Will_a5

What would happen if I mounted a set of winter wheels/tires without TPMS

Reggie

you get a warning light that can be turned off with a VAG-COM

Boston Driver

...just posting a friendly reminder.

HoustonA5

Where do you see that it's illegal? What law forbids disabling TPMS warning lights?

Will_a5

illegal to disable the warning light? or illegal to not have TPMS - or both?

Troy H

Only if he's using run-flat tires.

Boston Driver

...so is turning off the light disabling the TMPS? Not sure, maybe not crossing the line but stepping on it?

HoustonA5

You just repeated your statement. Do you have anything that actually says its illegal?

Boston Driver

per the NHTSA <a href="http://www.nhtsa.gov/staticfiles/DOT/NHTSA/Rulemaking/Rules/Associated%20Files/TPMS-2005-FMVSS-No138.pdf">FMVSS No. 138</a> and <a href="http://vlex.com/vid/19259739">49 U.S.C. 30122(b)</a>

The first link is the NHTSA requirement to have TPMS. The USC section cited here prohibits knowingly making inoperative a system installed for safety (like removing seatbelts or disabling airbags). I will agree, however, that the USC covers repair facilities, manufacturers, distributors, dealers, etc. but not individuals that have a VAG COM cable, but I don't want to test the limits of USC.

HoustonA5

I definitely agree with you on the NHTSA rulemaking, as it is obviously clear on the requirement of TPMS. However, on the USC section, please note the following:

"Prohibition - A manufacturer, distributor, dealer, or motor vehicle repair business may not knowingly make inoperative any part of a device or element of design installed on or in a motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment"

This does not indicate anything about the end-user making these adjustments/modifications. True, it is a fine-line, but a line nonetheless. For completeness, and since she likes it when I ask her legal questions, I'm having my wife (a lawyer) look over it.