Background: The batteries within the 'OEM' TPMS units on my 2007 Sport model died several years ago, but a recent road-damage incident inspired me to restore that functionality. One tire (and rim) got torn up pretty badly on a remote unpaved in poor condition. The roadway was bad enough, and the 4Runner 'Sport' handliing still good enough, that I didn't notice a significant ride problem until after the rim edge was also wrecked. Functional TPMS would have notified me of the failed tire much more quickly.

I bought a new Autel MaxiTPMS tool, model TS508WF, for about $160. Used units might also work, but Autel controls registration and updates pretty tightly, I'm not sure if a "used" unit would allow access to the various menus an adequate number of times wihthout the unit being re-registered. Autel programmable sensors cost only about $25 each (with metal stems, of course).

They were very easy to install using a long 12mm socket. They specified that the shank stem should be tightened down (against the seal) with only 4 NM of torque, that's only about 3 ft-lbs. I gently "guessed" at an appropriate amount of torque on the seal, because I don't have a wrench which goes that small.

The tool read up the existing codes from the ECU immediately, I did not need to use the "unlock ECU" menu item in order to obtain those values. (It might be needed to add new Keys and Door fobs). The Tool supports 6 variations of 4Runner TPMS, with the oldest date range (#6) from 08/2003 thru 08/2006. My own '2007 Sport' matched selection #5, 09/2006 - 08/2017. The newest date range of support in my fully-update tool is 08/20201 - 06/2024. All Gen4 and Gen5 models and build dates seem to be there, but it won't work with Gen3.

I stored those codes and used the 'copy' option to set ID values into my already-mounted TPMS units. You can only set the ID into a TPMS when the
tire has been deflated, or before the TPMS has been mounted. (I'd had new tires put on at a store, so after driving home, I needed to raise and deflate each wheel before setting the ID and re-inflating. A more efficient process would have been to set the IDs before going to the tire store, marking each TPMS unit with the rim to put it on (FL, FR, RR, LR, and SP).

If the store put them on correctly, Toyota TPMS it would work immediately. But even if they got them mixed up, you could use the tool to set the tire values into the Totoya ECU - without deflating the tires, as long as values had been set into the units and tested into the tool (with regaqrd to the locations on the car). Autel TPMS Sensors come with no ID preset at all, you must use the tool to put in values at least once. If you want, you can assign random values rather than the original Toyota OEM values, but that will make writing the values into the Toyota ECU a 'mandatory' step,

When I next rotate my wheel/tires, I'll probably use that capability (write tested values into the Toyota ECU) to re-assign the moved wheel ID's into the correct locations - even though 4Runner has only an idiot light - it doesn't show WHICH tire has 'failed' pressure or temperature values when the light goes on.

The tool can also be used to provoke a "fault" from an autel TPMS unit on a good tire (without pulling out any air), allowing you to verify that the Toyota ECU and dashobard light are working correctly. I did that, and everything works correctly.

I've been driving with that light on for at least 1o year, - it's nice to see the dash dsiplay "clear" again. In about 7-10 years, re-replacement of the TPMS units will cost about $120 - the tool should still be working.

most of us just bypass the tpms all together,

but your tool seems interesting, I have another approach, buy the VXdiag for the toyota since I have 3 toyotas to maintain. use that for everything with the toyota techstream software.

for the same price you paid for your tool, I can do alot more.

thx for posting this write up. i have a 2007 with long term dead batteries and well. i've just let the light run. i just didn't see the need to replace them at the cost it would take, just to have a nearly useless warning system. i just periodically top up my tires. yes, in a sudden deflation, i would be caught off guards. i've never had that happen in decades of driving.

I also have an Autel, unlike TechStream (which I have) the Autel communicates with all Manufacturers of Vehicles not just Toyota.

Some of us cool kids use the TPMS data with iDatalink Maestro..

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