Tire installers can't get it right!

[wn1998]

After shopping around, I got a great deal on Cooper CS4's at a local chain tire shop near my house.

I had them installed last Thursday and when my wife went to work (Friday morning) the tire pressure light was on. We took the (Nissan Versa) into the shop after work and they said they just had to reset the TPMS. We were there for 20 minutes.

Saturday morning, the TPMS light was on again. I brought it in and had to wait 1.5 hours. I was told it was a loose TPMS sensor and they were very sorry and they threw in a free oil change coupon.

Well today is Sunday and after starting the car this morning, the [censored] TPMS light is on again! REALLY? They told me they checked the tires for any punctures and checked all of the sensors!

I'm a pretty laid back guy, but this is really getting me mad. Especially because they said they checked "everything"! They are closed today so I have to wait until Monday.

The tires have maybe 30 miles on them and half of those are to and from the shop!

 

[jorton]

Do you have a slow leak? If so, your retailer may be using defective valve stems.

Do you have a TP gage? Are all of your tires a little low? Maybe their gage is off.

 

[Falken]

Maybe they broke a sensor when breaking the bead on the tires by breaking the bead at the valve stem?

Now they just don't want to admit it as sensors are expensive to replace...

I honestly don't feel there is a need for TPMS. The sensors are expensive when you should check and fill your tires only once a month anyway.

 

[Astro14]

First, check pressure to see if the warning is valid.

Second, many of these systems have to "relearn" if the sensors (wheels) are moved to a different position on the car. That's likely what's going on with yours...

But first, check the ACTUAL pressure.

 

[Rand]

Originally Posted By: Astro14
First, check pressure to see if the warning is valid.

Second, many of these systems have to "relearn" if the sensors (wheels) are moved to a different position on the car. That's likely what's going on with yours...

But first, check the ACTUAL pressure.


the majority I've owned are dumb sensors they dont care where they are.

most likely they broke a sensor.

which tpms light is coming on the low pressure light or the system fault light?

 

[Boomer]

I learned with my Frontier that the Nissan TPMS sensors are very easy to damage. If you need to get it replaced, it will be well over $100.

 

[ABerns]

Yeah, I would think your first step is to decide if the tires really are low on air. Don't trust the tire shop to tell you what is wrong, especially considering how incredibly easy it is to check yourself.

Find out if the tires are leaking or if the sensors are damaged. Then go in to the tire shop knowing what you want -- new sensor, new tires, etc.

 

[Indydriver]

Check your owner's manual for the TPMS reset procedure.

 

[The_Jeff]

As said, they broke a sensor. Get on them, like really on them. If your receipt has a corporate phone number call that. Take names of the installer, service writer, and manager on duty. Write them down right there. In fact call the corporate number from your cell phone from the tire shop.

If you are told it will reset in 15 miles, write that down, along with who told you that, then return in 15 miles. Etc etc.

You may also want to hit a nissan dealer. Get an estimate to fix it right then tell the tire dealer they have one more chance to make it right or you'll be charging back that amount with your credit card.

 

[NHGUY]

I would suggest a vehicle made before TPMS became law,or standard equipment.This is an issue that will haunt owners for the entire lives of the vehicles that have them.Thanks to the Ford Explorer/Firestone debacle....the feds thinking they know best for the safety of all motorists.

 

[bourne]

gtfo of your high horses. Tire shops HATE breaking TPMS sensors. Not only that , they are usually pretty careful with them. That sensor in that car and its battery are over 4 years old. Avg life of a sensor can be anywhere between 3-6 years depending on the make model and driving conditions.

I understand people have problems with shops but the general forum opinion that shops are there to screw you over is just plain dumb. There are so MANY owners/operators and employees from those locations that are members here. You think they are all idiots to just trash everyone's car that comes in through the door.

And to the OP , im sorry but you just proved why its called an idiot light. You can get an accurate air gauge for 99 cents at the parts store, try using it instead of staring at the light on your dashboard. Maybe it isnt the shops fault. Even if it wasnt seems like they are trying to work with you on it. Not everyone's schedule is the same as yours, your free time might be their busiest time. They already helped you get a lower price, and finally they won you over as a customer. Why would they deliberately do something to push you away ??? And they are giving you a free oil change too ...... wow they really dont care do they ?? 0_o

And to everyone who sat their and typed "the shop broke your sensor" ............ can you teach me this new type of skill you have where you can see something not near you and make a diagnostic ?? Cause it will really help me with my daily job!

