Just Installed Hella's TC-400 Tire Pressure Control System
I just finished installing Hella's TC-400 Tire Pressure Control System!! As you know the 07' FJ didn't come with a tire pressure system, but the 08's did. I didn't want to feel left out. But Hella's system is way more advanced than the factory. The factory one only lights up an idiot light in the dash if one of the tires is low (nor does it tell you witch one or what pressure). It keeps track of pressure (PSI or BAR) and temperature (*C or *F) and it has alarms for pressure loss or temperature fluctuations. Also you can customize your setting for tire pressure. I programed the setting for road and off road tire pressures! The display is great, you can change the color to match the interior lights (6 different colors). I picked light orange, it matches very well. I figured this would be great to keep a tabs on my pressure to maximize my MPG and tire wear, and great for the trail so when I air down I know all my tires are the same.
I finished up late, so no pictures until daylight. I'll post them ASAP. It went very smoothly. Hella provided a CD with the instructions, but no paper instructions. That sucked, because I had to bring my laptop in my car with me, but I guess everyone is going GREEN (damn hippies). Anyway here is what I did.
A simple 3 wire hook up (constant 12V, Ign 12V, and ground). I wired it to my fuse box with two Add-A-Circuits, one for the constant 12V and one for the Ign 12V. The system called for 5 amp fuse for the constant 12V, but for good measure I put a 5 amp fuse to the Ign 12V. Then I grounded it to the body behind the driver's side kick panel. By the blue boxes (4WD control unit).
Next I had to mount the control box and the 12" flexible antenna. I mounted it with zip ties to the wire harness located behind the driver's side kick panel.
Then came the display unit. I mounted this above my rear view mirror. Above my CB external speaker that I had mounted a wile back (I did a write up on the forum, search for it, super clean looking). It came with a bracket that I screwed into the headliner (it is super sturdy). I ran the wire through a hole I made in the headliner for the CB external speaker (its small and behind the mirror so you can't see it). Then across the windshield, then down the driver's side post to the control box behind the driver's side kick panel and plugged it in. That was it for the interior.
The kit came with 4 valve stem monitors, I ordered a 5th for the spare. The system can handle up to 7 valve stem monitors (for duelies, or trailers). Hella said the battery will last 7 to 10 years in the valve stems (we will see). I didn't install them yet, you have to dismount the tires and install the system's valve stems. I am waiting for my tires to come in from Tire Rack (285/70-17 BFG Mud Terrain KM2) before I put them on my new steelies (thanks survivorman for the rims).
I'll keep you all updated on how the system is working out and will post pictures ASAP.
Keep the shinny side up.
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'07-AT-4X4, Black Diamond, OME Heavy Lift, 33" BFG KM2, Steelies, Gorilla lugs, A-trac/locker mod, VSC on/off mod, DRL on/off switch, SCUBA Mod, Axe/shovel/Hi-Lift roof rack mount, Jerry Can spare tire mount, HID headlights w/stone guards, Manik tail light guards, Amber mirror lights, LED accent lights, Glove box lights, FJ-40 emblems, Blacked out exterior/interior, Tundra door handles, White Grill, NAV/DVD, Hella TPMS, Cobra CB w/external speaker, Bandi Mount w/Firestick
Re: Just Installed Hella's TC-400 Tire Pressure Control System
NSB you got me thinking about doing this and I'm researching TPMS's now. The Orange one looks pretty cool too. I like the fact that the battery life is several years(!). That's a long time to send out a radio signal.
Re: Just Installed Hella's TC-400 Tire Pressure Control System
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NSBCruiser previously said:
Let me know if anyone else has installed this, and what do you think of it.
I have the Hella TC400 system installed in my FJ, and I think it's great (of course I'm a Hella distributor, so I'm biased, too). I like the tire temperature function, and that I can reset the base pressure when I air down. Now I can drive on the lower pressure to go to the market, etc, when camping, and know if I'm getting into tire trouble, without having to air up for every little trip on the pavement (although this is not a recommended use for the device). IMO, tire temperature can be a more critical indicator of problems than tire pressure alone. And it tells you the actual pressure, not just a warning light flashing.
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" I'm not aware of too many things, but I know what I know, if you know what I mean..."
"Your enthusiasm for the subject borders on the interesting..."
Re: Just Installed Hella's TC-400 Tire Pressure Control System
Quote:
NSBCruiser previously said:
...The kit came with 4 valve stem monitors, I ordered a 5th for the spare. The system can handle up to 7 valve stem monitors (for duelies, or trailers).
......
I'll keep you all updated on how the system is working out and will post pictures ASAP.
Keep the shinny side up.
Looking forward to the report and pics. I'm interested in this system if it will work on trailer tires behind the truck.
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NOTE: Each sensor is labeled LF, LR, RF, RR, but the system can be programmed to new locations after tire rotation, etc. Sensors cannot be more than 32 feet away from control unit's antenna.
Extra sensors seem very expensive, though. The whole system including 4 sensors is $220, but extra sensors are $56 each !
Linear Mode
