FAQs

• What is TPMS?

  The TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) is designed to measure air pressure and alert the driver when the pressure in one or more of the tires is below 25% of the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. There are two types of systems, direct and indirect. The far more utilized and more accurate Direct System uses sensors that are attached to each wheel. These sensors communicate with the vehicle’s TPMS module. The Indirect System typically utilizes the vehicles antilock braking system’s (ABS) speed sensors to monitor pressure. 

• How to distinguish indirect TPMS from direct TPMS?

  Direct TPMS uses direct tire pressure sensors on each wheel to measure tire pressure while indirect TPMS does not use sensors. Indirect TPMS frequently use the anti-lock brake system (ABS) speed sensors to calculate pressure.

• How to ensure the vehicle has direct TPMS sensors?

  Consult your Autel tool. Select the vehicle Make, Model and Year. The tool will note if the vehicle’s tire pressure monitoring system is an Indirect (no TPMS sensors) system.  Direct TPMS sensors are fitted with either rubber or metal valve stems. 

• What do I benefit from direct TPMS?

  Compared to the Indirect system, Direct TPMS provides a more accurate and immediate pressure, temperature and battery status.

• What does the TPMS dashboard light/warning indicate?

  A TPMS warning light might display if:

   

  1.   The tire pressure on one or more tires is too high or too low. A variation of 25% from the recommended air pressure will cause a malfunction light;

  2.   One or more of the TPMS sensors may be broken or sensor batteries may be dead;

  3.   TPMS receivers may not be able to receive sensor signals;

  4.   The TPMS module may not be functioning

• What types of vehicles can Autel sensors be used on?

  Autel sensors are designed to be used on passenger vehicles, pickups and light commercial vehicles. At this time, MX-Sensors are not compatible with heavy-duty trucks. 

   

• What types of TPMS sensors can be replaced by Autel sensors?

  Autel MX-Sensors can replace direct TPMS sensors fitted on wheels, including original equipment (OE) and programmable universal sensors. Our MX-Sensors can be programmed to replaced 98 percent of the sensors on vehicles today.

• Why does my workshop need a TPMS tool?

  Simply put, if your shop doesn’t do TPMS servicing, you are missing out on a significant revenue stream. Since 2007 all passenger vehicles in the United States have been required to have TPMS systems. Some higher-end vehicles adopted TPMS much earlier, Porsche, for example, in 1986. Most of these systems use battery-powered sensors and those original sensors batteries have an average life of seven years and cannot be replaced.  As these sensors die and trip the TPMS light on dashes of vehicles throughout the country, customers will be bringing their vehicles into their local repair shops to have these sensors replaced.

   

  TPMS tools can be used to:

   

  •   Check if sensors are still functioning by attempting to activate them, read a tire’s air pressure and temperature and display the sensor’s battery life and ID.

   

  •   Display manufacturer-specific Relearns for all TPMS-enabled vehicles.

   

  •   TPMS tools with OBDII-connection capability can perform sensor IDs/position Relearns. Nearly 30% of the vehicles on the road today, require such a tool for relearning TPMS sensor IDs to the TPMS module.

   

  •   Autel’s TS508 and TS608 can not only perform OBDII relearns but also can diagnose the tire pressure monitoring systems to determine faults and prompts the user what the next step is towards repair.

   

  •   All of Autel’s TPMS tools can program MX-Sensors to replace existing sensors on 98 percent of domestic, Asian and European TPMS-equipped vehicles.

• Are Autel’s TPMS tools compatible with all direct TPMS sensor frequencies? Are MX-Sensors available in 433 MHz and 315 MHz?

  All Autel’s TPMS tools can activate and read information from all current TPMS sensor frequencies: 315MHz, 433MHz and 434MHz TPMS sensors. If the sensor on the vehicle is labeled as 434 MHz, select the 433MHz listing on the TPMS tool.

  Autel’s 1-Sensor can be programmed to replace 433MHz, 434MHz or 315MHz sensors. Previous MX-Sensors were available in either 315MHz or 433MHz.

• What is activation? How to activate a TPMS sensor?

  Activating a sensor forces it to transmit tire pressure and temperature and sensor ID and battery status to the vehicle. Autel’s TPMS tools can activate sensors and display tire and sensor information.

   

  OEM sensors can be activated by

   

  1)   An Autel TPMS tool; or often with

  2)   Rapid inflation/deflation of the tire (5 PSI or 20 kPa in 10 seconds)

  3)   OEM sensors on 2003 and older vehicles, may be activated when a magnet is placed over the sensor valve stem.

