[SnowItch]

I like changing my own oil and doing a tire rotation at the same time.

With my Equinox, there is a setting in the software that allows me to reset the sensors when I change from summer to winter tires. Essentially, it brings up a screen and when I push the check box the horn beeps twice. I either inflate or deflate the tires until the horn beeps and then move onto the next tire. When I complete the last tire (and if the system recognizes the new sensors), the horn beeps twice again. Generally, I over-inflate the tires so that I can deflate them to get the system to recognize the new sensor.

Silly me, I thought all car manufacturers would have picked up on doing something similar. Unfortunately, I understand that with Nissan and Infiniti that a 'tool' is required to do this.

I was looking through the service manual (you can download one for under $30) and they recommend a tool that is about $250. That was too expensive, so I started searching for alternatives.

I found this on Amazon:

Amazon.com: OTC 3831 Tire Pressure Reset Tool for Nissan: Automotive

Has anybody had experience with this device? Sure is a lot cheaper and I'd pick one up if I new it worked.

They also have this one which seems a little more professional:

ATEQ QuickSet TPMS Reset Tool : Amazon.com : Automotive

With either tool they would pay for themselves in a hurry vice taking it to a dealer for tire rotation.

Any thoughts?

 

[daboz]

Owner's manual instructions on Tire Inflation Indicator

Check the Owner's Manual 5-7 (or there about) Hope it helps -

TPMS with Tire Inflation Indicator
When adding air to an under-inflated tire,
the TPMS with Tire Inflation Indicator
provides visual and audible signals outside the vehicle to help you inflate the tires
to the recommended COLD tire pressure.
Vehicle set-up:
1. Park the vehicle in a safe and level
place.
2. Apply the parking brake and place the
shift lever in the P (Park) position.
3. Place the ignition switch in the ON
position. Do not start the engine.
Operation:
1. Add air to the tire.
2. After a few seconds, the hazard indicators will start flashing.
3. When the designated pressure is
reached, the horn beeps once and the
hazard indicators stop flashing.
4. Perform the above steps for each tire.
. If the tire is over-inflated more than
approximately 4 psi (30 kPa), the horn
beeps and the hazard indicators flash 3
times. To correct the pressure, push the
core of the valve stem on the tire briefly
to release pressure. When the pressure
reaches the designated pressure, the
horn beeps once.
. If the hazard indicator does not flash
within approximately 15 seconds after
starting to inflate the tire, it indicates
that the Tire Inflation Indicator is not
operating.
. The TPMS will not activate the Tire
Inflation Indicator under the following
conditions:
—If there is interference from an
external device or transmitter
—The air pressure from the inflation
device such as those using a power
socket is not sufficient to inflate the
tire

 

[equetefue]

nice treat... didn't know we had this feature in our cars

 

[SnowItch]

Check the Owner's Manual 5-7 (or there about) Hope it helps -

TPMS with Tire Inflation Indicator
When adding air to an under-inflated tire,
the TPMS with Tire Inflation Indicator
provides visual and audible signals outside the vehicle to help you inflate the tires
to the recommended COLD tire pressure.
Vehicle set-up:
1. Park the vehicle in a safe and level
place.
2. Apply the parking brake and place the
shift lever in the P (Park) position.
3. Place the ignition switch in the ON
position. Do not start the engine.
Operation:
1. Add air to the tire.
2. After a few seconds, the hazard indicators will start flashing.
3. When the designated pressure is
reached, the horn beeps once and the
hazard indicators stop flashing.
4. Perform the above steps for each tire.
. If the tire is over-inflated more than
approximately 4 psi (30 kPa), the horn
beeps and the hazard indicators flash 3
times. To correct the pressure, push the
core of the valve stem on the tire briefly
to release pressure. When the pressure
reaches the designated pressure, the
horn beeps once.
. If the hazard indicator does not flash
within approximately 15 seconds after
starting to inflate the tire, it indicates
that the Tire Inflation Indicator is not
operating.
. The TPMS will not activate the Tire
Inflation Indicator under the following
conditions:
—If there is interference from an
external device or transmitter
—The air pressure from the inflation
device such as those using a power
socket is not sufficient to inflate the
tire

I read this, but I think this only applies to an aide for inflating your tires if you don't have an air gauge.

I don't think this will recognize new sensors if you have summer and winter tires or move them around while rotating of if you replace a sensor.

I hope I'm wrong. I'll try to move the tires around and see if it works.

 

[equetefue]

Hey "itch". When i got my rotations done on the M37s at the local firestone, i dont remember them fin-nicking with anything to get the tpms to work or get recognize.

This is a great question

 

[selzini]

Serious question - honest: Will this also work(get beeps and flash lights) if putting air in the tires with a hand pump(like one you'd fill a basketball or soccer ball with)? I've always added a few pounds of pressure to the tires in winter, since the pressure goes down in cold weather. Hey, it's good exercise. I guess I'll have to follow these directions to find out for myself.

