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Please recommend a DO-IT-ALL tool for TPMS

Chevy-SS

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I am going crazy with TPMS issues on multiple vehicles, and want a diagnostic/service tool that will work on virtually any TPMS system. Plus I want it to be as user friendly as possible, so I don't have to read through page after page of arcane instructions to get to the commands and codes that I need.

I'm not looking to spend too much money, but I realize it might cost a few hundred to get something with a large screen and easy readout and use.

Thanks for any suggestions.
 
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jshillin

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I have an Autel and it's worked great on every vehicle I've used it on the last couple years. The only one that was a pain in the *** was my parents 2020 Equinox. Chevy complicates things instead of just letting me scan the sensors and then program them through the ODBii port you have to put the car into learn mode and activate the sensors.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LRJ7UD2/?tag=atomicindus08-20
 

Wrench97

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The Autel is probably the lowest cost tool that will do almost all sensors, but have no worries the auto makers have a team of engineers working to end that as we type :)

Bartec is good tool also.
 

klitzke

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I have personally used an autel TS508 for two years now. The updates are free and I haven’t found a vehicle it can’t do - although I am limited in my personal use for variety of vehicles. Friends and family with Chevy, Ford and Honda and Toyota have all been able to be serviced by this tool.

Very slick and totally worth it after a few sensor replacements/tire rotations.

Also, autel has pretty reasonable universal sensors.
 

tarmy

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I have the Autel MX 808 and use that...except for Chevy...they have a gadget that you can buy on Amazon the does those cars ...about 20 bucks...
 

Daveyclimber

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Are you able to change the tire pressure threshold with these tools? I have a constant light on due to not running the OEM tire and wheel combo on my Ram. Sorry to hijack
 

plinker

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The boss had picked up a couple of the Autel TS501's (pretty sure that's the model), they work well, no issues that I recall off hand. We'd had trouble with some newer Subaru's and these worked fine for those relearns. Very easy to use tool overall. It will list the specific procedures for vehicles as well.

The Autel sensors work decent too. They do use a weird style valve stem, they are available though. https://www.ebay.com/i/332882235128?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-213727-13078-0&mkcid=2&itemid=332882235128&targetid=4580840328167961&device=c&mktype=&googleloc=&poi=&campaignid=403204656&mkgroupid=1235851284511226&rlsatarget=pla-4580840328167961&abcId=9300377&merchantid=51291&msclkid=20ce12a5779717aca2594d1dff472099 The link is just an example, I'm sure they can be had for a less.
 

Wrench97

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Are you able to change the tire pressure threshold with these tools? I have a constant light on due to not running the OEM tire and wheel combo on my Ram. Sorry to hijack


Depending on year and hoops you need to jump through yes>

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RGu86i2UAX0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
 
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Chevy-SS

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I have personally used an autel TS508 for two years now. The updates are free and I haven’t found a vehicle it can’t do - although I am limited in my personal use for variety of vehicles. Friends and family with Chevy, Ford and Honda and Toyota have all been able to be serviced by this tool.

Very slick and totally worth it after a few sensor replacements/tire rotations.

Also, autel has pretty reasonable universal sensors.

Thanks!! Can you (or anyone else) explain (or point me to an explanation) of the sensors? Are they proprietary? Do all Autel sensors work in all vehicles? Can you mix & match sensors on a vehicle? I need an education on sensors.



I have the Autel MX 808 and use that...except for Chevy...they have a gadget that you can buy on Amazon the does those cars ...about 20 bucks...

Yeah, see, this "except for Chevy" is exactly what I DON'T want to put up with, LOL. I'll spend the extra money for the device that does them all. Or perhaps I am misunderstanding.... does the MX808 do the Chevy sensors or not?
 

plinker

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Thanks!! Can you (or anyone else) explain (or point me to an explanation) of the sensors? Are they proprietary? Do all Autel sensors work in all vehicles? Can you mix & match sensors on a vehicle? I need an education on sensors.





Yeah, see, this "except for Chevy" is exactly what I DON'T want to put up with, LOL. I'll spend the extra money for the device that does them all. Or perhaps I am misunderstanding.... does the MX808 do the Chevy sensors or not?


We've used the sensors on GM's, Ford's, Toyota's, pretty much everything except euro stuff so far. I dont see why they would not work though given the tool has the ability to deal with them. You do need the Autel tool to program the Autel sensors. Pretty much most if not all aftermarket sensors are that way, as I understand it.

GM vehicles are easy to relearn and it's fairly simple, the MX808 appears to be a full out scan too,l so that may be the why for the 20$ tool (more handy/portable).
 

Ign

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I see also Autel makes a 508 which claims to be an upgraded 501... anyone have personal experience as to why (or if) the 508 is worth the extra ~$60?
 

qqzj

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Cool. Have you tried it on a Subaru? Thanks
I have an Autel and it's worked great on every vehicle I've used it on the last couple years. The only one that was a pain in the *** was my parents 2020 Equinox. Chevy complicates things instead of just letting me scan the sensors and then program them through the ODBii port you have to put the car into learn mode and activate the sensors.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LRJ7UD2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

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tarmy

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Yeah, see, this "except for Chevy" is exactly what I DON'T want to put up with, LOL. I'll spend the extra money for the device that does them all. Or perhaps I am misunderstanding.... does the MX808 do the Chevy sensors or not?

