Lazy Daze Owners' Group

I just replaced the Ford TPMS system with a TST-507 system and had Borg valve extensions installed.  There were several factors in my decision to change out the TPMS.  Here are the main reasons:

- Ford’s system didn’t measure temperature.
- It doesn’t monitor the toad’s tires.
- It can’t be used with Borg valve extensions.
- It would be expensive to replace with another Ford sensor when the sensor or batteries go bad.
- The system is awkward to use.  I have to leave my trip screen with things I care about like miles and mpg, then several clicks later I get to the TPMS screen and that’s all there is to see.

The one downside to having the Ford TPMS sensors removed is that the onboard computer now complains about either low (0 psi) pressure or that the sensor is not paired.  But there’s an answer for that too at the end of this post.

So last night I removed the wheel simulators and this morning I went to Fast Tire in Coarsegold.  I went there because its only a few miles from where I’m camped and I heard good things about them.  I brought along the Borg DL1FCFR chrome valve extension kit I bought plus one extra front valve extension for the spare.  I had placed the Borg order over the phone 800-300-2674 and they were very helpful.  Fast Tire doesn’t take appointments but when I got there, they started on it right away. They removed the tires, replaced the Ford sensors with the Borg extensions, spin balanced and reinstalled the tires.  All total it came to $120 for 6 tires and the spare.  I don’t know if that was a good price or not but they knew what they were doing and I was comfortable with the price.  They even put in the rubber stabilizers without telling them.

When I got back to camp I went to reinstall the wheel simulators but as others have discovered, the Borg extensions get in the way.  It’s only when putting on the rear wheel simulator that the Borg gets in the way.  Once install, the Borg is centered in the simulator hole.  So lucky for me, my daughter lives only a few miles away and was able to borrow her Dremel Tool and made a couple of notches in the rear wheel simulators (see pictures).

Next I busted out the TST-507-RV-6-C TPMS system that I bought at eTrailer.  At the time they were the cheapest but you may find them for less somewhere else.  I also purchased a 4-pack and a 2-pack of cap sensors for the toad and 2 spare tires.  I had to read and reread the instructions but I eventually got it right and paired the 12 cap sensors to the TST-507 😊

I still need to install the booster that came with the TST-507.  I’ll probably do what others have done and mount it above the rear window and tie into one of the LED reading lights for power.  The booster doesn’t draw much current and can be powered on all the time.

Now for the last part…  Like I said, the one downside to removing the Ford sensors is that the onboard computer will issue warnings that the pressure is low or that the sensor isn’t paired.  You can press OK each time you get the warning or you can use Forscan.  Forscan is a software program for reading and programming Ford truck onboard computer via the OBD2 port.  It can be a bit intimidating but if you’re careful and don’t change too many things you can make these warnings go away and never have to think about it again.  If you doubt your ability to do this, STOP RIGHT NOW.  Go and find someone who has the knowledge and is willing to do this for you.

Forscan has a few requirements if you want to do this.  First you need a Windows laptop.  There are versions of Forscan for iPad and Android tablets but only the Windows version allows you to make programming changes to the truck.  You can download Forscan for Windows here.  Next you need a OBD2 to USB adapter.  Forscan’s website has a list of adapters that are known to work.  I bought a Vgate vLinker FS OBD2 USB Adapter for FORScan for $34.99.  Next you need an extended license for Forscan.  This is required for doing more advanced things, but fortunately Forscan offers a 2-month free trial license that you obtain here.  You will need internet access when installing the license.  Last, if you purchased the same OBD2 to USB adapter that I did, then you need a Windows driver for it.  The driver download location is in the instructions that came with the adapter, but make sure you install it first.

Ok, if you got this far and have the driver and Forscan installed on your Windows laptop.  And you’ve got the adapter plugged into the OBD2 port under the dash and into your laptop.  And you’ve managed to follow the Forscan instructions on installing your 2-month trial extended license.  And you are able to “connect” to the trucks onboard computer… congratulations, you’re almost there.  Now you just need to disable 2 things related to TPMS.

- Turn truck key to on (engine doesn’t need to be running)
- Forscan should be running and you have a “connection” to the trucks onboard computer
- Click on the thing that looks like a chip (configuration & programming)
- Click on IPC Module
- Click on Run button on bottom left
- Find “TPMS Menu (additional change required in BCM)” select it and click “Edit selected”
- Select “Disabled” then click the check mark
- Click “Write” you’ll get a prompt to turn the ignition off and on. Do that and click OK
- Find “TPMS By Location Feature” select it and click “Edit selected”
- Select “Disabled” then click the check mark
- Click “Write” you’ll get a prompt to turn the ignition off and on. Do that and click OK

You’re done… Turn the key off, disconnect the OBD2 adapter and close Forscan.  The Ford TPMS menu, display and warnings are now gone 😁

- John

Interesting! I always thought having the tpms system built in was a bit better just to avoid having another monitor gadget in the front. But I see the pros of it.

I recently found this tpms monitor which is not made for Ford, but I'm sure it could be retro fitted. I love how it would blends on the the dash. Biggest downside is that it's only for 4 wheels, but maybe getting two could do the trick??

Amazon.com: U912 Tire Pressure Monitor System TPMS Real Time Pressure...