Getting new tires put on my 2013 Prius and replace the TPMS sensors at the same time. I already picked up four new genuine Toyota sensors. What’s the typical cost for a shop to program them? Or would it make more sense to just buy a cheap programmer and do it myself? Feels like it might be a good excuse to grab a tool that could come in handy later if it ends up costing about the same either way?
If you bought the tires at the same shop that is mounting them, they really ought to program the new sensors to the car for free. The additional labor is that low. If the tires, like the sensors, came from elsewhere, then programming not free.
You can program it yourself with any laptop with techstream, the mini vci cable is $35 on amazon. You just need to write down the IDs of the sensors before installation. If you plan to keep your car for more than 3 years get the denso/pacific tpms sensors. Its a pain if you get them installed and die on you after a month or two. Tireshops prices vary by location. Ask around weigh your options.
My last two MINIs didn't require any programming at all with anything external. A few months ago, I bought new sensors off Amazon, cheap (make sure correct frequency) and they paired easily to the car with no external assistance. Does the new model Prius still need external intervention?
