Not updated in a while.

Car is great. Loving every opportunity to take her out.

So to my problem or maybe this will turn into a random venting...

I was ready for some new tread and while at it new brake pads. A good friend who has worked extensively on newer Vettes said he could handle the job.

I installed the Porterfield brake pads and Michelin Pilot Super Sports (both of which I love...thanks for all the advice).

So went to pick her up expecting a tire system failure (already had to drive to Atlanta once for reset). Everything was perfect. No codes, no nothing.....

Took my wife on our anniversary trip. No problems (except for an issue with the gas cap which I'm reluctant to expand on). BTW a new gas cap for a Vantage is $400.

Trip was 500 miles roundtrip.

Got in her yesterday, (a week later) drove her out the driveway and bam....code was thrown. (TPMS)

I mean are they that (what's the word)I won't say for the sake of the forum.

I know you guys have kicked this problem around a lot. But everything appeared fine one moment and then without any apparent problems and then a code....

BTW...my tire pressure is dead on.

Thanks and sorry for the long post.

 

I can sense the frustration.......did they inadvertently knock the TPMS sensors when the changed the tires?

 

That's possible but I took a 500 mile trip in between with no issues.

Yes, I was expecting a "problem" when I first picked her up.

For clarity, I picked her up from getting new tires, brought her home, washed her.

Next morning we took off for a app. a 250 mile trek to our anniversary destination. Stayed for three days, drove her back home (no issues).

Pulled her out to wash two days later... no issues.

A week later I pull her out to run some errands and (even before I get out of the subdivision,) she throws a code.

 

Some random thoughts....

* Your car is a 2008, right? that's going on about 6 years on the TMPS batteries, they only are supposed to go to 10 years or so. You could have a battery failure on that sensor.

* In conjunction with the new tires, perhaps the sensor was nicked and damaged.

* Perhaps needs a reset and re-index to the car computer after the tire change.

 

Good points
The early TPMS system is a bit flaky I used to get similar problems on my old car
Have a look at the box under the dash on the passenger side next time it occurs it will tell you which one is playing up
Sometimes the rear ones take a bit of time to sync and throw errors randomly

 

Good points. Yes, she is a 2008.

I love this car but I have to admit I have a case of the "what could go wrong next."

One thing I left out during the new tires and pads episode (with all the starting her for short periods of times) the battery gave out. Another $250.

Hey Ross....if you're reading this, I may be more inclined than ever to try to purchase your car should your current deal fall through.

When I first bought the car the error message was on. After trying to get the system resynched here locally, gave up and went to the nearest dealership (4 hours away). I didn't realize that she actually had a digital speedo till we were driving back home.....

 

Due the fact I ran her over 500 miles immediately after the tire and battery change with no issue, I'm leaning toward the sensor dying.

Can a tire store check the sensors to see if they are dead or do I have another road trip in my future?

 

You're gonna love this....

The batteries are sealed, and you have to replace the sensor, I don't think there is any way to test it as they use RF signals, unless you have access to something that can read that. Best part is .... wait for it..... they're about $ 500 each from AM. I think there are some aftermarket ones you can get for about $ 125 each - but I'm not sure anyone here has tried them out yet for compatibility. We know that AM's are made from the Ford/Jag/Volvo parts bin with most the electrics being Volvo, so I'd wager a guess that perhaps a Volvo TPS sensor might be a swap-in - but I'm just speculating.

 

$500 boy exporting to the US must be expensive!
They are £125 in the UK
These guys have them a bit cheaper and will ship world wide

http://astonmartinbits.com/models/5-...tage/parts/697

BTW the later system is A LOT better

 

Dealer can tell you the battery life left in the sensor..but car needs to be hooked up with the AMDS dealer machine and driven to ping sensors. The SmarTire system ha it's own L.E.D lights to help diagnose what it isn't seeing or thinks is faulty..Drive the car at least 10km, pull over and DO NOT SHUT OFF THE CAR..lean into the passenger foot area and tell me which lights are flashing to what color tpm sensor..also color of light and if it is solid or blinking

 

That actually makes my $400 gas cap look a lot better.

Wouldn't have expected anything else.

 

Will do and let you know. Thanks for all the help.

Also thanks Mikey for the info. I have ordered from them before.

Question....what year model did AM start using the new system? I let a buddy borrow my Owners guide.

 

You can also get good deals by calling HWM directly in the UK and having things shipped over.

To date, no one has posted any success story with after market TPMS sensors despite what is claimed by the vendors re: compatibility.

 

Came in on the S in MY12