Do I need to do TPMS voodoo magic every time I rotate?

Yes. Your Crosstrek's TPMS receiver is 4-channel. It can only register 4 TPMS sensors.

I ran 5 tires on my former 4-channel, TPMS-equipped G-wagen. My solution was to simply think of the TPMS warning light as an "all systems go" light.

I also now run 5 tires on my Canadian 2021 Crosstrek Outdoor that, fortunately, does not have TPMS. I'm happily TPMS voodoo-free and, as a result, I rotate my 5 Nokians like a fiend!

 

The tire pressure monitor only transmits while it is on a spinning wheel.

 

I don't know if this works with a Crosstrek, but for cars with self-learning TPMS, just initiating learn mode and driving a bit would get the rotated in wheel sensor into the mix. e.g. this would work on Tesla and on newer Toyota/Lexus.

 

I'll try that first. If it doesn't work, I'll entertain the idea of buying a tpms programming tool.

 

Apparently this is how TPMS works: How To Reset the Tire Pressure Light in a Subaru? | Capital One Auto Navigator
The Outback Forum has figured it out: https://www.subaruoutback.org/threa...org/threads/got-my-summer-wheels-tires-back-on-anyway-to-reset-the-tpms.519977/
There is a reference for the tool to buy.

 

Page 478 of the Owner's Manual mentions "TPMS valve self-registration". And the "NOTE:" at the end.
In case I need to buy one: 2024 Subaru Crosstrek 2.5L WILDERNESS ES(4S) Tire Pressure Monitoring System ((TPMS)) Sensor. Valve (TPMS) US. Sensor - 28103FL00E - Genuine Subaru Part

 

Yup, just read about this in the manual. I ordered the tpms sensor gor my 5th wheel yesterday, that exact part number.

 

Yep, that tells me that the TPMS system should be able to handle this without manual intervention, assuming all five sensors are OEM.

It's a pretty safe guess that all of Subaru's current models use the same TPMS hardware, and since the Outback Wilderness has a full-size spare and 5 TPMS sensors, I think you're pretty safe in assuming that will also work with the Crosstrek.

 

Just did a 5 tire rotation today, the tpms lifht is on. Looks like I need to manually reset it.

 

Before you find someone with a TPSM tool,, I might try the reregistration with the 5th tire NOT in the Crosstrek while following the procedure from the Owners Manual. Just a GUESS, the 5th sensor MAY be confusing the TPMS controller.

 

I thought about that. May try today.

 

Worth a try, I think the tire has to actually be rotating in order to communicate. Drive it for a few days and see if it starts working.

 

The spare was put into rotation, so it was quite literally spinning for 30 miles last night.

 

Check your manual on how to initiate TPMS reset. The procedure following that is very simple. Just drive it a bit and include low speed with many turns.

 

Refer to this company: https://www.markmillersubarusouthtowne.com/service/service-and-parts-tips/reset-tire-pressure-light/#:~:text=Key Position Reset: Turn the,wait 20 minutes for recalibration.
In the Owner's Manual on page 478 refer to TPMS valve self-registration.
If all else fails visit your Subaru dealership.
Looked under the steering wheel/column and did not see a TPMS reset button.

 

Noneeset button. Disconnected the battery, nothing. Will have to wait until Friday for the tool to arrive.

 

My Own observations and experiences .....

Most TPMS sensors are either 315mhz or 433mhz but they are NOT interchangeable. Within those frequencies they do use different CHANNELS. Learned this years back helping a guy with his F150. He bought alloy wheels from another guy, same year, with original TPMS sensors. His truck which came in a different trim level had steel wheels. When I brought my TS508, I had to CHOOSE the trim level. Both were 315mhz, but for his trim, it read his original steel rims but Not the alloy ones. When I picked a different trim level I was able to read the alloy wheels. Digging deeper found out about channels used within the frequency range making them Not compatible.

Next has to do with triggering the sensor. Most come active when rotating. But some use a lower 125mhz signal to bring them active not depending on just rotation. Very Early sensors were rotation ONLY making them impossible to diagnose when static. Don't know the year, but now all sensors I have come across are ALWAYS ON and LISTENING, not transmitting, but listening for that 125mhz signal. This is why you can walk up to a vehicle at rest, using a TPMS trigger tool and read the sensor. The trigger is the same across most, but the tool listens ONLY for the selected signal back from the sensor, MHZ and CHANNEL as selected by the Mfg, Year, Model and sometimes trim level as I found out.

Anyone feel free to add their experiences or knowledge to this .

 

My Own observations and experiences .....

Most TPMS sensors are either 315mhz or 433mhz but they are NOT interchangeable. Within those frequencies they do use different CHANNELS. Learned this years back helping a guy with his F150. He bought alloy wheels from another guy, same year, with original TPMS sensors. His truck which came in a different trim level had steel wheels. When I brought my TS508, I had to CHOOSE the trim level. Both were 315mhz, but for his trim, it read his original steel rims but Not the alloy ones. When I picked a different trim level I was able to read the alloy wheels. Digging deeper found out about channels used within the frequency range making them Not compatible.

Next has to do with triggering the sensor. Most come active when rotating. But some use a lower 125mhz signal to bring them active not depending on just rotation. Very Early sensors were rotation ONLY making them impossible to diagnose when static. Don't know the year, but now all sensors I have come across are ALWAYS ON and LISTENING, not transmitting, but listening for that 125mhz signal. This is why you can walk up to a vehicle at rest, using a TPMS trigger tool and read the sensor. The trigger is the same across most, but the tool listens ONLY for the selected signal back from the sensor, MHZ and CHANNEL as selected by the Mfg, Year, Model and sometimes trim level as I found out.

Anyone feel free to add their experiences or knowledge to this .

Good info, thanks.

Will see what info the tool reveals about the sensors and frequencies.

 

I didnt even bother putting sensors into my 5 aftermarket wheels. Just ignore the light and drive on. Been fine for 60k+ miles

 

I didnt even both putting sensors into my 5 aftermarket wheels. Just ignore the light and drive on. Been fine for 60k+ miles

I can't disagree with you, MY14 was my first vehicle with TPMS, so only dealing with TPMS for 10 years. .... funny owning cars since late 60s and periodically checking the pressure worked for most of my life.

 

If I could easily pop a fuse or easily disconnect the TPMS warning light on the dash in my vehicles, I would TOO not use the TPMS, as I prefer to check tire pressure by hand.
But as @anotero stated, that OCD does get in the way over stupid things sometimes

 

Oh, I can be very OCD about things. I just learned to live with this one. Ive seen some folks put a spec of black tape on teh dash too lol, ill pass on that though.

 

Can we just put an entire huge piece of black tape over the entire dash and call it a day?
Plastidip the dash?
Or maybe a sharpie??

 

It would appear we have a large contingent of "obsessively focused on details" members here.

Me? Guilty. With exuberance! Welcome, brother from a different mother ...

 

^ That right there is why I like this forum.

 

Reporting in. Used the Autel 508 today to fix my TPMS issue. Worked like a charm.

 

I rotate two sets of tires, both with Subaru sensors. The car picks up the change from one set to the other (drive a couple miles) with no issues. The car is a 2024 but believe the sensor part numbers go back several years.