TPMS Sensors Stuck on the Valve Stems

[Carl Hansen]

Greetings!

I need to remove the TPMS transmitters to inflate the tires but I can't get them off.  The little wrench they supplied does not do the trick.  Any other suggestions?

Carl

[Mike and Carol]

What brand TPMS?

[Rivernerd]

35 minutes ago, Carl Hansen said:

The little wrench they supplied does not do the trick.  Any other suggestions?

My Tire Minder TPMS sensors come with a nut that is tightened by the little wrench.  If you try to unscrew the TPMS sensors without first loosening the nut with the little wrench and then spinning the nut toward the wheel, the TPMS sensors will not budge.  This is a theft-deterrent measure--Tire Minder figures a casual thief won't have one of the little wrenches, but you will keep the one they supplied.

If yours are Tire Minders, try loosening the nut first, then spinning it toward the wheel.  A Tire Minder TPMS sensor will then twist off with just counterclockwise hand pressure.

[topgun2]

Carl - 

Another thing that you can try is to press down (towards the tire) on the TPMS while at the same time turning the TPMS anti-clockwise (lefty loosey).  If the sensors aren't on too tight this just might work without that little wrench.

One more - Hold the main body of your TPMS in your left hand and use your right hand to try to twist the very top of the TPMS (again anti-clockwise).  Again, if the top isn't screwed on too tight, it just might come off without that little wrench.

And, finally - if you have either a thin head adjustable wrench or a thin pair of pliers, you can use those in place of the little wrench.  Be a bit careful doing this in that you certainly do not want to bugger up the relatively soft plastic that these TPMS housings are made out of.

Bill

[Carl Hansen]

I have the TST system. I will take these suggestions and give them a try. 
 

Thanks!

[Mike and Carol]

If you have the TST you are saying that the wrench won’t loosen the sensor?  Have you tried using pliers on the wrench for a little more leverage?  I’ve never had mine stuck before.  Mike

[dewdev]

I find that I need to hold the bottom of the little wrench to hold it tightly on the nut that needs to loosen. 

Works for me.

[Patriot]

I have the TST system as well and have never experienced any issues. A call to their customer service might be in order.

Hope you get it resolved.

Patriot🇺🇸

[Carl Hansen]

I got it sorted out!  Some WD40 helped loosen the threads and an adjustable wrench on the base was the magic combination.  Without the adjustable wrench, the entire air valve was spinning in place.  The wrench on the base of the transmitter held everything in place while I used the TST wrench to loosen the locking nut.   All is well and thanks to everyone who helped on this one.

 

 

[Geronimo John]

You may want to reach out to the mfg of your TPS.  I bet they would love to hear your story and would send you the wrench.  

GJ