   

  All Autel MX-Sensors support these methods of activation.

• How many types of TPMS relearns are there? And what are they?

  There are three basic TPMS sensor relearn methods.

   

  Auto Relearn

   

  Driving the vehicle is required to relearn new sensor IDs, but the vehicle manufacturer may require additional reset steps be taken prior to driving the vehicle. Autel’s TPMS tools display manufacturer-specific Relearn instructions for every TPMS-equipped vehicle. Auto Relearn is frequently used on Chrysler, Fiat, VW, Porsche, Bentley, Benz, BMW, Audi, Land Rover and Jaguar vehicles. 

   

  OBD Relearn

   

  An OBD Relearn requires the use of a TPMS tool to write sensor IDs directly to the vehicle’s ECU. This procedure is frequently used on Japanese- and Korean-made vehicles, and Chrysler, Fiat, Land Rover and Jaguar vehicles.

   

  Stationary Relearn

   

  New sensor IDs are relearned to the vehicle without the need to write the IDs to the vehicle’s ECU or without the need to drive it. Stationary Relearn should be done with the vehicle in Park. This procedure is more frequently used on GM, Ford, some Chinese- and Japanese-made vehicles such as Nissan.

   

  To access the Stationary Relearn mode, you need to:

   

  1)   Use the Autel TPMS tool’s OBD function to enable the Training or Relearn mode (this function is supported by the TS508 and TS608); and/or

  2)   Operate the necessary onboard keys as detailed in the Relearn Procedure instructions displayed on your Autel tool. 

   

  Next, activate all tire pressure sensors to complete the stationary relearn. Generally, the activation sequence is clockwise, starting from front left wheel and ending with rear left wheel. 

• What does it mean to Relearn a TPMS Sensor? When Does it Need to be Done? And How Do I Do It?

  Each wheel’s TPMS sensor has a unique ID. That sensor ID and associated wheel is registered in the vehicle’s TPMS module.  When a sensor is replaced or when the tires are rotated, the new sensor ID or the new sensor ID for that wheel location on the vehicle, needs to be registered or relearned to the vehicle’s TPMS module.

   

  There are three methods of Relearning TPMS Sensors:

   

  1.   Auto Relearn: Driving the vehicle for a specific time and speed.

  2.   OBD Relearn: Requires a TPMS tool be attached to the vehicle’s OBD port to write (Relearn) the sensor IDs to the vehicle’s ECU. This procedure is frequently used on most Japanese- and Korean-made vehicles, and Chrysler, Fiat, Land Rover and Jaguar vehicles.

  3.   Stationary Relearn: New sensor IDs are relearned to the vehicle without the need to drive the vehicle or write the IDs to the vehicle’s TPMS module. This relearn procedure should be done in the vehicle’s park mode. This procedure is more frequently used on GM, Ford, some Chinese- and Japanese-made vehicles such as Nissan.

   

  To access the stationary relearn mode, you need to:

   

  1)   Use the Autel TPMS tool’s OBD function to enable the Training or Relearn mode; and/or

  2)   Operate onboard keys as instructed by your Autel tool.  After that, you need to activate all tire pressure sensors to complete the Stationary relearn. Generally, the activation sequence is clockwise, starting from the front left wheel and ending with the rear left wheel. 

• How to relearn TPMS sensors?

  1)   If the sensor is an OEM sensor, follow the Relearn Procedure displayed on the Autel TPMS tools.

  2)   If the sensor is an Autel sensor, program the sensor, then select Relearn Procedure and follow the instructions displayed.

   

  •   To avoid having to relearn TPMS sensor, program the MX-Sensor using the “Copy by Activation” method or the “Copy by OBD” method or the “Manual Input” method.

  •   Copy by Activation: activate all tire pressure sensors, select “Copy by Activation”, and then select the wheel where the new sensor will be. The sensor ID of the existing sensor (read by activation) is programmed to the new Autel sensor.

  •   Copy by OBD: connect the tool to the OBD port on the vehicle and read the sensor IDs, select “Copy by OBD”, and select the wheel location for the new sensor. This method reads the TPMS module and programs the registered sensor ID for the wheel to the new Autel sensor.

  •   Copy by Manual Input: Select the Copy by Manual Input program method and enter the TPMS sensor ID imprinted on the sensor. Ensure that the correct ID setting has been selected, Hexadecimal or Decimal. Hexadecimal IDs contain letters and numbers.

