TPMS Monitor questions

[chargerdon]

I own a 2008 Chrysler Sebring convertible which i bought used.   When i got it the "advanced" TPMS monitor system showed the left front as inoperable.   Looking at it the TPMS monitor was missing from that wheel and had a standard valve instead.   The other three worked.

Then I bought a new set of tires for it and the tire dealer broke the stem on another wheel and didnt have the proper replacement.   So now down to two wheels working.  Tire dealer gave me the old broken monitor and said that if i could get replacements they would put them in for free.       

CHecked with my local Dodge dealership and they basically want $125 for each wheel for sensors, install and set.  $250 is ridiculous.
Found identical part number (PMS OEM 56053030AC 315 MHz) NEW on ebay for $16 each and so i bought them.   They came in and i brought to the tire dealer and they installed free, but, they said their scanner didn't work on them.   

Then went to Pep boys who advertised they could set them, but they did not register on their scanner...the original two that work, their scanner would recognize.   So he thought they were defective.   Then went to a Good Year dealer and they checked and same results.  I.E their scan tool would NOT pick them up, but again, their scan tool did work on the two originals that work on the car.

So, contacted the ebay seller, and they gave a full refund without having to mail back the old monitors. 

Now i can buy more on ebay from a different seller, but, i'm wondering if they HAVE to be brought to a Dodge dealer to "activate" them or if simply mine were defective.   Interestingly, the TPMS had the identical markings..ie..   DiamlerChrysler and Mitsubishi Motors...  Now i know that Diamler owned Chrysler and Chrysler used to own a part of Mitsubishi...but...no more.. Diamler sold Chrysler back in 2007... so..if these Identical "new" TPMS were made back then the batteries in them could simply be dead?    Or do I need to get any i buy off ebay "activated" at a Dodge dealership?   

Anybody have

[RUNCHARGER]

Can you just do without them or is the display particularily annoying? I hate the darn things, I like to air down my tires a touch in winter and the darn flashing really ticks me off so I have to run the tires rock hard and lose traction or put up with the display. I would rather not have them at all.
I am betting you will just be getting another set of what you got the first time.

[Chryco Psycho]

I know Rock Auto sells the part , I have not checked the price there but we have a discount using the Ebodiesforum code ,
I have not had them activated by a dealer but it should be a few minutes to do it , helps if you have good friends at the dealership !!

[Shane Kelley]

I run a Collision Center and have never had any luck out of so called "replacement" TPMS stems. I have tried several brands on different makes and models. Only the factory ones seem to respond to programming. 

[chargerdon]

Shane...the ones i bought were "new OEM" with matching part numbers, but, two different tire stores could NOT read them but could read the originals on the car.   So, do you in your experience believe these were defective or that only a dealer can activate them??   

[Roadman]

            Best bet   https://www.ebay.com/itm/Chrome-Pencil-Tire-Air-Pressure-Gauge-10-100-PSI-Tool-for-Auto-Car-Truck-Bicycle/351595540700?epid=1525197581&hash=item51dcba30dc:g:EIoAAOxyjxlTK0uK&vxp=mtr   screw that electronic crap.   

[Shane Kelley]

Shane...the ones i bought were "new OEM" with matching part numbers, but, two different tire stores could NOT read them but could read the originals on the car.   So, do you in your experience believe these were defective or that only a dealer can activate them??

I have never had a issue with OEM ones. But I always have the dealer programm them.  The aftermarket tools the tire dealers have are hit and miss.  That's why we never bought one for the shop. I bet the dealer can get you fixed up.

[Chryco Psycho]

the problem with not running them is you cannot turn off the warning light & alarm on the dash

[dodj]

the problem with not running them is you cannot turn off the warning light & alarm on the dash

A little piece of black tape fixes the display.

I've never found TPMS to be of any benefit.

[73440]