TPMS Replacement
 

Our '04 Pacifica just had the annual inspection for license tags and only needed a new gas cap to get passed. The very next day the "Service Tire Pressure System" light on the dash came on. Our records show that this set of TPMS stems came from NAPA 9 years ago and have been very satisfactory. Question is : Have any of you replaced yours by breaking down only the outside bead without removing the tire/wheel from the car to replace the stem only ? Your thoughts please. Thanks. BW

Yes, you can break down just the outer bead.
Make sure you don't break the bead away from the wheel within 90 degrees of the TPMS sensor, there's a good chance of breaking the sensor, which will force you to remove the tire from the wheel fully in order to retrieve it.
Use something sturdy but not sharp to pry the tire away from the wheel to allow you to change the sensor.
Be careful not to let your pry tool slip while you have your fingers in there, there's enough force within the tire body to break fingers.
Thoroughly inspect the valve stem hole for corrosion and remove any corrosion with a round file and blow out any dust from the hole.
When you put your new sensors in rub a little dish soap on the seal area of the sensor and install it.
Do not put sealers or any other chemicals on it, just plain dish soap.
Sand off any corrosion on the bead of the wheel with 120 grit sandpaper.
Just plain dish soap on the bead of the tire as well.
I changed tires for almost thirty years, trust me when I say that there is absolutely zero benefit to using "bead sealer".

Good luck!

BTW, TPMS wasn't federally mandated until the 2007 model year so in an '04 it's not a valid reason to fail a vehicle inspection in any of the 50 states.
Just in case a garage wants to hit you hard in the wallet for repairs.