TPMS simplified
TPMS Sensors can become confusing with all the various models and types on the market and all the different procedures for programming / learning the sensors. Here Ryan’s Automotive explains some of the differences.
Sensor Types
OE Direct Fit
The application list for OE Direct Fit sensors has many different part numbers specific to certain vehicles.
Whether purchased from the vehicle manufacturer or from aftermarket OE suppliers like HUF Intellisens, these sensors come with the specific protocol and the ID Code for that vehicle already programmed into the sensor. The ID code then needs to be learned to the car either via diagnostics, manual procedure or whatever way that manufacturer specifies.
Universal Sensors
Universal Sensors cover a large range of vehicles (depending on the sensor brand) and allow for the Tyre Centre / workshop to only stock a small quantity of sensors. In many cases like Intellisens there is only one part number needed to cover 95% of the vehicle parc. There are 2 main types of universal sensors.
Type 1 : Some universal sensors come blank with no software loaded. These sensors are then programmed in the two different ways explained below.
Type 2 : Other universal sensors have all the protocols already loaded to the sensor, so the TPMS tool just activates the correct protocol for the vehicle you have selected. This allows for a much faster programming time compared with the Blank type universal sensors.
For both the above types once the correct protocol is loaded the sensor then needs to have the ID code entered and the ID needs to be learned to the vehicle.
Types of Programming Procedures (Universal Sensors)
1 : Cloning. If the old sensor is still readable the protocol and the ID Code can be read from the old sensor and written directly to the new universal sensor via the Tpms tool. This then requires no further work as the universal sensor will now be identical to the original sensor. This is a big time saver.
2. Programming via make/model. If the old sensor is not available or not readable then the correct protocol can be selected via the Tpms tool by selecting the correct make and model. Once the protocol is loaded to the sensor this sensor is then ready to be coded. A random ID can be created by the Tpms tool or some Tpms tools allow you to input the ID you want to use (This is very useful if you can physically read the ID Code from the old sensor, If you can do this there will be no need for the next step). Then depending on the manufacturer the ID Code will be entered using diagnostics or in some cases by a manual relearn procedure.
This isn’t by any means a definitive list of all things TPMS but hopefully it helps to get a grasp on the most popular sensors and systems. For more information contact Ryan’s Automotive on 051 424799
