Changing TST 507 battery

[Delco Bobby]

One of my TST 507 sensors stopped sending a signal to the display. All of the others are still working. I called their hotline and was told that the battery died.

The sensors are about 18 months old, so beyond what TST says will be the life expectancy of the battery.

I found that the sensor was stuck to the tire valve. I could not budge it. The set screw was not in the hole. I eventually had to use a pliers to grab it and slowly loosen the sensor. It got chewed up a bit but still usable. Not noticeable from a couple of feet away.

Now I can't remove the screws that hold on the battery cover. They do not budge. They appear to be tiny Philips screws and I have a screw driver to fit. I am thinking of putting the sensor in a vice so I can get more torque on the screw. I have difficulty holding the sensor and trying to put enough pressure on the screwdriver. The sensor pops out of my hand and then the screwdriver wants to stab me. Same issue with a slightly used sensor, screws will not budge.

Anyone have a better suggestion before I do this?

TIA,

Bobby

[Iwannacamp]

Hmmm. I would call and possibly return the sensors if time allows. I bet $.50 they will just replace them.

[Iwannacamp]

Ps: batteries are cheap on Amazon.

[Dwilcox]

You can pick up an extra stem and put in on the sensor to give you a little more leverage. If you use a vice, be careful not to crush it. Just plastic. When I had DW take tires to Discount Tire to change out rubber stems to metal, I gave her one so they could balance the tires with one on, they left it one of the tires then thru a tire on top of it snapping it sideways but not completely off. A little leak but it stopped when I pushed it back into position and has worked ever since. That was about 4 years ago. I have changed the battery's once. I take them off when not traveling. So I get 2 to 3 years on a set. No problem getting screws out for me. Hope you get them done.

[rockfordroo]

Try a strap bottle opener to hold it.

[rsdata]

I posted this a bit ago...

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...nt-126789.html

[johng4706]

I have the 507 Non-flow through sensors. They are two years old and time to replace the batteries. I called TST with some questions and would like to share.

1. Label your sensors and return to original programmed location. Changing battery does not erase memory.

2. Replace O rings. After two years it's time. Cheap preventive maintenance to prevent water infiltration and possible damage.

3. Occasionally a sensor would not transmit reading, not always the same one. After maybe 5 to 10 minutes they would start transmitting again. I have the Accurite wireless refrigerator/freezer thermometer and transmits at the same frequency as the 507 TPMS. Apparently if the 507 is expecting a signal and gets the Accurite signal it gets confused. No damage, just waiting for next transmit.

[Delco Bobby]

I bought a small set of screwdrivers at Lowes today. It included a P0, P00 and if my memory is good a P00.

The 00 was already in the handle so I tried it. I easily opened the sensor and a spare sensor to swap batteries. All that including putting back together again took less time than opening the package of the the screwdriver set. See photo.

RSDATA Thanks you for your suggestion and thanks for your offering GreenImp.

Still no reading from that sensor. Does it have to be reprogrammed?

Bobby
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name: IMG_1496.JPG
Views: 0
Size: 94.2 KB
ID: 134344

[Flybob]

Yes the sensor has to be programmed before you use it unless you used the same sensor that was on that wheel before. It would not hurt to reprogram just in case. Also if it was stuck on the valve stem, look into the threaded end of the sensor you may have torn up the seal in there. There should be a black donut shaped washer with a small opening ( about 1/16 ") in the center of that opening is a small black split round post that pushes the valve stem seal to open it and allow the sensor to see the tire pressure. Make sure that hole is not blocked. When you are unscrewing the sensor body to change the battery, use the little installation tool they provide to hold the sensor body while you turn the outer shell ( after removing the anitheft shell). It can take 3-7 minutes for the sensor to be read the first time.

[aceinspp]

Before you try removing screws I would treat the screws with a shot of PB blaster and let set before trying to remove the small Philips screws. later RJD

[Delco Bobby]

Thanks, I will examine the areas you mention tomorrow. I did not receive an installation tool. It just screws on like a valve cap. It worked until last week.

It was always slow to send a reading, more like ten minutes while sll the other wheels were half that time.

[Delco Bobby]

Originally Posted by aceinspp

Before you try removing screws I would treat the screws with a shot of PB blaster and let set before trying to remove the small Philips screws. later RJD

Thanks for the suggestion but screws came out easily with the new screwdriver that has a larger handle. It was a non event with the new screwdriver.

[conceptumator]

Had to change the battery in one of my 507 sensors just last week. First time in over two years. No problem, though. The screws are Phillips and very tiny. I would say give it a shot of Liquid Wrench or WD40 and let it sit a while, then try it. If that doesn't work, I think the idea of talking with the factory about it would be your best bet.

[Tom48]

[QUOTE=Delco Bobby;1471708]I bought a small set of screwdrivers at Lowes today. It included a P0, P00 and if my memory is good a P00.

The 00 was already in the handle so I tried it. I easily opened the sensor and a spare sensor to swap batteries. All that including putting back together again took less time than opening the package of the the screwdriver set.


I agree. The secret is a good quality NOT HARBOR FREIGHT, tiny little Phillips screwdriver.

O rings and seals are free from TST but shipping is LIKE $6.95.

The secret to long battery life is, AS I LEARNED FROM TST, take the sensors off between trips. Obviously, label tgem by location. They switch on through an internal pressure sensor. They run about a year if left on. Will let you know this year how long they last only being turned 30 or 40 days, during use.

[conceptumator]

The batteries must last longer than lots of folks expect. I leave mine on the wheels year round. I know they say remove them for battery life, but the receiver doesn't see them unless the coach us moving so I thought I'd give it a try. As I said, more than two years later and about 18,000 miles, I just changed the first battery on one sensor. Sounds like I've been lucky!

[doc73]

For $5 I just change them each season.. Glad you got it apart.

[Delco Bobby]

Originally Posted by Iwannacamp

Hmmm. I would call and possibly return the sensors if time allows. I bet $.50 they will just replace them.

TST has cut back their customer service hours. They now stop at 5PM Eastern. When I called last year a young lady would answer quickly and give immediate and friendly help.

The last two times I called I left a message rather than stay on hold. The first time I received a call back the next morning. This time it is two days and no return call.