 

[demarpaint]

Don't feel bad, Mavis Tire smashed 4 center caps in order to balance a set of 4 tires I bought from them. I was inside talking with someone waiting and glanced over and caught the moron, unfortunately he was already on the 4th wheel. When I asked for an explanation he said he couldn't get them out. I said why didn't you tell me, I got the typical dumb look when someone doesn't have an answer. The manager got involved and I kept my cool. I told him was going to pay on a credit card and dispute it. I called the CC company while still at Mavis tire. I came out ahead on the deal, and will NEVER do business with Mavis again.

 

[shell_user]

The proper thing to do is as bourne said to do is to check the tire psi in your tires. Some of the nissans at my work the TPMS Light wont go out until you drive the vehicle some. We have 2 re learning tools also. I have saw some dumb people that are too lazy to watch their tire psi, or have a tire they dont want to fix and put "fix a flat" in the tire. THIS RUINS the TPMS sensor, trust me I have dealt with it a lot at my work and it SUCKS. I hate to say this also, but this TPMS garbage was designed and thought up so lazy people would realise that their tire pressures were low. That is sad. I check my tires pressure every morning whether it needs it or not.

 

[bourne]

Originally Posted By: demarpaint
Don't feel bad, Mavis Tire smashed 4 center caps in order to balance a set of 4 tires I bought from them. I was inside talking with someone waiting and glanced over and caught the moron, unfortunately he was already on the 4th wheel. When I asked for an explanation he said he couldn't get them out. I said why didn't you tell me, I got the typical dumb look when someone doesn't have an answer. The manager got involved and I kept my cool. I told him was going to pay on a credit card and dispute it. I called the CC company while still at Mavis tire. I came out ahead on the deal, and will NEVER do business with Mavis again.


Or you could have had the shop replace them for free if they were willing. Either ways, you caught it in the act and were able to come ahead. Here, there is no proof it was the shops fault. We, in U.S., do generally believe in "innocent till proven guilty" lol. Hey if a shop is guilty and you have evidence, do what you have to do to get re-compensation. I would do the same. In fact I had Firestone install a new oil pan because they stripped my old one the last time. I had all the evidence, including notes from both the shops. They couldnt deny it.

Its the "assumption of fault" that irks me.

 

[Jarlaxle]

Originally Posted By: NHGUY
I would suggest a vehicle made before TPMS became law,or standard equipment.This is an issue that will haunt owners for the entire lives of the vehicles that have them.Thanks to the Ford Explorer/Firestone debacle....the feds thinking they know best for the safety of all motorists.


Electrical tape works well for this problem.

 

[demarpaint]

Originally Posted By: bourne
Originally Posted By: demarpaint
Don't feel bad, Mavis Tire smashed 4 center caps in order to balance a set of 4 tires I bought from them. I was inside talking with someone waiting and glanced over and caught the moron, unfortunately he was already on the 4th wheel. When I asked for an explanation he said he couldn't get them out. I said why didn't you tell me, I got the typical dumb look when someone doesn't have an answer. The manager got involved and I kept my cool. I told him was going to pay on a credit card and dispute it. I called the CC company while still at Mavis tire. I came out ahead on the deal, and will NEVER do business with Mavis again.


Or you could have had the shop replace them for free if they were willing. Either ways, you caught it in the act and were able to come ahead. Here, there is no proof it was the shops fault. We, in U.S., do generally believe in "innocent till proven guilty" lol. Hey if a shop is guilty and you have evidence, do what you have to do to get re-compensation. I would do the same. In fact I had Firestone install a new oil pan because they stripped my old one the last time. I had all the evidence, including notes from both the shops. They couldnt deny it.

Its the "assumption of fault" that irks me.


No assumption of fault, I caught them red handed. I would have been happy with a set of replacement caps, they didn't have them and offered me $25 off. I laughed at the manager, and said I'll settle it with the credit card company in a dispute. A few days later someone else from Mavis called wanting to know what was wrong since their money was frozen by the CC company. He thought $50 was going to do the trick, he was wrong. I settled for a $100 and got a set of caps off Ebay for a lot less. Maybe they'll teach their employees to act responsibly, professionally, and notify a customer of a potential problem next time, instead of smashing the [censored] out of someone's center caps.

