Ford Ranger: Winter tires, TPMS and ESC

[davidy]

The 2010 Ford Rangers now have their version of ESC called the AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control. Does this effect the rims/wheels without TPMS sensors?

I have recently read that the newer Honda Accord's version of ESC called the Vehicle Stability Assist requires the rims/wheels to be installed with TPMS sensors...otherwise VSA will not work disable.

I will be buying a 2010 Ford Ranger soon and will need studded winter tires....but hoping to save $$ by not buying a set of TPMS sensors for a second set of wheels if I can at all help it.

If there isn't a consensus on this topic, I will probably have to defer my winter tire purchase until next winter. Since we are a couple of months into winter, the winter tire selection is very limited, and somewhat pricey at local tire dealers. Stock is 255/70R16. Alternate tire size is 245/75R16.

Thanks for any advice.

Dave

[jamie1]

Not sure how the Ford ESC works,but with Honda if you do not have TPMS, you CANNOT turn off the VSA. VSA still works.

[davidy]

Not sure how the Ford ESC works,but with Honda if you do not have TPMS, you CANNOT turn off the VSA. VSA still works.

My bad...you are definitely right about the Honda's VSA....still bites that one cannot disable it when stuck.

Dave

[maritime_storm]

What you should do is work your tires, rims & sensors into you're purchase agreement on the truck. This way you have everything at once and won't be second guessing which way to go later. Not to mention disabling the TPMS system is also an insurance liability issue for both you and the shop should you have an accident.

[tpl]

Not sure how the Ford ESC works,but with Honda if you do not have TPMS, you CANNOT turn off the VSA. VSA still works.

The inference I draw from this is that the Honda system "communicates" with the TPMS sensors by Bluetooth, wifi or some proprietary wireless protocol. That is, the system is not an ABS based system but a real one.    So what happens if you just have 4 TPMS sensors in the back seat?  They must be self powered... getting power to the wheels reliably is expensive.

[davidy]

Already bought the 2010 Ranger Sport 4x4 Supercab with the FX4 off road package and auto trans last week. Have ordered a set of four General Altimax Arctic tires (245/75-16) from an online tire retailer. Will have them studded, mounted and balanced on winter steel rims. The Ford dealer said that I didn't have to put TPMS sensors on the winter rims. However, I will have to put up with that TPMS light.

Dave