• What is the difference between high-line and low-line TPMS?

  High Line: vehicles with high line systems display the location of the specific underinflated tire as well as the tire pressure for all tires.

   

  Low Line: vehicles with low line systems will not indicate the location of the underinflated wheel tire, and usually only display the TPMS warning light indicating the one or more of the tires is underinflated by 25%. 

• How to locate and solve TPMS issues?

  To locate and solve TPMS issues, you need to complete the following steps: 

   

  1)   Use an Autel tool to activate sensors, read accompanying tire and sensor information and scan for trouble codes;

  2)   Depending on the detected TPMS code, repair or replace the damaged part/s. Codes may reference a faulty TPMS module, receiver, actuator, tire pressure sensor or circuit;

  3)   Clear trouble codes;

  4)   Relearn sensors after clearing codes;

  5)   Switch the ignition off and on again, start the engine, use the tool to scan the TPMS system to ensure the codes have been cleared and the TPMS light is off;

  6)   Drive your vehicle for 15 minutes to make sure the light does not display again. 

• Why does “NA” display after I activate sensors?

  The tool may display “NA” for certain sensor and tire parameters after the sensors have been activated, for example:

   

  •   Temp (Temperature) displays “NA”, and/or

  •   BAT (Battery) displays “NA”, and/or

  •   Mode displays “NA”.

   

  The ability to display information for these parameters is dependent upon the vehicle. Not every vehicle supports displaying Temp, Battery or Mode.

   

  About 10% vehicles, temperature displays NA because the original sensors do not provide the temperature information. About 27% vehicles, battery displays NA because the original sensors do not provide battery level information. The vehicles with NA battery display are mainly GM (50%), Japanese vehicles (25%), Chrysler (5%), Citroen/Peugeot (2.55%), Ford (2.24%) and Volvo (2.24%) earlier than 2014.

• When programming an MX-Sensor for my vehicle, the tool displays a “multi-sensor” error message. What does the error signify and how do I correct it?

  A “multi-sensor” error means there is one or more sensors too close to the one you are attempting to program. Unless you have selected the Multi-Sensor programming method and are programming multiple sensors at one time, only one sensor should be close to the Autel TPM tool at a time.  

• I have activated the sensor successfully but the tool displays that the sensor is in “Ship” mode. What does that mean?

  Some manufacturers ship their TPMS sensors in Ship Mode. 

   

  1)   Autel sensors have no Ship mode. Program the MX-Sensor for the vehicle, install, activate and relearn.

  2)   Siemens OE sensor may display “Ship” mode when activated. To enable this sensor, tap the Tool Kit on your Autel TS608 tool and follow the instructions displayed (Currently, this function is only supported on the TS608 tablet);

  3)   OE sensor might display “Test”, “Park” or “Drive” modes, when activated. These modes do not affect the sensors operation. Ignore message and continue diagnosis and/or relearn as needed. 

• Facts about tire pressure

  1.  The tire pressure will vary with temperature by about 1 PSI (0.07 bar) for every 12°F (7°C). This means that when the outside temperature decreases, the tire pressure will decrease. Tire pressure should always be set based on cold inflation tire pressure.

   

  2.  A tire “naturally” loses about 2.9 PSI every 3 months.

   

  3.  An underinflated or overinflated tire is not only dangerous because its blowout risk, but because the vheicl was designed with a specific operating tire pressure in mind. Underinflated or overinflated tires increases instability, reduces traction and increases tire wear.  

• What’s the tire pressure placard and where is located?

  The tire pressure placard is usually located on the door jamb of the vehicle’s driver side door. The placard lists the manufacturer’s recommended tire size and air pressure for the vehicle. 

• Why and when would a technician want to alter the tire pressure threshold value?

  A technician might have to reset the threshold value if the value had been accidently altered or if new tires with lower recommended air pressure than the previous tires have been installed. Failure to set to the new threshold value to the vehicle’s TPMS module will prompt the vehicle TPMS malfunction light to display as the system is reading low pressure. 

• How to use Autel TPMS tools to change the tire pressure placard value

  1.  The TS608, TS508 and TS601 can reset tire pressure threshold. However, the ability to perform this function is dependent on the vehicle. Not all vehicles support this function.

   

  2.  Brief instructions follow to perform threshold change with each TPMS tools

   

  •  TS508: Select Advanced Mode, and then select vehicle make/model and year. The Tire Type/Pressure Selection function will display if compatible with the vehicle. Select this function and follow the on-screen instructions to alter threshold value.  