 

[SnowItch]

Hey "itch". When i got my rotations done on the M37s at the local firestone, i dont remember them fin-nicking with anything to get the tpms to work or get recognize.

This is a great question

Thanks. That's interesting. From what I've read, the tools that the auto shops have isn't fin-niky The devices the tire shops have cost over a thousand dollars and are hassle free.

From what I've read the consumer versions are a hassle. The more expensive device that I linked to can only be used to manage 4 cars.

The more I looked at the manual and read the comments on Amazon, I'm convinced that the procedure above doesn't allow you to rotate/change tires - I believe that it is only a tool to help when you are filling your tires and you don't have a tire gauge (or are using the usual totally inaccurate gas station gauge).

I am going to try and rotate the tires and see if they will automatically adjust. I don't think they will, but it is worth a try.

 

[SnowItch]

I called my dealer's service department.

He said that the TPMS has to be reset with a tool.

He also said that if I wanted to rotate my tires that I could bring it in and they would reset the sensors. Not too much of a hassle, but I think I'd rather have the tool to do it myself.

 

[cvipgo]

Tires with original TPSMs can be rotated without resteting TPSMs.
Who ever is telling you otherwise is blowing air up urs.

 

[djohnson]

Anyone try this yet?
How-to: Reset TPMS with a Paper Clip - Second Generation Nissan Xterra Forums (2005+)

Similar info here: http://m.myg37.com/forums/showthread.php?t=207490&styleid=52

 

[SnowItch]

Tires with original TPSMs can be rotated without restating TPSMs.
Who ever is telling you otherwise is blowing air up urs.

Well heck, I hope you are right.

Everything I've read tells me differently, but I'll try it tomorrow.

I'll post my results either way.

Thanks!

 

[cvipgo]

Well heck, I hope you are right.

Everything I've read tells me differently, but I'll try it tomorrow.

I'll post my results either way.

Thanks!

great but
Nothing in Maintenance sections of maintenance book (page 11) or ESM (section MA36) mentions about resetting of TPSMs.

 

[SnowItch]

great but
Nothing in Maintenance sections of maintenance book (page 11) or ESM (section MA36) mentions about resetting of TPSMs.

According to the service manual (page MA-37) it details rotating the tires (front to back and vice-versa only) and then it states:

Perform the ID registration, after tire rotation

I go to that section, and it states that you have to use the tool.

The searches I've done on the Internet seem to vary based on the year and model on whether you need the tool or if you can drive it over a certain speed for a certain distance and they will reset themselves.

In most instances, they specifically state that the process of recognizing the sensors can be sped up if you use the tool (which alleviates the need to drive some distance).

Basically, the Q50 is too new to get a definitive answer.

 

[Klamalama]

I've never bothered with rotating tires, except while driving. Why bother? If one axle wears before the other, just buy two tires.

 

[SnowItch]

Why bother?

I've always had better luck rotating and buying 4 at a time. I find that they wear longer.

Why Rotate Your Tires?

Front and rear tires wear differently. For example, the front tires carry more than 60% of your car’s weight; consequently, front tires wear down faster than the rear ones. Also, turning wears the front tires at different rates. In America, we generally take left turns faster than we do right turns. This puts more load on the right front tire which results in the right tire wearing faster than your left. After thousands of miles of driving, you end up with uneven tread wear.

Rotating tires equalizes these natural wear patterns by changing the positions of your tires. By rotating your tires regularly, you’ll ensure yourself a smoother and safer ride. And more importantly (for me at least) you’ll save money in the long run by extending the life of your tires.

Oh, and it feels manly to flip tires around, too.

Rotation Pattern: Directional or Non-directional Tires?


Before we start loosening those lug nuts, we need to know what pattern we’re going to use to rotate our tires. The way you rotate your tires depends on a few factors, the biggest one being whether your car has directional or non-directional tires.

How to Rotate Directional Tires. Directional tires have a “one-way” tread pattern that are optimized for the direction the tires rotate on the car, so they’re specifically made for either the left or right side. The grooves are angled to optimize handling, and they also do a good job of channeling water out from under the tire on wet surfaces, reducing hydroplaning and improving wet traction.

Little arrows or triangles on the sidewall indicate which way the tire is supposed to turn.

I haven't checked, but I believe the tires on the Q50 are directional.

You know, that does beg a question. I believe that rotating the tires does extend the life of the tire. The question would be if it extends it enough to pay for the cost of the tire rotations? Even if it didn't pay for the return on the investment, I would probably continue to do it to maintain a smoother ride.

 

[cvipgo]

According to the service manual (page MA-37) it details rotating the tires (front to back and vice-versa only) and then it states:

I go to that section, and it states that you have to use the tool.

The searches I've done on the Internet seem to vary based on the year and model on whether you need the tool or if you can drive it over a certain speed for a certain distance and they will reset themselves.

