Help. I just had my fourth TPMS sensor on my 2008 997.1 S replaced by my indy, and the system wouldn't come out of learning mode. The other wheels were done over the past year, and all are OEM Huf. My indy installed a new control module, but keeps getting erratic readings from the sensors, and the newest sensor appears dead. It's not, as he's replaced it twice trying to get the system working correctly. He finally gave up, and suggested I go to the dealer. (Wow.) The Porsche dealer's first approach was to start by replacing all four sensors, "then take it from there."

Before the dealer began, I wanted to confirm what my mechanic had already done, and he'd indeed installed OEM sensors (not that I think that makes much difference), and that none of them were actually dead. He thought it could be an issue with the internal antennae that receive the signals, but just couldn't pinpoint it. I trust my indy. They have a great reputation in the local Porsche community, and usually make me feel like they have my back. With this issue now, not so much.

Has anyone seen this problem? Alternatively, can the whole system just be disabled through PIWIS? I don't want to get too deep fixing a system that usually just irritates me. I'm already $500 into it, before the dealer has had a chance to sink its claws, without even knowing the source of the problem. I'm not anxious to give the dealer carte blanche.

 

I have a very similar problem to yours. Mine is on a 2006 C4S, first year when the TPMS was introduced.

A few years ago, I had the original BERU sensors and only the two left wheels could be read. No pressure or any data could be obtained on the two right wheels.

I changed all four sensors with OEWheels sensors, and obtained the same result: front and rear left wheels are displaying correct pressure. Nothing on the right side.

I have checked antennas near the wheels and cleaned all connections, to no availability. Durametric indicates a loss of connectivity within the display and I suspect that the TPMS control unit is defective (at least half of it).

I am checking pressure with a gauge and have learned to live with the Red Exclamation Mark adn the yellow tire symbols on. I may go back and revisit this issue and the first thing I would do is replace the TPMS control unit.

I could also swap left and right the antennas but I do not believe they are bad.

It is a frustrating issue, but not an urgent one, in my opinion.

Yves

 

Yes Walter.... Just have your indie unplug and program the tpms out of your system for good. Worthless bits imo.


EDIT: Yves.... no error code after being rid of this system via durametric, and simply unplugging it. tpms is simply maddening.

 

Thanks to both of you. Since I've already replaced the control unit, I think I'm just going to program the TPMS out of my life.

 

Can't help but wonder what drivers did b4 the advent of TPMS; same for rear cam.

 

Finally got my car back with the TPMS disabled. I was charged for 5 hours of labor. Ugh. At least I didn't pay for the front control module that my indy installed. Right before I brought it back to him, all of the warning lights for all of my other LEDs started coming on-- brake lights, turn signals, side marker. My Indy says he can fix it by installing a rear control module from an ''09. That's of course when Porsche started shipping the 997.2 with LED. I'm not very happy with this option.

Before the indy gave it a shot, I replaced my rear tail lights. I had the same errors before and after the swap. I've had the LEDs all around for two years, trying various manufacturers and styles. After playing around with them, adding resistors, etc, everything had been pretty stable for quite some time.

Any ideas, before I start yanking wires and causing an electrical fire? I'm frustrated.

 

I assume the old sensors were moved far away ( >100 ft) from the car when starting the learning process with the new sensors?

 

Yes. I've 25 miles, actually. I tried many times, not just in the shop. I finally had the system disabled, and don't miss it at all, at least not yet.

Next week I'm taking it to another shop. There've been too many electrical gremlins running through my system that I suspect a short somewhere. I'm getting errors from my directional lights, side markers, rear fog lights. Now my sunroof seems to be uncooperative in following its normal commands, though it still opens and closes. I'm going to London for a week, and when I return, I hope all my problems will be solved . . .

I feel a little guilty going to a new shop. It's almost like cheating on a mistress. They've taken a lot of my cash, but just aren't satisfying me any more. It's a shame, because we have a lot of history. I've seen some QC issues recently that I can't ignore. Worse, the I trusted them. The problem I'm having now is one of competence, but it's still going to be a while before I'm comfortable giving a new shop the green light on anything unexpected over the phone.