I have a MY08.5 VE Calais V (series 1) with HSVi 19 inch rims and Bridgestone tyres, and want to fit some sort of TPMS to my car.
Yes i do check my tyres regularly, i am not that lazy. But i want some sort of warning BEFORE one of the tyres fully deflates out on the highway for example (as has happened to me before). If i know about the problem when it gets down to 25psi i can stop well before the tyre is completely flat and destroyed. Anyone with low-profile tyres will appreciate how much new tyres cost.
So i've done a bit of digging online and have found some information on fitting TPMS. Here are some links to posts elsewhere i gave found...
Over at ls1: Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
JC thread: http://forums.justcommodores.com.au/...e-monitor.html
Interesting carmodder.com thread re changing VE/WM dash clusters: www.carmodder.com • Upgrading Instrument Clusters for the Holden VE Commodore
I have 2 options - (1) try and get the factory TPMS to work (if possible), or (2) fit an aftermarket system.
I like things as "factory" as possible so IF it can be done option (1) is my preference.
Enabling the factory-fitted option
From what i can find online, TPMS was only fitted to the WM Caprice & WM HSV Grange, and the short wheelbase HSV E1 GTS & American G8. Not sure about series 2. But i note that in engineering mode, my VE already shows four zeros for TPMS.
To get it to work on my VE, i am hoping all l need is the 4 genuine GM Holden wheel sensors/valves, and the TPMS option enabled with Tech2. I can't tell for sure if i would also need a different cluster/DIC (Driver Information Centre) or not - i'm hoping not though. The Remote Control Door Lock Receiver (RCDLR) - which every VE has - receives the signals from the wheel sensors, so that part is already there. I see some genuine tyre sensors on ebay for $75 each. So it'd be $300 plus postage, then whatever it'd cost for the Tech2 procedure. Here is the ebay listing: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/360305093...84.m1423.l2649
Has anyone tried doing this to their VE?
Looking online i can't get a definite yes or no. Some say Tech2 can only enable TPMS on the E1 HSV models only. Others say yes you can, but no one has come back and said a definite "yes i did this to my VE and it works" etc.
As it seems a lot of others have, i have asked my local Holden Service Dept if they can do it and they just say "we have no idea, but if you bring your car to us with the wheel sensors fitted, we are happy to try". The catch is i have to pay for labour (fair enough) but it might take them all day (meaning big $$) just to find out it is not possible on my VE.
If i get a definite "no" on the factory system, that leaves aftermarket.
Fitting an aftermarket system
Personally i don't like the "Tyre Dog" system, where you basically just fit caps on the end of your tyre stems (i.e. no need to take tyres off) and have a small monitor/screen in the car.
I like the idea of fitting a system that interfaces with the factory headunit i.e. connects to the aux input. That way there is no need for a separate screen (i hate the look of windscreen/dash-mounted screens!) and it keeps things looking factory. The best such system i can find is this one from the UK...
Professional Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems - Think Safety Think Steelmate
Their TP-05 system costs £92.50 + VAT (i have no idea what % the VAT is) plus postage. Guessing £150 all up which is about $280.
What does everyone think?