 

[bourne]

Originally Posted By: demarpaint


No assumption of fault, I caught them red handed. I would have been happy with a set of replacement caps, they didn't have them and offered me $25 off. I laughed at the manager, and said I'll settle it with the credit card company in a dispute. A few days later someone else from Mavis called wanting to know what was wrong since their money was frozen by the CC company. He thought $50 was going to do the trick, he was wrong. I settled for a $100 and got a set of caps off Ebay for a lot less. Maybe they'll teach their employees to act responsibly, professionally, and notify a customer of a potential problem next time, instead of smashing the [censored] out of someone's center caps.



Lol yea that was dumb. All they had to do was call the dealer in front of you, order a set of four, get a delivery date and take care of it right then and there for you. Things are so easy and simply if you just dont over think it, but I guess they couldnt.

 

[Rand]

no need to be overly sensitive bourne.

we all know you are in the business.

The title should have read "MY tire installer cant get it right"

however the end result.. worked fine before does not work now...

means its likely the tire installer damaged something.

I ASSUMED that the TPMS fault light came on not the low pressure light. most cars have 2 different TPMS lights.

Its not rocket science. IF it worked before and does not work now someone broke something.

 

[The_Jeff]

I worked in a tire shop and TPMS was a touchy thing.

One tech had Tuesdays off and no matter what day it was, if someone complained about their TPMS, her crystal ball always said hey drive it until Tuesday, if it's not off by then we'll take a look.

 

[97tbird]

I totally undersatand: Here's a copy of the latest review I wrote for my tire Installer - (Firestone):

Quote:
10/12 - I have had 3 experiences with this installer:

1. when the TPMS light in my BMW came on and I couldnt figure out why. I took the car here for a state inspection and asked them to take a special look at the THAT tire that was losing air to see if one of them had a leak/damage.
They completed the inspection and told me that they put air in that tire but didn't find any leak/damage on that tire. overall good experience...but read on:

So after a few more days the TPMS came on AGAIN; This time I and my wife inspected the tire and FOUND A NAIL which has caused the leak all along. Remember that the techs never found this. By then the damage was caused and when I took the car back to see if the tire can be patched i was told that it was damaged beyond patching so i have to get a new tire. that was the 2nd experience. They didn't (correctly so) charge anything.

However I noticed that the original metal OEM stem cap was replaced with a different metal one but no big deal as it was still metal. I never mentioned it.

3rd time: ordered the tire through Tire Rack and went to get it installed. Good service got it put on quickly. however AGAIN after coming home I saw that now the METAL stem cap was gone and there is a RUBBER stem cap on that new tire now...

I am not saying this is a BIG deal but kinda strange - why cant they just use the same stem cap that was on the car to begin with? what do they gain by swapping it out for a cheap rubber one? anyway that's not the main point BUT:

It does bother me a bit that a TIRE service center didn't spot a nail in a tire that i asked specifically to look at that was losing air pressure - and I not a tech or anything and my wife could find it with a bit of concentrated looking.

The inspection and the installation (despite the stem cap fiasco) went very well. but Cant forget the leaking tire/nail incident.

Therefore I rate this place 7/10 for now.


And now get this: I told them to set tire pressures accordin to the the OEM specs: Front 32, Rear 38.

Drove the car for the 1st time yesterday after installing the new REAR tire: guess what: TPMS came on AGAIN!!!!
checked the pressures on tires: here's what I found:
FRONT 32-ish (ok)
REARS: the OLD rear 39 (ok)
the NEW rear tire that THEY installed: 31.5 !!!!!

So got out my newly acquired Vaire pP85 pump and the 12 v battery connector (I am paranoid to use the cig lighter and blw fuses) and pumped the NEW rear back up to 38 and reset the TPMS again...

I am pretty sure THEY didn't put the correct amount - OR what happened is the tire leaked 9 PSI or so in 2 days.... OR that tire valve stem is faulty OR it's because of the cheapo Rubber stem cap they put on....
OR my TPMS is faulty on that wheel (it is the old type TPMS that measures wheel spin speed and its differences) and it was a BIG coincidence that THAT tire was the one that got a nail...

New tire looks good - no damages visible...
We'll see how it goes...

Already ordered same type valve stem caps that I have on now...