TPMS Tools
Original Equipment (OE) Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) alert the driver via dashboard warning light if the air pressure in any tire drops below 25% of the recommended cold inflation pressure. Many direct TPMS systems also allow the driver to monitor tire pressure by displaying the inflation pressure in all 4 tires, and some can even display tire temperature. Like any electronic automotive system, TPMS effectiveness depends on the system’s computer receiving accurate data from the TPMS sensors, and when you replace sensors you can ensure they’ll function properly with our TPMS programming tools.
Each TPMS sensor has a unique identification (ID) number. For the TPMS system to function properly, the TPMS control module must recognize these numbers, and for systems that indicate individual tire pressure, it must also recognize the sensor’s location on the vehicle. When installing one or more replacement TPMS sensors, the path to achieving this functionality depends on the vehicle and the sensor(s) being installed. TPMS systems are proprietary, and the procedures required for sensor recognition vary according to vehicle manufacturer, and procedures also depend on sensor configuration.
All OE and many aftermarket TPMS sensors are pre-programmed to function with the vehicle’s particular TPMS system. If a replacement sensor is not pre-programmed, it must be programmed using a TPMS programming tool. But even if the new sensor is programmed properly it typically must also undergo a “relearn” procedure for full activation and functionality and so the system recognizes the sensor and its location on the vehicle. A small number of vehicles can perform this relearn automatically by driving the vehicle, but most vehicles require a relearn/activation tool or a scan tool that plugs into the vehicle’s OBD-II (On Board Diagnostics) port. Another alternative that can be used on some sensors is “cloning” using a cloning tool, which programs the old sensor’s ID Number to the new sensor.
Regardless of what you drive or whether you’re installing OE or aftermarket TPMS sensors, we have the programming, relearning, and cloning tools for the job. But even if you take your vehicle to a repair shop for TPMS or tire/wheel service, and never have occasion to replace a sensor, it makes sense to invest in a sensor relearn tool if you do your own tire rotation. After tire rotation, the relearn procedure must be performed so the system can identify the new sensor location and display accurate inflation pressure information. In addition to tools for separate programming, relearn, and cloning functions, we also offer multi-function tools that can also be used for TPMS system diagnosis. These tools can read and display DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) and can be updated via internet/PC.
