Greetings experts !
I need to replace the tires on my 2008 Grand Caravan, SXT, 17" wheels,
4 liter engine. 115° F is a typical summer day temperature. Winter
lows are to about 25°. A pretty severe climate (edge of the Mojave
Desert). Plan is to go with Michelin Defenders-90,000 mile tread. I
drive about 12,000/year.

The tire shop tells me I should replace the TPMS sensor units if I plan
to keep the car for any length of time. Since I am only on my 3rd
Caravan, the first being a 1984, I guess I qualify. I trade at 10-13
years.
Problem is, the tire shop wants quite a bit for the sensors.
The manager tells me if I get them myself, they will install them at
no extra cost.
I checked the internet Dodge parts dealers, who have substantially
lower prices. http://www.dodge-auto-parts-dealer.com/parts.htm
The problem is, I don't know how much has to be replaced.

The illustrated parts breakdown shows:
(First price is Dodge dealer list price, second price is internet price)

http://www.partswebsite.com//stores/...sT/TE08265.gif

1. To 1-22-07 Module low tire pressure, $46.70/37.36
1. From 1-23-07 Transponder, $51.45/41.16
2. Mounting bracket Left, $14.20/11.36
2. Mounting bracket Right, $9.10/7.28
3.Sensor Tire pressure, $72.25/57.80
3. TPMS sensor, $72.25/57.80
4. Hardware kit, $43.85/35.08
5. Cap, $12.70/10.16

Has anyone dealt with the TPMS sensors?
How much of this do I really need to replace?
Do I need 4 brackets, 4 hardware kits, & caps?
What differentiates "Transponder", "Module low tire pressure", and
"TMPS Sensor", or are they all the same thing depending on the model?

A different tire shop from the one I usually deal with tells me I only
need a rebuild kit that consists of a couple of gaskets. My research
tells me that the sensor batteries start going bad at 5 years, and
most fail at 7 years. Therefore, replacing them now makes sense.

Your assistance is greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

 

As far as I know from what my local tire shop has told me. Is that the sensors don't need to be replaced the rebuild kit.

 

The batteries in the sensors have a 7-10 year life. Other than battery life, there's no reason to change them when changing tires. When changing tires, the shop MUST install a rebuild kit if they remove the sensor to dismount the tire (which is the safest way to dismount/mount). The kit consists of a new gasket, metal crush ring, and torque nut. Most shops charge about $9 ea. for the kit. If you want new sensors, go to rockauto.com. You can buy the VDO brand (which is what came with the vehicle) for $40 ($32 on amazon.com) , or a dorman brand for $26 each. These are complete units with the sensor and transponder all in one.

 

No, leave the sensor alone if they are not broke. The major problem with tire pressure sensor for chrysler is the neck breaks off due to corosion. If it ain't broke now, don't fix it. And ONLY use plastic caps, and always keeps a Cap on these sensors.

Rebuilding the Sensor is a good idea IF THE FREAKING SENSOR COMES OFF. Most of the time the nut gets seized onto the sensor due to corosion, you try to loose the nut, the sensor will break.

And if you buy a Mopar sensor, the sensor will come with everything you need, sensor, seals, and retainer nut. If all sensors are OK now, then I recommed you to replace them as they break. There are no special programing procedure or specialty tool required, you just slap the sensor on (can be done by any time shop), and drive the car for few miles, sensor will be relearned.