Looking for a universal TPMS diagnostic and reset tool

[Chevy-SS]

I am looking for a 'universal' TPMS diagnostic and reset tool. I work on all brands of cars (at a casual hobbyist gearhead level) and would like to buy a TPMS tool that will diagnose TPMS problems and reset old/new OEM sensors.

I've been looking online and at Amazon and it's quite confusing. Autel makes a few different tools, but some of the comments say that you have to use Autel sensors, and that seems ludicrous. I want to utilize the factory stock OEM sensors, whether it be Lincoln, or Mercedes, or Chevrolet, or Ford, or whatever make of vehicle.

Can anyone point me in right direction? I'm trying to find something in $100 to $150 price range.

Many thanks for any help..........

 

[WhiffySpark]

Ts601 is what I was looking at. Doubt you'll find anything cheaper.

We always used ez sensor sensors

 

[tutti57]

I've got the TS401. Worked fine for me so far.

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[Chevy-SS]

Ts601 is what I was looking at. Doubt you'll find anything cheaper.

We always used ez sensor sensors

I've got the TS401. Worked fine for me so far...

Thanks guys. Can you kindly explain the comments I've been reading (in the reviews of the Autel devices) that state the Autel tool requires Autel sensors?

For instance, on my 2010 Ford Mustang, if I install the "Ford Performance" OEM TPMS sensors into the wheels.... will the Autel tool be able to reset the Mustangs' computer to recognize the new OEM Ford sensors...... or would I have to install Autel sensors?

And on my Cadillac DeVille, it the TPMS light comes on, would I be able to diagnose the OEM sensor system with the Autel tool?

I'm a complete NOOB regarding TPMS tools, so please forgive me if this is something I should know....... thanks

 

[WhiffySpark]

Someone else is going to have to answer that. I was looking at it for home use, at work I had a tpms3 and bartec which aren't close to your budget.

Without reading anything, I would think it should do oem sensors. Aftermarket may be spotty

 

[tutti57]

I just replaced a sensor on Volt with it. Cheapest sensor I could find on eBay.

When you "scan" them, it just communicates and reports pressure, temp, and battery life in some cases. I primarily use it for tire rotaions to program the position of the wheel on the car.

It will tell you the procedure for that car without having to do things like lower and raise pressure until horn beeps.

A few cars recently have not communicated on one of the sensors on the car and replacing the sensor solved the problem.

I'm starting at a Nissan dealership on Friday and will try it out there too.

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[jshillin]

I have the TS501 and it has worked great the few times I've needed it so far.

 

[pelletman]

The 501 will scan any of the OEM's sensors?

 

[jayoldschool]

I have the Autel TS401. It does everything. OEM, aftermarket.

 

[AmishFury]

the main thing the 401 won't do is OBD2 relearns (so if your vehicle's tpms relearn procedure requires plugging the tool into the OBD2 port... you need the 501)

 

[tutti57]

the main thing the 401 won't do is OBD2 relearns (so if your vehicle's tpms relearn procedure requires plugging the tool into the OBD2 port... you need the 501)

Good point. Does that come up a lot?

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[AmishFury]

Good point. Does that come up a lot?

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depends on the vehicle... i can't say how many will relearn through other methods because my experience is with a pricey bartec unit that tells me the quickest and easiest reset procedure available and if the vehicle supports OBD2 relearn it defaults to that

for example if i took my mom's 08 chrysler in to work and had a sensor replaced i could use the bartec tool to write the new sensor IDs to her van right there and just take a couple minutes... if i replaced the sensor myself i could just drive the van for around 20 minutes and it would detect and learn the ID automatically

 

[jayoldschool]

the main thing the 401 won't do is OBD2 relearns (so if your vehicle's tpms relearn procedure requires plugging the tool into the OBD2 port... you need the 501)

I have a Snap-On for that ;-)

 

[phule]

We use the vt55 works fine for us. My company recently blocked the ability to program foreign sensors. Im kinda sorr about that now i can only program ez- sesnsors. Before that i could program anything.

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[tutti57]

the main thing the 401 won't do is OBD2 relearns (so if your vehicle's tpms relearn procedure requires plugging the tool into the OBD2 port... you need the 501)

Yup. Had to use the Nissan tool today to do a 2010 Maxima.

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[got2boostit2]

Can you program sensors with any of these devices? I have a relatives car that one replaced sensor needs to be programmed before the car will read it.

 

[tutti57]

Can you program sensors with any of these devices? I have a relatives car that one replaced sensor needs to be programmed before the car will read it.

I think it's going to depend on the car. I've done it with the Autel 401 onba few GMs but some cars require you to plug into the obd2 port to do it.

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