In most instances, they specifically state that the process of recognizing the sensors can be sped up if you use the tool (which alleviates the need to drive some distance).

Basically, the Q50 is too new to get a definitive answer.

TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR ID REGISTRATION
Description INFOID:0000000009729073
This procedure must be performed:
• after replacement of a tire pressure sensor or BCM.

 

[SnowItch]

TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR ID REGISTRATION
Description INFOID:0000000009729073
This procedure must be performed:
• after replacement of a tire pressure sensor or BCM.

and again, I hope you are right. The documentation is confusing.

The dealer did my 1st oil change gratis, but they didn't rotate the tires. I'll rotate the tires tomorrow and see if it auto-detects after I drive around for a while.

 

[StevetheTech]

I like changing my own oil and doing a tire rotation at the same time.

Any thoughts?

Yes....If you know where I can find that tool referenced in the manual for a reasonable price please do share...I have been in the market for my own for a long time. Most of the products on the market within a reasonable price bracket are indeed more frustrating than useful, and compatibility with Nissans is hit or miss.

Are you talking about resetting after rotation or swapping on winter wheels?

After a rotation you shouldn't have to reset anything. The ikey antennas can triangulate tire position more accurately than previous systems.

Swapping wheels is another thing entirely, for that you will need to seek help. The serial number is registered in the body control module and most generic tire shop tools will not properly activate these systems. Even the ones that will work for Nissans TPM systems will probably not work with a 2014 model without an update.

Recently I mounted a set of wheels and tires with new tire monitors (theft). The tire sensors are totally unique to this car, they actually flex to prevent breakage during tire installation. It is probably to due to the fact it is the first Infiniti to use run flats.

I'm sure this has been mentioned already but I really like this feature. If you fill the tires with the key on the ON or RUN position the horn will honk once when you hit ~33psi (+-~.5 psi). If you continue to inflate the tire it will honk two or three times when you exceed a reasonable limit (I've never tested it). It is one of those neat little Nissan safety features like MOD, simple and functional. You would be surprised how many tires I see with dangerous amounts of air in them. (no joke the highest I have ever seen is 112psi)

 

[SnowItch]

After a rotation you shouldn't have to reset anything. The ikey antennas can triangulate tire position more accurately than previous systems.

Thank you. I will rotate the tires and report back tomorrow.

 

[StevetheTech]

I've never bothered with rotating tires, except while driving. Why bother? If one axle wears before the other, just buy two tires.

I do not want to start this classic maintenance debate in this thread, by all means do whatever you feel is best. Like most cars with a suspension geometry similar to this car (quite a few previous Infinitis) tend to wear tires in a way that will make noise and effect ride quality around 60% tread wear. If you are like me and replace tires at about 65-70% of tread wear it is not a huge issue. If you are one of the get your money's worth folk regular rotations are the way to go.

Anyone try this yet?

That just access and erases any stored faults in the bcm memory. The way the computer is programmed the factory tool access a submenu function that puts the computer into program mode.

Most steady ON TPM lights are caused by tire pressures slightly below 28 psi (especially this time of the year). In that case resetting the pressure to 33-35 and driving it will register the correction in the computer and put the fault change to a past state and the light will go off.

If the light is flashing the fault is more significant and will most likely require at least a sensor. If there is a fault for a low battery voltage signal it is pretty cut and dry...the sensor has low battery voltage.

According to the service manual (page MA-37) it details rotating the tires (front to back and vice-versa only) and then it states:

I go to that section, and it states that you have to use the tool.

The searches I've done on the Internet seem to vary based on the year and model on whether you need the tool or if you can drive it over a certain speed for a certain distance and they will reset themselves.

In most instances, they specifically state that the process of recognizing the sensors can be sped up if you use the tool (which alleviates the need to drive some distance).

Basically, the Q50 is too new to get a definitive answer.

The book always says that. The systems have typically picked up automatically...except the one time they wrote in the book that is should and didn't.

The Q seems very quick to recognize change in tire pressure and most of the time it seems to clear faults quickly. I do not know that I would commit to a registration tool... unless you really need to.

I've always had better luck rotating and buying 4 at a time. I find that they wear longer.

I haven't checked, but I believe the tires on the Q50 are directional.

You know, that does beg a question. I believe that rotating the tires does extend the life of the tire. The question would be if it extends it enough to pay for the cost of the tire rotations? Even if it didn't pay for the return on the investment, I would probably continue to do it to maintain a smoother ride.

The 5K interval for oil and tires works well, personally I think it is a good compromise. 7500 was too long for tires and 3750 was too short for oil life. I've been doing it for a while now and have great luck. I replace tires early and require them to wear perfectly though. I take road noise and visible tire wear personally so even if there is no actual merit to early and often rotations I will continue to do it...that's the same reason I only use ester oil.

None of the Q50 tires are directional.