TPMS Air Valve Question
 

So.....

The TPMS light popped up the other day on my son's new to us '04 RX-8.

I checked the air pressure on the tires and the passenger front had a problem with the valve.

The valve appears to be missing since air blows out freely when the cap is removed.

I air up and everything is okay.

The light goes off.

But the only thing keeping the tire from being flat is the cap seal.

Anyone else bump into this problem?

Is there a rebuild kit for the valve?

Or do you have to replace the expensive valve/sender as a unit?

Is there a cheap fix like adding a valve extension that would allow air to be added?

Give me some advise, please.

maybe you'll get lucky and the tpms valve is no different than a conventional one. maybe someone else on the board is more knowledgable and can answer for sure.

best case - $2 valve stem
worst case - $70 tpms + $10-$20 installation fee

The item to look for would be a valve core. I'm a bit out of date on what parts cost, but it should be something like $2 for a set of four. You can get them at any auto parts or bicycle store. To put it in, you can get fancy and look for the special tool, or just look for the kind of valve cap that has the tool built in. If you've got a bicycle, odds are you've got a replacement and the right kind of cap at hand.

Like ShellDude, I have not actually looked at the ones that are in the TPMS, but I'd be very surprised if it was not the standard kind.

Ken

someone removed the schrader valve core? is the pin there in the middle? if not then get one at the auto parts store and the tool for installing/removing.

http://www.nloc.net/photopost/data/6...-200-17707.jpg

http://www.parktool.com/images_inc/r...help/tube2.jpg

sounds like he has a jealous prankster playing tricks on him

here's a kinda cap ken is talking about above that has the core tool built on/in


http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA280_.jpg

Your flat-tire tool kit has a valve tool in it. New valves are dirt cheap (under $1). Regardless of whether or not there is one in that unit, now, I'd replace it and see it that does the trick. Odds are, either it's missing (I doubt it; you'd never get the cap on fast enough to keep air in there) or it's got a damaged seal on it.

They screw out/in just like any regular screw. Just keep in mind the factory one is made of plastic and isn't all that strong, so if it starts to bend on 'ya, stop using it and pickup a metal one at the autoparts store. It's really cheap, too; no worries.

yeah just use a wrench and take it off from the base of the wheel, and slap a new one on there and you should be good to go

i had a simalar problem when the guy that mounted my tires forgot to tighten the valve down all the way, all it took was a wrench instead of a new tire which was nice

As others have cited, it appears somehow the valve itself was removed.

The 'tire inflator kit' comes with a tool. In fact the manual recommends removal of the valve during the process of injecting the sealant goop in repairing a flat, so it's fairly straightforward to remove and replace.

btw: I'm not advocating applying the sealant; just making a point of tool availability and ease of valve replacement.

I'm really kind of surprised that a valve cap would seal well enough to keep the tire inflated when the valve core is missing. That would be a wicked blast of air; how did you even get the cap back on!! :lol2:

In any case, if your subject to pranksters or maybe just want to dress up the wheel, have a look here once you fix your valve core problem:

http://www.ricks2k.com/products/spincapschromies.php

http://www.ricks2k.com/products/imag...s/spincaps.jpg

These caps look great and are theft-resistant. I got some because any time I put on nice caps, some kids would steal them for their bikes.

One thing to keep in mind -- Mazda issued a bulletin advising plastic caps only, nothing with metal threads. That's because the valves on this car are unusual in that they don't have brass threads, and the whole valve stem is metal. Caps with brass threads can seize making removal difficult.

That being said, I've had great success with the spincaps for a couple of years now. Just a smidge of anti-seize compound on the valve threads has kept everything happy. If you get them, make sure to use anti-seize and don't overdo the tightening. Finger-tight with the tool is plenty; don't use the keyring as a lever.

Waay cool. Locking wheel lugs and now locking valve stem caps. Nice!

I thought it was that simple but I went by my tire store Saturday and they said it wasn't.

They must have been wanting some easy money.

I'll get some Monkey Grip valve cores and the installation tool and get busy.

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/pro...goryCode=3186A

I couldn't believe the cap held the pressure that well but it did.

The car was used and the TPMS light came on in our first week of ownership.

The car went into the shop the next day to replace the rear turn signal.

The service guy put some air in the tire at that time.

Two months later it's down again.

That's a good valve cap!!!

Thanks guys.