Ok, Total newbie question. i have done a little bit of searching so hoping someone can give me a quick answer here.

I am not a honda owner,i have a few Aircooled VWs and a Datsun but My fiance owns an 08 Fit, base model.... but it does have the tire pressure modual. I bought her a set of snow tires (we live in NH so VERY snowy and her fit SUCKS in the snow) and, like all the cars i had in the past, I want to get a second set of rims for her car for the snows... a lot easer changing the rims and no tire machine needed every season.

Do I NEED to get the tire pressure module? will the light just always be on if I dont?

Anyone know of someone parting out a model with 14" steelies? I tried posting a wanted ad but I just made the account so I cant yet.

 

you dont NEED the sensors. with out them you will have a little amber TPMS light on all the time. Other then that nothing bad will happen.

 

well knowing her it may freak her out a little... I know that that getting them from a forum or other user is way cheaper, whats the going rate on here for a set?

 

You could buy the wheels and sensors from Tire Rack.

BUT


Don't Hondas require the dealer to "teach" the car to recognize the sensors? If that's true (I know it's true for CR-Vs) you would need a trip to the dealer each time you swapped.

Apparently Honda's TPMS system can only recognize one set of sensors at a time.


I'd just ignore the light myself.

 

TPMS is really a nanny system that just alerts the driver that a tire or *insert tire(s)* has dropped below a preset pressure and needs to be re-inflated. Not something that is "needed" since we've been living without it on the automobile for practically 100 years before it became mandatory but it isn't too bad of a system. Just a bit annoying when you have multiple sets of wheels or break a sensor during tire removal/installation.

Yes, Honda's system can only acknowledge one set of sensors; however, they should be able to be reset by places other than dealers if they have the proper resetting tool. If memory serves me right certain OBD II scan tools (not plain the typical code readers) can reset the TPMS system provided that the sensors are getting power and/or functioning correctly.

 

I swap winter and summer wheels and just ignore the TPMS light during the winter months.

 

You don't need the TPMS units they cost $60-70 each. Unless NH requireds them and you then have to decide whether the risk is worth the savings. Then you have to get replacement sensors verified by a dealer. Damn government at work.
As for the wheels most junkyards will have 14" and 15" wheels with 4 bolt 100 mm bolt circle Honda steel wheels that will fit.And if you decide not to have the sensors cover the TPMS light with a piece of black electrical tape.

 

Does anybody know if the VSA is affected,(not being able to turn it off or on) with the TPMS not working ? JJ

 

We have at least a dozen Fits here with no sensors on alternate wheels and tires and have no problems with stabilization programs which have different sensors for wheel rpm in the hubs.

 

Great! that's what I wanted to hear, so if I go with regular tire valves on my next tire change,I will be able to turn on and off the VSA, contrary to what I have read posted here before. JJ

 

Vinnymac said the sensors just change out to what ever set of rims he's using at the moment and has not had a prob w/ the TPM light.
PS welcome to FF's.

 

Thanks!! JJ

 

Don't know where you got the idea that you can turn off Vehicle Stabilization Assist but TPMS isn't part of that.

 

There was a discussion in these forums about a month ago, regarding using regular tire valves and disabling the TPMS.There were many replies but one thing in which a few members were certain,was the fact that you could use the regular tire valves,but you would not be able to turn off VSA, which is basically traction control, if TPMS was disabled.I want to be able to turn off and on the VSA regardless of TPMS working or not.According to Honda,, the system ,(VSA) was programmed to stay always on if TPM was disabled.I have owned five Honda vehicles ,the last two, a 2004 Accord Coupe 6cyl 6speed and the FIT, have traction control.The Accord, at least mine, does not have TPM. As you probably know ,traction Control can play tricks on you, specially on higher powered cars like the 6cyl Accord,which does not have VSA as such, but has an "on off" switch for TC.The idea of disabling the TPMS is getting rid of those modules inside the rims which can get to be a nuisance for me,I check tire pressures every other day and switch to dry traction tires for certain events.So that's where I got that idea from. JJ

 

Checking the wiring diagrams I do not see how TPMS has any effect on VSA; someone will have to prove to me that VSA cabn be turned off. Honda may have an input code that does but its not public knowledge and in fact is probably a closely guarded secret.
Went out and drove one of the Fits with alternatewheels/tires an quickly determined VSA is functioning

 

I think there's some confusion in this thread, but I'm confused too, so what the... he--*...... here goes my theory:

From looking at the jjsifo's profile(profile says F2011 FIT SPORT ? not sure if it has VSA), jjsifo has a GE8 which does have VSA on some models (and a button to turn on/off; however upon shutting the car off and restarting the stock function is to turn VSA back on again). I can attest to this cause my 09 GE8 w/ Navi has VSA also.
here's a pic of my car's VSA switch:


That's the VSA on/off switch that came from the factory on VSA equipped GE8's.

I think the jjsifo is asking if VSA can be turned off if the TPMS sensors are not installed in the rims, and there is a TPMS error/light.
I have turned off VSA a couple times, but I've never tried to turn it off with a TPMS error. Come to think of it, in the 3 yrs I've had my GE8 the TPMS light has never come on. But then again I check my tire pressure religiously every ~3-4 weeks.

I sure hope this thread isn't about turning off ABS ....


Well that's my $ 0.03 ...

 

Ok, you say someone will have to prove to you that VSA can or can't be turned off,seems to be a typo there,anyway were you able to turn the VSA off ? that is what I need to know when using regular tire valves and disabling the tpms,can you actually turn the VSA off,listen to the beep and the VSA light on?, this would be in a 2011 sport FIT M/T.Thanks, seems you are the right person to find this out. If you are right, and I suspect you are,then it is only logical that VSA and TPMS are not related, contrary to what was discussed a month ago.JJ

 

I have a set of 2008 fit s alloys with brand new tires if you are interested. They are 15" with new 195/55/15's.

 

if you're so desperate to disable TPMS, or more specifically, remove TPMS from the wheel, without affecting VSA... do this:

buy an air tight box (or four)... mount the TPMS to it and pressurize it to about 33 or so, higher if the box can handle it. Then mount the box near each wheel well. or leave all four in a single box, if the transceiver can pick up all four from any location.

ATEQ has boxes designed for TPMS module testing. you mount the module, seal the box and then pressurize it.

the lengths some folks will go to... good grief charlie brown. =.="

 

What do you want for them? treadleft on what tires?heers.