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Sun 18 Oct 2015 11:04

Chrysler Sebring - Chrysler TPMS & new MOT - Siandem

I have a six year old Sebring, obviously an American car where I believe it's mandatory to have tyre pressure monitoring systems. Anyway about 2 years ago when I needed to replace all 4 tyres on top of a service, I decided not to have all the TPMS sensors refitted due to the ridiculous cost of parts and labour ( at a guess £600 to replace all 4). I thought I could use the old fashioned, well tried and tested method of checking tyre pressures regularly!
However as a result of taking the sensors out I have had a warning light permanently on since then, a fact I chose to live with at the time. However I believe that warning light will now be an automatic MOT fail due to changes in MOT rules.
I suppose my questions are:
Is it fair to have an MOT fail on the basis of a system I no longer have and took out before the rules changed? Is this challengeable?
Does anybody know whether it is possible to turn off the warning light? Other forums I've read suggest not on the basis that this is a mandatory requirement in America, although I did find a website that showed how to do it on the similar Chrysler Crossfire (although not similar enough, the relevant wiring was not in the same place on my car!).

Finally it seems ridiculous to have to spend £600 on a car worth a little over £1000 just to keep it on the road! The car is running perfectly well and always has, however I was planning on upgrading over the next year,

I now won't be able to sell it as its not legal!

Any thoughts appreciated

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Sun 18 Oct 2015 11:27

Chrysler Sebring - Chrysler TPMS & new MOT - gordonbennet

Most people looking to buy your car wouldn't expect to find a TPMS system on it, i wouldn't and i wouldn't want the silly thing either (TPMS that is not the car which is fine), and i'd hazard a guess (thats all it is) that the average MOT tester wouldn't be bothered on an older car either so long as the required mandatory lights did their thing.

As a buyer if i spotted a light that came on and refused to go out after starting i'd worry about it, if i was to come to look at your car and the all important ABS/SRS/oil pressure etc lights came on and extinguished as expected and other pointless spurious lights didn't appear at all then i'd be happy enough to buy it.

Without stating the obvious does that help?

either cheerio bulb or fit a complete aftermarket TPMS system such as sold by Steelmate (other suppliers will be available)

Edited by gordonbennet on 18/10/2015 at 11:28

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Sun 18 Oct 2015 11:40

Chrysler Sebring - Chrysler TPMS & new MOT - Siandem

Thanks for the response but unfortunately this is a light that is always on and refuses to go out. Also at my MOT just this week, they were going to fail it but as they were aware of the cost to put right, the particular tester felt it was unfair so passed it. Future owners may not be so lucky and if they were aware of the MOT rules they probably wouldn't want to touch it ( I wouldn't if I was thinking of buying a car with a potential MOT fail right there on the dashboard)

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Sun 18 Oct 2015 11:52

Chrysler Sebring - Chrysler TPMS & new MOT - gordonbennet

Dashboard out, bulb/led dealt with, end of problem.

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Sun 18 Oct 2015 11:57

Chrysler Sebring - Chrysler TPMS & new MOT - Siandem

Thanks again, sounds very simple, it needs a part following the MOT so will get both done together

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Sun 18 Oct 2015 14:42

Chrysler Sebring - Chrysler TPMS & new MOT - skidpan

All cars registered in the EU formNovember 2014 have been fitted with TPMS of one sort.

Before that some manufacturers fitted it, some didn't.

But it is an MOT requirement that if the system was fitted (standard or option) then the system must work. A waring light indicates it isn't working and taking out the bulb should not allow a pass. Obviously some MOT stations are still running close to the law if they pass such cars.

But one thing is fact. Your car was factory fitted with TPMS and you have since removed the valves and now the bulb. That is a modification which could give you serious insurance issues should you be involved in an accident. You should allert your insurance company, most will simply note it, some will charge a little more but at least you wil be lgal.

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Sun 18 Oct 2015 18:38

Chrysler Sebring - Chrysler TPMS & new MOT - Siandem

All cars registered in the EU formNovember 2014 have been fitted with TPMS of one sort.

Before that some manufacturers fitted it, some didn't.

But it is an MOT requirement that if the system was fitted (standard or option) then the system must work. A waring light indicates it isn't working and taking out the bulb should not allow a pass. Obviously some MOT stations are still running close to the law if they pass such cars.

But one thing is fact. Your car was factory fitted with TPMS and you have since removed the valves and now the bulb. That is a modification which could give you serious insurance issues should you be involved in an accident. You should allert your insurance company, most will simply note it, some will charge a little more but at least you wil be lgal.

Amazing coincidence but I was just looking for an insurance renewal quote as I saw your email, I'm going to renew my existing policy after looking so will give them a call. Thanks for the tip

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Sun 18 Oct 2015 20:57

Chrysler Sebring - Chrysler TPMS & new MOT - elekie&a/c doctor

I thnk you will find that the regs for tpms system only applies to vehicles used on/after jan 2012.www.gov.uk/government/publications/car-parts-check...t

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