   

  •  TS601: Select vehicle make/model and year. Select Diagnostics. The Tire Type/Pressure Selection function will display if compatible with the vehicle. Select this function and follow the on-screen instructions to alter threshold value.  

   

  •  TS608: Select vehicle make/model and year. Select Diagnostics tab. The Tire Type/Pressure Selection function will display if compatible with the vehicle. Select this function and follow the on-screen instructions to alter threshold value.  

• Problems & Solutions: Software version

  Problem description:

   

  The vehicle coverage chart on the website lists that the tool is compatible with my vehicle, but I don’t see it on the tool.

   

  Solution:

   

  Ensure that your tool has the latest software. If you are unsure how to update your tool, visit the support pages of our TPMS website, www.maxitpms.com

• Problems & Solutions: Indirect TPMS

  Problem One:

   

  The Autel tool does not read tire pressure information on my vehicle.

   

  Solution:

   

  Ensure that your vehicle employs a direct system with sensors to monitor tire pressure. If you are unable to verify if your vehicle uses a direct or indirect system, dismount tire, squeeze or separate its outer tube to see if a sensor is attached to the valve stem. Indirect systems do not use sensors on the wheels to measure tire pressure, but rather typically use the antilock braking system (ABS) speed sensors to calculate pressure.

   

  Problem description 2:

   

  I cannot establish communication between my TS601 tool and vehicle via the OBD port. 

   

  Solution:

   

  If the vehicle uses an Indirect Tire Pressure Monitoring System, the TS601 will not be able to communicate with the vehicle via the OBD port. If available, use one of Autel’s fully bi-directional  diagnostic tool such as the MS906 or MS906TS to auto scan the vehicle and confirm the vehicle has a TPMS module. The tire pressure monitoring system can also be managed by the Body Control module. If one of these modules is present, contact Autel Technical Support to ensure the tool and its associated cable is functioning correctly. 

• Problems & Solutions: Model & Year

  Problem description 1:

   

  I could not find the model year of my vehicle listed on the tool, so I selected a model year close to that of my vehicle. I programmed an Autel MX-Sensors to replace a broken sensor and attempted to activate the sensor as part of the described Relearn procedure, but I cannot relearn the sensor.

   

  Solution:

   

  If your vehicle model is not supported on your Autel tool, please contact support for a suitable vehicle model year, if available.

   

  Problem description 2:

   

  I cannot activate TPMS sensors.

   

  Solution:

   

  1.   Ensure your tool has the latest software.

  2.   Ensure that the vehicle uses Direct TPMS.

  3.   Make sure you have selected the right model year

  4.   If more than one frequency type is listed for the vehicle, try both listings.

  5.   The sensor may be damaged or its battery dead. In either case, the sensor will need to be replaced.

  6.   If your vehicle’s production month is on the border of two model year listings, try both listings.

  7.   A vehicle manufacturer might use different sensor manufacturers on the same model during the same production time, such as in this example, BMW 2 Series (VDO) 2014/03-2016/12 433MHz and BMW 2 Series (HUF) 2014/01-2014/12 433MHz. You may need to try both listings.

   

  Problem description 3:

   

  I can activate sensors but cannot relearn the sensors to the vehicle.

   

  Solution:

   

  1.  Autel’s TPMS tools display manufacturer vehicle relearn instructions. They must be followed exactly for the sensors to be relearned correctly to that vehicle.

  2.  Hyundai and Kia vehicles can use either high line or low line TPMS systems. Ensure you have selected the correct listing on the tool. 

• Problems & Solutions: OBD issue

  Problem description:

   

   “Not supported” or “fail to establish communication” warning messages display.

   

  Solution:

   

  Contact Autel Technical Support.

• Problems & Solutions: Sensor Frequency

  Problem description:

   

  On my Autel TPMS tool, I selected the vehicle model year to activate sensors. Both 315MHz and 433MHz frequencies are available. Which option should I choose? 

   

  Solution:

   

  Some vehicle manufacturers use both 315MHz and 433/434MHz sensors in the same model year. For example, Audi used either 315MHz or 433MHz frequency sensors on their 2005 and 2007 model year A6 vehicles. Select one frequency and attempt to activate. If the sensor fails to activate, choose the other frequency and attempt sensor activation.

• Problems & Solutions: Sensor ID

  Problem description 1:

   

  My tool displays a warning message of “duplicated sensor ID”. I cannot complete the relearn procedure and the TPMS malfunction light remains lit.

