Dill TPMS Sensors Failing (Batteries?)

[Al and Missy]

One by one the sensors for my Dill TPMS are failing. At first they don't work until the tire warms up and then they don't work at all. They were installed nearly 5 years ago so I'm assuming the batteries are failing.

The choices seem to be:
1. Buy new sensors and have the tires (Michelins not yet aged out) dismounted and new sensors installed or,

2. Buy a TPMS like the TST or TireMinder and use that at least until the tires age out. At that point I can decide whether I want to install new Dill Sensors or just continue with the external sensors. The Dill sensors are metal stems so they should tolerate the external sensors with no problems.

I'm leaning toward replacing the system. The cost is about the same as the dismount/replace sensor option and if I do that I'll be faced with what to do when the tires age out.

Suggestions?

Thanks,

Al

[lsbrodsky]

Well, when I installed the TST external system, my thinking was that a) there are years of experience on the externals and they do not hurt anything if you have metal stems b) I will never have to remove a wheel and tire if there is a problem with the sensor or its battery.
I think your problem validates my decision. Proactively, I remove my sensors for winter storage and replace the batteries before installing in the Spring.

Larry

[Al and Missy]

Thanks, Larry.

Al

[GCinSC2]

Al,

Dill Air tel:1-800-815-3455 might want to check with Dill directly.

Gary

[Al and Missy]

Originally Posted by GCinSC2

Al,

Dill Air tel:1-800-815-3455 might want to check with Dill directly.

Gary

Gary,

Thanks. The batteries have a stated life of 4-5 years. It has been that long. I have found the best price for the sensors, but by the time I buy the sensors, take the wheels off and transport them, or take the trailer to a tire shop, get tires dismounted and sensors changed, and remount the tires, the cost is comparable. Then in 2-3 years when the tires age out I have to buy new sensors, or just mount the new tires and do this all again in another 2-3 years.

I'm thinking changing the coin cell batteries on external sensors is a lot simpler.

Al

[mikesSE]

My coin cell battery type (TST) sensors are still working at 6yrs.
I change batteries yearly.

[drbrick]

I, like Isbrodsky, went through the same throught process (internal vis external). I too decided on TST TPMS flow thru with metal stems - works well, has alert if batteries need replacing

[Al and Missy]

Ordered a TST507 Cap system. Should be here Thursday.

Al

[lsbrodsky]

Smart move
Larry

[bradt]

My thought would be to replace the Dill sensors. That way you still have the same system to deal with. I could never get the Minder system working properly and switched to the Dill to solve all that. Has worked great.

It would also be an opportunity to rotate and balance, so maybe not all wasted effort at the tire shop.

I've had mine 3 years, so I guess I will be replacing mine in a year or 2.

Good luck with what you decide.

[SilverWind]

I switched from Dill to TST. I renew the TST batteries every 12 to 18 months.

[guskmg]

I have used PressurePro TPMS since '07 and still have not had to change any due to discharged batteries. Now, my dog loved to chew on them when she was a puppy and I replaced several for that reason, but not for the batteries. Guskmg

[GatorDave]

The customer service at TST is superb. Send my regards to Jim when you need the sensors set up.

[franklyfrank]

Originally Posted by lsbrodsky

Well, when I installed the TST external system, my thinking was that a) there are years of experience on the externals and they do not hurt anything if you have metal stems b) I will never have to remove a wheel and tire if there is a problem with the sensor or its battery.
I think your problem validates my decision. Proactively, I remove my sensors for winter storage and replace the batteries before installing in the Spring.

Larry

I have the Eez tire externals going on 5 years all I ever needed to do is change a battery now an than. Reading your post I am going to make it an annual maintenance routine. The batteries are inexpensive.
Thanx for the tip.

[SilverWind]

I threw my Dill system away and use a TST system with the new color display on both trailers. Batteries are much easier to change than with the Dill, and can be done on the fly instead of visiting a tire shop. I like the people at TST. They tend to serve the trailer community as well as truckers. Dill seemed to be more trucker oriented.