GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Do they have ANY effect on the car besides creating another warning light? Are they tied into anything else? (ABS, TC, ect)

From what I understand the TPMS on the Vibe/Trix works off off the ABS system. i.e. unlike others that have a sensor in each wheel, the TPMS system gets it information from the ABS. So I would imagine it could affect that but I am not 100% sure.

I know there is NOT a sensor in each wheel. Works off of the rotation speed of the wheels I believe. If they are not spinning at the same rate, then the warning light turns on... ie. there is a tire that is lower pressure than the others. I know it is pretty picky on my '05, I've had to deal with it a few times because I run summer and winter wheels/tires. I do like the feature though. As far as being tied in with anything else... like Whelan said, maybe just the ABS, but I'm not even sure about that... it could be completely independent.

In our '06 Vibe, the TPMS relies on the ABS for information on the rotation speed of each wheel and sets the pressure alarm if there's a change in relative speed of one of the wheels compared to when you last calibrated it.It was helpful when we picked up a screw in one tire and alerted us to the low pressure before it was otherwise apparent. The TPMS alarm light is just an indicator to the driver to check the tires - it has no effect on the operation of the car.AFAIK, the '09 models use pressure sensors in the wheels rather than the indirect ABS method. Probably more accurate but complicates things when you want to replace wheels (winter wheels, aftermarket upgrades, etc.).

My 09 has been sensor-free for 6 weeks now and there is absolutly no difference in the way the car handles. No system is limited or disabled.

Thanks peeps, I was just making sure I wasn't giving out wrong info...More info is still good though, so if anyone knows something to the contrary, please... let us know.. thanks..

the 03-08's work off the abs. So there aren't any sensors in the rims.the 09's have the sensors in the wheels and no it will only put on a warning light for low air.

Thank you for starting a thread Sublime and for the clarification folks. I was not sure either and it is good we have a thread now dedicated to the information. Some owners with 09 Matrices over @ MO made a contraption out of PVC and tapped the pressure sensors into them. It looks like a pipe bomb and is filled to a desired PSI. The contraction is placed in the rear storage area and the light stays off. Relatively inexpensive and effective from what I gather.

Quote, originally posted by ou.grizzly »Thank you for starting a thread Sublime and for the clarification folks. I was not sure either and it is good we have a thread now dedicated to the information. Some owners with 09 Matrices over @ MO made a contraption out of PVC and tapped the pressure sensors into them. It looks like a pipe bomb and is filled to a desired PSI. The contraction is placed in the rear storage area and the light stays off. Relatively inexpensive and effective from what I gather. Seems like it would be easier to pull the light bulb.

Quote, originally posted by zionzr2 » Seems like it would be easier to pull the light bulb.That is what someone over @ MO came up with, interesting for sure.

My 08 has sensors in the wheels and no ABS. So, I don't think they are interdependent... unless TPMS is tied to those Vibes with ABS. Can't imagine Toyota/GM designing two systems for one car.