Tyre Pressure Transponder - Low Battery Warning

[Winston Smith]

 

[JohnnyTh]

I didn't have a smarty phone 35 years ago either.  I kinda like it.  I like DVRs, satellite TV, computers, all the stuff we have now.  Didn't have that 35 years ago either.  I like the sensors.  I even like KIPASS.  I don't miss points in cars or drum brakes.  I like my hybrid electric car.  Didn't have that 35 years ago.

They did have Daleks way past 35 years ago.  Still have them today.  I've actually grown to like them.  Wish I had one.

[yager01]

Heres is link With photo and info... I hope it is useful

http://blog.mitza.net/2012/03/kawasaki-concours-14-tire-pressure.html

[PRD]

More trouble than they are worth.

[DaveH]

I suffered for 3 years with the flashing "low battery" .. v annoying, but no way was I going to pay a fortune to buy new sensors, when it was only the batteries that caused the prob. In the end, J and S Cheshire (Kawasaki main dealer where I'd bought my bike) were brilliant. They replaced the batteries free of charge (I just supplied the new batteries) when they put new tyres on. Understandably they said that there could be no guarantees and that Kawasaki do not sanction splitting the sensor and then supergluing back together, but its worked perfectly. Just wish I'd done it 3 years ago.

I've had 1 puncture in 8 years ... on west coast of Scotland, miles from anywhere ... the Tyre Pressure sensor was great ... started flashing as soon as pressure got down to 30 ... I was then able to pump tyre up to 42 and carefully ride the 100 miles to Inverness watching the pressure fall v slowly. Personal preference I know, but I usually leave the display on "tyre pressure" and find it reassuring that they are at least approx right?

[BigAlan]

Likewise I always ride with the tyre pressure indicated, god knows what the actual psi is in them as my fancy dan tester says it's 42 and the sensors say 44, yesterday I had a ride and I reckoned the tyres were harder than they should be, I might take it to my local garage and see what there gauge says.

But I like the idea I know what's going on.

[pross]

I agree with both the above.i like them  I had my compressor tested at my mates tyre shop it's 1/2 a lb out ( under ) alas he only does car tyres .
I had a puncture and the display kept me informed at 15 lb I reinflatted back to 42 and got home ok then replaced the tyre next day due to the size of the hole and it was the rear no plugs for me just temporary to get home 

[Trophyrider]

I have a 2010 model and have a slow puncture in front tyre and want to replace battery when tyre man has tyre off. Can I do this on my year bike and what battery do I need please. Thanks all.

[BigAlan]

The standard battery is a CR2032 and it has soldered tabs on it, usually you can't get the tabs in the same exact place so if you can solder then is easy, you  can change them on the earlier type sensors as the plastic body comes apart after removing one tiny screw under the sticker, the latter type sensors are designed not to be taken apart, but believe me when my rear new type needs a battery I will be trying like hell to get it to bits rather than pay for a new one so even if I break it it won't matter.

Easy job.

[virginiajim]

I don't think the standard CR2032 has the tabs on it.   You have to buy it specially made and it has a different designation.  Some have said that they've got it a specialty battery stores..

http://www.digikey.com/product-search/en/battery-products/batteries-non-rechargeable-primary/394467?k=P668-ND

https://octopart.com/cr-2032%2Fvcn-panasonic-19088802

I used the digikey batteries on mine.  Hopefully you guys have a source.  If you buy a straight CR2032 and try to solder on the tabs it could damage the battery internally.  I think that the tabs on the existing battery are brazed on but it's been awhile since I did mine.  I also did it at a tire change.  I have a business near me that changes mc tires.  Had them take off the tire, fixed the battery, and then had them mount a new tire.  Only cost $20 (including balance) per tire.

[BigAlan]

I meant the battery is a CR2032 but has tabs, I agree the usual one you purchase does not have tabs and trying to solder onto them is almost impossible, here on eBay for example you can get the battery with tabs, they just won't be in the correct place hence the ability to solder is helpful.

Should have made this clearer.

[Macskwak]

More trouble than they are worth.

You know what theyre actually not. If you change them every tyre change the batteries are only £2 each and you actually dont even need to solder them as long as th tabs stay in contact with the battery and this is done simply with some small piece of doubled over card on top of each tab inside the sensor after the old battery is carefully removed and the new replaced.once the lid goes on the card is enough to hold the battery tabs on to the battery. I also wrapped unit around battery end with electrical tape once it was clipped back together. Just belt and braces on my part.  With the battery in the north position as you look at it theres a tab on the right and left side of the battery. The right tab sits under the battery the left tab sits on top and is the plus side. Make sure you put a tiny piece of electrical tape on the right side of the battery so the right tab only touches it underneath. This stops the battery shorting out. Its obviuos when you see it. I did both of mine in the tyre garage in half hour. So nothing to be scared of just look and apply yourself logically thats all. Its really not difficult. Fear is just an emotion which you can switch off if you want to then just get stuck into doing the job. If it helps just put on some pointy ears and have your name changed by deed poll to spock 
Anyway both mine are going strong and ive had no probs with them and dont expect to.

[virginiajim]

On my 08, they started complaining about year 2 and got progressively worse.  Finally switched them out around year 5 or so and not a peep out of them since then.  I think they had a very large batch of bad batteries to begin with.

[moayling]

My 2012 has starting showing low warning on the front but it disappears once warm. I will sort them both at next tyre change

[Macskwak]

My 2012 has starting showing low warning on the front but it disappears once warm. I will sort them both at next tyre change

Yes your tyre temperature gets warmer as you ride. This makes the air inside the tyre warm which in turn makes the sensor and its battery get warm. The battery getting warm will increase its power and the low battery warnin will go off. Itll do that for ages probably moayling