Valve stem only Ford can replace??

[2003 Centennial]

Hello, So I noticed recently that on my 2003 Explorer Centenial 4.6L that two tires were losing pressure slowly Used soap to diagnose.... and the valve stem core, where the air goes in, blew big bubbles on both. Took wheels with mounted tires to Tire Discounters and they cannot legally fix due to needing dealer supplied TPMS that is connected to these valve stem cores. Does this sound correct? They said it was illegal to replace these and I would have a TPMS light on forever unless I went to dealer. Is this something dealer can readily fix, or are parts even in stock usually or they would need to order parts? Seems silly that I cannot get a simple valve stem issue fixed without going to dealer, but who knows. I am not cheaping out and will not have the car with TPMS lights on so want it fixed right, so looking for the full and correct fix. Also, I have Ford Mobile coming to house this week to do 2023 Maverick recall update, is this TPMS thing something they may do here as well? I will call the dealer on all of this but your input is appreciated. Thank you all in advance. Has been an awesome place here in the past for help! Great site!!

 

[BKennedy]

I'm 99% sure the valve cores in your explorer are standard. You can purchase aftermarket TPMS sensors for your year vehicle. I would first attempt to tighten the cores, then remove them and clean them up as they normally don't fail. If they are still leaking, then I would order a pack of cores off Amazon and replace all four.

Some Ford rims use a valve stem mounted sensor, some use a sensor that is strapped to the center of the wheel.

The strap type are not normally replaced with new tires, but only when they fail. The stem type should be replaced with new tires.

My thoughts are the salesperson you dealt was misguided or didn't want to deal with it.

 

[1sicbronconut]

They were feeding you a line of B.S, I'd just have someone replace all 4 with an aftermarket set you just need to make sure the new ones are the same frequency. I actually run the mobile repair service for my dealership (35+ years as a tech) I just do light work like the module programming on your Maverick, but some dealerships do more service work as well like tires and oil changes.

 

[J_C]

Hello, So I noticed recently that on my 2003 Explorer Centenial 4.6L that two tires were losing pressure slowly Used soap to diagnose.... and the valve stem core, where the air goes in, blew big bubbles on both. Took wheels with mounted tires to Tire Discounters and they cannot legally fix due to needing dealer supplied TPMS that is connected to these valve stem cores. Does this sound correct? They said it was illegal to replace these and I would have a TPMS light on forever unless I went to dealer. Is this something dealer can readily fix, or are parts even in stock usually or they would need to order parts? Seems silly that I cannot get a simple valve stem issue fixed without going to dealer, but who knows. I am not cheaping out and will not have the car with TPMS lights on so want it fixed right, so looking for the full and correct fix. Also, I have Ford Mobile coming to house this week to do 2023 Maverick recall update, is this TPMS thing something they may do here as well? I will call the dealer on all of this but your input is appreciated. Thank you all in advance. Has been an awesome place here in the past for help! Great site!!

Just get some yourself off Rock Auto, will be cheaper than the middleman markup at a shop or tire store.

It is not illegal at all, they were feeding you a load of nonsense. Yes it is easy for any tire shop to fix, just replace the stem, or if it has been say 10-ish years or more since the sensor on it has been replaced, then replace the whole TPMS sensor module as the batteries may be worn out by now which is typically why you would have a TPMS light on, if it stays on once they are inflated to the right PSI range.

You just take the tire off, unscrew the old sensor, pull the old stem out, put in the new stem, and sensor if old like I mentioned above. It's no different than replacing the valve stem with a new set of tires, except then the vehicle needs to learn the new sensors and IDK what is required for that on an '03. I would recommend getting pre-programmed sensors, though some people opt for clone type to avoid having the vehicle relearn them.

 

[Stynx]

Find a better tire shop.

 

[1sicbronconut]

Just get some yourself off Rock Auto, will be cheaper than the middleman markup at a shop or tire store.

It is not illegal at all, they were feeding you a load of nonsense. Yes it is easy for any tire shop to fix, just replace the stem, or if it has been say 10-ish years or more since the sensor on it has been replaced, then replace the whole TPMS sensor module as the batteries may be worn out by now which is typically why you would have a TPMS light on, if it stays on once they are inflated to the right PSI range.

