TPMS programming

[nate6512]

It's looking like I just wasted a bunch of money. I needed new tires and decided to put new sensors in and bite the bullet on purchasing them (luckily saved some by buying from Japan, so not quite as much). I had a third party put on the tires and install the sensors and I've been trying to find a dealer to program the ECU (didn't think that would be a big deal -- just have to cough up the $).

Finding out that either 1 - they won't touch it because I didn't do the sensors from them (I get it) and don't really work on anything that old anyway, or 2 - they would but the Kawasaki software won't even let them program anything older than like 2016 (I have a 2011). I'm still calling around to see if anyone happened to keep some older software around, but really looking like I'm screwed.

I get that a 2011 is old, but I guess I didn't see myself being totally screwed with anything involved with the ECU.

Anyone else had any luck or advice on any other options?

Nate

[nate6512]

And yes, it's my fault for not finding someone to do it beforehand. I really just didn't think I would get into "we literally can't."

[nate6512]

Ok, after calling multiple dealers, it looks like I found one 1.5 hrs away that can/will do it. Anyway, lesson learned -- be careful to not assume you 'can' even get help from a dealer when you need it (even if willing to spend the $).

[Freddy]

The dealer needs KDS.  The new system is called K-TISC and was introduced in 2020 for the Ninja H2.  My understanding is that C14s built from that time also require K-TISC.  I strongly suspect that the first dealer you mentioned has his wires crossed.  The last version of KDS software works on all prior years.

The sensors you got from Japan, are they 315 frequency for North America? I believe bikes sold in Japan use 433MHz.

[nate6512]

Good to know. Thank you. Yes, part 21176-1179 315Mhz.

I should be good -- just have to wait a number of weeks and drive quite a ways, but I'll take that over wasting that much money.

That dealer said it's likely they just didn't want to deal with it. Fair. Just much more frustrating than I was expecting. I should have worked that out first.

[maxtog]

My understanding is that C14s built from that time also require K-TISC.  I strongly suspect that the first dealer you mentioned has his wires crossed.  The last version of KDS software works on all prior years.

That was my thought, too.  No reputable Kawasaki dealer is going to lack the ability to connect/program any year Concours.

[Boomer]

I thought the 2011 had the older model sensors that you can replace the batteries in?
Either way, you now know which dealer to avoid in future.

[maxtog]

I thought the 2011 had the older model sensors that you can replace the batteries in?

It does.  But that replacement isn't necessarily easy (at least for many people).  They weren't designed to be replaced, but were not completely potted like later versions.

Either way, it would require many people pay to have the wheels and tires removed (if they can't do it themselves), and then spend time trying to replace the batteries without damaging them, and then pay to have the tires mounted and wheels mounted.  So it becomes a lot more complex.  But it is an option if you can do it all yourself, or convince a shop to work with you (and it likely wouldn't be a dealer shop).

In my case, the sensors were replaced under my extended warranty.  So there would be no options there (they are not going to hand over the sensors).  And they replaced them (at the time I don't think I even knew) with the newer [potted] versions.

[Boomer]

In that case may would be much cheaper to clone the existing sensors to the Autel sensors and ask the tyre guy to fit those when the tyre is off the rim.
Even with buying the programmer it's cheaper than the cost of 1 new sensor from Kawasaki.
I get that some people can't be bothered and just want the dealer to do it, but if that is the case you are going to pay $$$$.

[Freddy]

https://www.mk3.com/autel-maxitpms-pad-sensor-programming-handheld-device

[maxtog]

I am sure I will be revisiting this problem myself at some point.  My sensors, first replaced under warranty 03-10-2014 and then again under warranty 10-19-2019, are approaching 6 years old and most of the time it doesn't give me a reading at all from the front one for some reason (I suspect mechanical issue).

I think we had some other threads about Autel and such options.  Wouldn't surprise me if Precision (a non-dealer shop) knows about these alternate options, but I haven't needed to ask yet.

[Freddy]

If you're seeing  F -- --  the battery is dead.

[maxtog]

If you're seeing  F -- --  the battery is dead.

Not quite that simple.

Yes, I get the -- -- for long periods on the front sensor.  And then I will sometimes get a pressure display again.  And into the trip, sometimes it goes back to -- -- again.  So it is intermittent.  But never had a low battery message, ever, on it.

Seems I always get the strange problems.