Tires · Long Beach, CA
TPMS Sensor Service
That tire pressure warning light isn't something to ignore — or guess at. We diagnose every sensor individually, replace only what's actually failing, and program new sensors to match your vehicle before you leave. Same-day service on most cars and trucks.
- Free Diagnosis We scan every sensor before recommending a replacement
- All Makes & Models Domestic, import, and European vehicles
- Programmed On Site Sensors calibrated to your vehicle before install
- OEM & Aftermarket Quality sensors at fair prices, no pressure upsell
What We Do
TPMS Sensor Diagnosis
We scan each wheel's sensor using professional TPMS diagnostic tools. The scan tells us the sensor ID, current pressure reading, battery voltage, and fault status — so we know exactly which sensor is failing before we start work. No guessing, no replacing parts that don't need replacing.
Sensor Replacement
When a sensor has a dead battery, physical damage, or a fault code, we replace it. We carry quality OEM-equivalent and universal sensors for most makes and models. Every replacement sensor is programmed to your vehicle's protocol and frequency before installation, so it communicates correctly with your car's computer.
Sensor Programming & Reprogramming
New sensors need to be programmed (or "cloned") to your vehicle's TPMS system. We use dedicated TPMS programming tools to write the correct sensor ID and frequency to each unit. This includes programming universal sensors, reprogramming sensors after a wheel swap, and resetting the TPMS system after any sensor work.
TPMS Warning Light Reset
After inflating tires, replacing sensors, or rotating wheels, the TPMS system often needs a reset or relearn procedure to assign the sensor positions correctly. Some vehicles relearn automatically while driving; others require a tool-initiated relearn. We handle both, so your dashboard is clear when you leave.
New Tire Install with TPMS Service
Every tire we mount includes a TPMS inspection. When we dismount your old tire, we check the sensor condition and battery. If the sensor is good, we reinstall it. If it needs replacement, we'll tell you before we proceed. No surprise charges after the fact — you approve everything upfront.
Indirect TPMS Reset
Vehicles with indirect TPMS (no physical sensors in the wheels) use ABS speed sensors to estimate tire pressure. After inflating or rotating tires, the indirect system needs a calibration reset through the vehicle's menu or with a scan tool. We handle indirect TPMS resets for Honda, Toyota, and other vehicles that use this system.
Direct vs. Indirect TPMS — What Your Car Has
The federal government mandated TPMS on all passenger vehicles sold in the US after September 2007. Most vehicles use direct TPMS — a battery-powered sensor mounted inside each wheel that measures actual pressure and transmits it wirelessly to your car's ECU. These sensors are accurate to within 1–2 PSI and report in real time.
A smaller number of vehicles — particularly older Hondas, early Toyotas, and some European models — use indirect TPMS, which doesn't require sensors inside the wheels at all. Instead, it monitors wheel rotation speed through the ABS system. A low tire spins slightly faster than the others because its rolling circumference is smaller, and the system detects that difference.
Indirect TPMS is simpler and cheaper but less precise — it can't tell you which tire is low, and it won't detect a slow leak that affects all four tires equally. If you're unsure which system your vehicle has, we can identify it in seconds.
When to Replace Sensors
TPMS sensors are battery-powered and sealed — you can't replace just the battery. Most sensors last 5 to 10 years depending on driving conditions and climate. Hot climates like Southern California can shorten battery life. Signs a sensor needs replacement: the warning light flashes for 60–90 seconds then stays on (fault mode), a specific corner of the car consistently reads lower than the others, or the sensor ID doesn't appear during a scan.
We always scan before recommending. If your sensors are fine, we'll tell you — we'd rather earn your trust with an honest inspection than push a part you don't need.
TPMS Service Includes
- Individual sensor scan (ID, pressure, battery, fault status)
- Replace failing sensors with programmed replacements
- Sensor programming / relearn procedure
- TPMS warning light reset
- Valve core and valve stem service (when applicable)
- Post-service pressure verification at all four corners
Common TPMS Fault Causes
- Dead sensor battery (5–10 year lifespan)
- Corroded or broken valve stem
- Physical damage during tire mounting
- Sensor not relearned after rotation or swap
- Aftermarket wheel — sensor not re-programmed
Two Long Beach Locations
Ochoa's Tire Service
6595 Cherry Ave, Long Beach, CA 90805
Mon–Fri: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Sat: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Sun: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Ochoa's Tire Service — Paramount
6990 Paramount Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90805
Mon–Fri: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Sat: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Sun: Closed
TPMS Questions
-
The TPMS warning light means one or more tires are significantly under-inflated, or a sensor has failed or lost its battery charge. A steady light usually means low pressure — check and inflate your tires. A light that flashes for 60–90 seconds and then stays on typically indicates a sensor fault rather than a pressure issue. Either way, bring it in and we'll scan each sensor and tell you exactly what's going on. The diagnosis is free.
-
Not always. If your sensors are working and have enough battery life remaining, we'll reuse them. When we dismount your tires we inspect each sensor for cracks, corrosion, and battery status. If a sensor is damaged or near end of life, we'll let you know before proceeding. We won't charge you for sensors you don't need.
-
Direct TPMS uses a physical sensor inside each wheel that measures actual pressure and transmits it to your car's computer. Indirect TPMS uses the ABS wheel speed sensors to infer pressure — if one wheel is spinning faster than the others (which happens when it's low), it triggers the warning. Direct systems are more accurate and the standard on vehicles made after 2008. Indirect systems are simpler but can't identify which specific tire is low.
-
If the light stays on after you've inflated all four tires to the correct pressure, you likely have a failed or faulty sensor — not a pressure issue. The sensor may have a dead battery, a damaged transmitter, or the system may need a relearn after the tires were rotated or swapped. Bring it in and we'll scan each sensor individually to find which one is causing the fault.
-
Yes. We program both OEM replacement sensors and quality universal aftermarket sensors to match your vehicle's specific frequency and TPMS protocol. Universal sensors are programmed on site before installation — they leave already paired to your car. We carry sensors compatible with most domestic, import, and European vehicles.
Ready to get rolling?
Same-day service on most tire jobs. Give us a call or stop by — we're open 6 days a week.