You just take the tire off, unscrew the old sensor, pull the old stem out, put in the new stem, and sensor if old like I mentioned above. It's no different than replacing the valve stem with a new set of tires, except then the vehicle needs to learn the new sensors and IDK what is required for that on an '03. I would recommend getting pre-programmed sensors, though some people opt for clone type to avoid having the vehicle relearn them.

You don't even have to dismount the tire, just need to break the outer bead then you can reach in and change the sensor. If a person really wanted to you could DIY this at home, various methods can be found on youtube.

 

[2003 Centennial]

I appreciate all the help!! As always, this is a great place for any assistance and this site has been wonderful. Will make long story as short in hopes that it helps others... Anyway, Discount Tire fixed me right up with new valve stems and TPMS on those for $184 for both tires. They took about 30 minutes to do this and program the TPMS. The Tire Low alert went away after driving for 10 miles. All good. So I'm a Discount Tire customer now and never again Tire Discounters customer. Those *******s are the ones that I had do my new tires back in April, and when the valve stems were now going bad they said Ford had to fix them. Anyone know if when I got my tires all replaced in April if they should have honored my recent valve stem problem? Because they sent me away and said Ford could only do it, which was not true. Discount Tire, almost next door, took care of me. Tire Discounters did not want to mess with it, is my take, and if it was on their dime from my four wheel tire replacement, then I might have words with them for turning me away for something I was entitled to on their lack of stem replacement when they did my new tires in April or faulty warrantied stems. Thanks!!!

 

[410Fortune]

Illegal hahaha I love it he’s gonna get arrested if he changes your Valve stems oh brother

 

[BKennedy]

"Tire Discounters" sounds like their business model is hoping to get people in there who think they are going to "Discount Tire".

Most tire stores recommend replacing the valve stems and stems on TPMS when you replace the tires.

 

[1sicbronconut]

The dealership I work for replaces valves stems on all the tires we install, it's cheap insurance considering the cost of new tires.

 

[J_C]

Those *******s are the ones that I had do my new tires back in April, and when the valve stems were now going bad they said Ford had to fix them. Anyone know if when I got my tires all replaced in April if they should have honored my recent valve stem problem? Because they sent me away and said Ford could only do it, which was not true. Discount Tire, almost next door, took care of me. Tire Discounters did not want to mess with it, is my take, and if it was on their dime from my four wheel tire replacement, then I might have words with them for turning me away for something I was entitled to on their lack of stem replacement when they did my new tires in April or faulty warrantied stems. Thanks!!!

Normally a tire package includes mounting, balancing, and STEMS. I suppose in some bizarro world, they'd substract the cost of stems but otherwise should have put new stems on even if reusing the same TPMS module screwed to it.

If they charged you for stems then didn't replace them, they should cover new stems including labor to do it now, but not so much pay for the new TPMS modules themselves. If they charged for stems and DID replace them, then it would be good customer service to make this right by fixing the problem for free, but technically speaking I doubt they are obligated to do so as even the extra road hazard warranty that shops sell, normally doesn't cover valve stems.

However I just remembered that Tire Discounters bundles things a bit differently with their "out the door and more" where they seem to throw in a lot of things "free" and it includes:

Out the Door with More®!

What's the More?
With ANY 4-tire installation you get:
(based on taking care of your typical 60K mile tires)
Mounting and Balancing – up to $159.96 pending wheel diameter
Lifetime Rotation – $299.90
Lifetime Balancing – $449.90
Lifetime Tire Pressure Adjustments - $16
Rubber Valve Stems - $8
Tire Repair** - $140

Seems to me that this gives you a fair argument to get all but the cost of the TPMS modules themselves covered, whether it is the stems they list, or tire repair, or even "Lifetime Tire Pressure Adjustments" since they would have to inflate your tire(s) constantly due to leaking.

I'm not sure how I would handle it because if you have all the above lifetime services, but don't trust the shop that is supposed to fulfill them, so you want another shop to service this set of tires if needed, then you're really out more than just the cost of the valve stem as those "free" services were baked into the price of the tires. That is assuming the Out The Door With More package comes with all 4 tire installation packages and isn't a next-tier service that would have to be paid more for, and then whether you did.

 

[2003 Centennial]

Thanks all!! Like most of you, been busy lately. Appreciate everyone. Sorry for late reply. Out the door with more. Not! I'm off work this weekend and will take it up with Tire Discounters on their lack of service and sending me away. Happy Thanksgiving in the meantime! This is a great place for help.