   

  Solution:

   

  The same sensor might have been activated twice and therefore the tool is displaying duplicate IDs.

  When activating sensors, follow the procedure displayed on the screen and activate each sensor at the wheel in the order prompted by the display.

  Each Sensor on each wheel must have a unique ID. If two sensors display the same ID, you will need to replace the sensor or re-program the MX-Sensor with a unique ID.

   

  Problem description 2:

   

  I relearned the sensor IDs to my vehicle via the OBD relearn process, but after driving the vehicle for the time and at the speed advised in the relearn procedure, the TPMS light again displays.

   

  Solution:

   

  Activate the sensors and ensure they are functioning and can be read.

   

  Problem description 3:

   

  I programmed MX-Sensors via manual input, but after driving, the vehicle’s TPMS light displays.

   

  Solution:

   

  Ensure that the original sensor ID was correctly inputted.

   

  Problem description 4:

   

  The tires on my vehicle were rotated, and the TPMS light displays after driving. After inspecting the tires, I found that the front right tire was low, not the front left tire that the vehicle’s dashboard indicated.

   

  Solution:

   

  The sensors have to be relearned to the vehicle. After the tire rotation, the registered IDs and their corresponding location do not match what is registered to the vehicle’s ECU. 

• Problems & Solutions: Sensor Mounting

  Problem description 1:

   

  Sensors are properly mounted and have been successfully relearned to the vehicle. The TPMS light displays a few days later indicating “low pressure”.  I activated the sensors and the tires read low pressure.

   

  Solution:

   

  Please double check the valve stems of all sensors to ensure there is no air leak.

   

  Problem description 2:

   

  Clamp-in sensors are properly mounted, but I have trouble dismounting the tires.

   

  Solution:

   

  The tire will leak if the washer is not securely mounted against the outer rim. Using the positioning pin, tighten the screw-nut. Do not over tighten.

• Problems & Solutions: Tire Pressure

  Problem description:

   

  The vehicle’s TPMS light displays with the messages “please check tire pressure” and “low-pressure condition”.

   

  Solution:

   

  1.   Ensure the tires’ air pressure is consistent with the vehicle manufacturers recommended pressure. The vehicle tire placard, located on the door jamb of the driver door, will list the recommended air pressure. Check the tires for wear and leakage. It is best to inflate tires when they are cold.

   

  2.   Inflate the tires to 10-15 kPa (1.5 to 2 Psi) above the air pressure recommended on the tire placard. Wait 15 minutes and deflate the tire to the recommended pressure. Never inflate the tire more than 30 percent of its recommended value.

   

  It must be noted that

   

  1)   The nominal tire pressure should never exceed the full load pressure, especially vehicles with modified tires; and

  2)   The vehicle should never be driven with over-inflated tires.

• Problems & Solutions: Relearn Procedure

  Problem description 1:

   

  I cannot complete the sensor relearn.

   

  Solution:

   

  Please carefully follow the step-by-step instructions displayed under Relearn Procedure on your Autel tool.  

   

  Problem description 2:

   

  I performed auto relearn and drove the vehicle, but was unsuccessful in relearning IDs.

   

  Solution:

   

  Drive the vehicle consistently at the speed of between 25 km/h and 100 km/h (15 mph and 62 mph) throughout the Relearn process.

  Wait at least 15 minutes before starting a second relearn.

• Problems & Solutions: TPMS Parts

  Problem description 1:

   

  The TPMS light is lit on the dash of my 2005 vehicle, what should I do?

   

  Solution:

   

  The tire pressure control module might be faulty. Use an Autel tool with OBDII-connection capability such as the TS508 or TS608 to detect trouble codes within the TPMS module. You may need to repair or replace a part within the system such as a transmitter or receiver.

   

  Problem description 2:

   

  My vehicle had a collision. Now my TPMS light stays on. What do I do?

   

  Solution:

   

  The vehicle may have a damaged TPMS module or non-functioning sensors or both. Use an Autel TPMS tool to check the sensors and the control module.

  If sensors fail to activate, the sensors need to be replaced. Program Autel’s MX-Sensors to replace sensors. Follow the vehicle manufacturer-specific Relearn procedures displayed on your Autel tool. If the sensors fail to relearn, connect the Autel TPMS to the OBDII port to scan for system faults. You may need to repair or replace a part within the system such as a transmitter or receiver.

           
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