Not sure really. It is just so simple and easy to use the cheapo job specific tool on the Chevy that I have used for 15 years...that I do not even hassle with using the fancy tool. I will look and see if my Autel does work...probably does as it does everything else I need it to on all my other vehicles..
 

Wrench97

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It worked on the Chevy's I did, I think the poster is saying he finds it easier to just use the activator and go though the on dash display.
 

Luciferi

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Are you able to change the tire pressure threshold with these tools? I have a constant light on due to not running the OEM tire and wheel combo on my Ram. Sorry to hijack

It will do ford, Gm, and Chrysler pressure changes. Not every model/version though. I pretty much use for gm pressure changes. For Ford and Chrysler, I have software programs.

I only have done one ram pressure change with the autel just to try and it worked without the code. It was a newer truck that is said to need code and rf hub reset but worked with just the autel.

I typically just use alfaobd because I make other changes as well. I make customer supply code and reset rf hub.
 
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Chevy-SS

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It will do ford, Gm, and Chrysler pressure changes. Not every model/version though. I pretty much use for gm pressure changes. For Ford and Chrysler, I have software programs.

I only have done one ram pressure change with the autel just to try and it worked without the code. It was a newer truck that is said to need code and rf hub reset but worked with just the autel.

I typically just use alfaobd because I make other changes as well. I make customer supply code and reset rf hub.


Oh, I'm glad Daveyclimber did a little hijacking, haha. :) I actually have the same question/concern about changing pressure threshold.

If I bought the Autel TS508 ($279 at Amazon), would I be able to reprogram my 2010 Ford Mustang GT? I prefer to run lower (~26psi) tire pressure because the tires are very wide, and the "Low Tire Pressure" warning often pops up. This is a PITA and it reduces engine power, kind of a 'limp' mode I guess. Could I change the threshold so that the warning doesn't come on until less than 22psi???

Many thanks



We've used the sensors on GM's, Ford's, Toyota's, pretty much everything except euro stuff so far. I dont see why they would not work though given the tool has the ability to deal with them. You do need the Autel tool to program the Autel sensors. Pretty much most if not all aftermarket sensors are that way, as I understand it.

GM vehicles are easy to relearn and it's fairly simple, the MX808 appears to be a full out scan too,l so that may be the why for the 20$ tool (more handy/portable).

Thank you
 

Luciferi

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Oh, I'm glad Daveyclimber did a little hijacking, haha. :) I actually have the same question/concern about changing pressure threshold.

If I bought the Autel TS508 ($279 at Amazon), would I be able to reprogram my 2010 Ford Mustang GT? I prefer to run lower (~26psi) tire pressure because the tires are very wide, and the "Low Tire Pressure" warning often pops up. This is a PITA and it reduces engine power, kind of a 'limp' mode I guess. Could I change the threshold so that the warning doesn't come on until less than 22psi???

Many thanks





Thank you

I would save some money buy an obdlink ex and download forscan. Then you can make tire pressure changes and a lot more
 

Luciferi

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I also just checked the ts508, 2010 mustang has tire type/tire pressure is listed in the menu. But I need to be connected to obd to go deeper in menu to make sure it actually does it.
 

Vercingetorix

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I have owned a TS508 for a year or two now and it has worked well. It is almost worth it just for setting the pressure in the tire. Can use the cheapest inflator on the valve stem and check the pressure at the same time using the TS508 off the sensor. Only issue is with the Autel sensors. I think they time out sooner then the OEM VW sensors I replaced. First thing in the morning now requires a drive of roughly two blocks to turn off the TPMS light on the dash. The OEMs never had this issue. On the Mercedes the Autel sensors seem to act the same as the OEM, which have always required a 2 block drive to turn off the warning. I think the Autel sensors are turning off to conserve battery power.
 

greg13

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Weedsport, NY
I have owned a TS508 for a year or two now and it has worked well. It is almost worth it just for setting the pressure in the tire. Can use the cheapest inflator on the valve stem and check the pressure at the same time using the TS508 off the sensor. Only issue is with the Autel sensors. I think they time out sooner then the OEM VW sensors I replaced. First thing in the morning now requires a drive of roughly two blocks to turn off the TPMS light on the dash. The OEMs never had this issue. On the Mercedes the Autel sensors seem to act the same as the OEM, which have always required a 2 block drive to turn off the warning. I think the Autel sensors are turning off to conserve battery power.

I've put 2 in my wife's ridgeline so far with no problems timing out. I would try reprogramming them or call their tech line.
 

Wrench97

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I've put 2 in my wife's ridgeline so far with no problems timing out. I would try reprogramming them or call their tech line.

They all time out, they have to for the batteries to last.
The issue is how the euro cars handle no signal from the sensor on start up.
 

exmaxima1

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Has anyone considered buying the sensors from Walmart? They cost $29 each, installed and programmed. I had them replace the sensors in my '08 Lexus and '09 Toyota and have had no issues.
 
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