the evolutionm forums. Much cheaper than factory units.

Here's a reason why you might not want to forgo the sensors and simply ignore the warning light...



Cost me over $300 for a replacement tire, plus another $100 to get the crack in my wheel repaired.

Huh, I never knew that was a thing.

I've been living with the light for the same reason that Eric mentioned - cost is way too high for the benefits. Plus I was told they'd have to re-code with each wheel swap

Cloned sensors seems like a good option if they're generally available.

8 years strong with Light on during winter and never had problems.
I've actually had two screws puncture my winter tire so you usually can feel that something is off on your car. At least I can.
Cheers

Once they're available for this car, I will. but they dont exist yet.

These TPMS things have not been around for THAT long. For most of my life, you knew something was wrong with a tire when you heard or felt it. Also, tire technology was not what it is today. Flat tires were COMMON, yet somehow we still survived.

Haha. Agreed. However these days a lot of new cars are coming out with rubber band tires on big wheels, and you can't tell if they're low or flat by looking at them. Their sidewalls are simply too small to see a difference.

Just before I shredded my tire (^above), the car did feel slightly "off", but I just assumed it was black ice since it was -20°C and the road looked dark/damp. It didn't wander all over the place like a typical 60-series flat tire.