TPMS programmer?

[GaryL]

I have a 2016 4 Runner limited and a 2015 Lexus RX 350 and sets of summer and winter wheels and tires for both vehicles. All the wheels have genuine Toyota TPMS sensors in them.
Every spring and every fall when I make the switch I have to go to the dealer to get the TPMS re programmed in each vehicle and the same happens when ever I rotate the tires. This is a real PITA!

I do see that I can by my own personal TPMS programmer and do this myself but I have no idea which brand or model unit to purchase.

Has anyone here had experience with these gadgets and can guide me to a suitable re-programmer to purchase? The professional ones are very costly but hopefully there is DIY model that is cheaper and can work.

The other option might just be to get to the idiot light for these TPMS systems and just unplug the dumb thing rather than taping over it until I get to the dealer.:gun5:

 

[a99miata]

tpms

I thought I read something in the owners manual on how to do it.

 

[philsey]

If only there were a sticky section with detailed instructions on how to Google Search the forum, and if only there were dozens of threads on your very subject.

Sigh.

 

[GaryL]

I thought I read something in the owners manual on how to do it.

I don't believe it can be done at home without the plug in gadget for the computer to reset. I know what you mean and had previous vehicles that came with a donut ring you placed over the valve stem on each wheel in sequence and the computer read it. Now I think it is just a scam forcing us to either visit the dealer or a tire place that has the programmer.

GaryL

 

[L8Shift]

I have been using an Autel MaxiTPMS TS501 for my wheel swaps, it allows you to upload the sensor IDs to the vehicles ECU. :thumb3:

It also displays the Air pressure and temperature from the sendor.

Autel MaxiTPMS

If you used cloned senders, cloned to the other set, you probably would not have to upload new IDs.

 

[L8Shift]

I thought I read something in the owners manual on how to do it.

The owner's manual explains how to re-calibrate the system, not upload new sender IDs. Uploading new sender IDs is required when using new senders.

 

[GaryL]

I have been using an Autel MaxiTPMS TS501 for my wheel swaps, it allows you to upload the sensor IDs to the vehicles ECU. :thumb3:

It also displays the Air pressure and temperature from the sendor.

Autel MaxiTPMS

If you used cloned senders, cloned to the other set, you probably would not have to upload new IDs.

Thanks L8, This is interesting but I have a question. Since all of my TPMS sensors are already inside the tires and wheels and I do not have the IDs written down anywhere, will this unit read the IDs from outside the tires?
At the dealer and tire shop they plug into the vehicle ECU and then go around to each wheel with a hand held unit by each valve stem and it reads the sensor and teaches the system. Is this how the Autel works?

GaryL

 

[L8Shift]

At the dealer and tire shop they plug into the vehicle ECU and then go around to each wheel with a hand held unit by each valve stem and it reads the sensor and teaches the system. Is this how the Autel works?

GaryL

Correct except you plug the reader to the OBD2 connection and upload the serial numbers directly from the Autel, AFTER you have read each sensor. Short OBD2 cable..

This should take all off 5 mins. :yo:

 

[GaryL]

Thanks L8. I ordered the unit off Ebay for $220 delivered and it should be here next week.

 

[fourwd1]

If only there were a sticky section with detailed instructions on how to Google Search the forum, and if only there were dozens of threads on your very subject.

Sigh.

I think that totally went over their heads

 

[GaryL]

Maybe I did not read deep enough! I did find this discussion by using the custom Google Search up in the top. Maybe you could tell us more or even post a link to the exact discussion for those of us who are not quite as adept at navigating here.

 

[adder70]

Maybe I did not read deep enough! I did find this discussion by using the custom Google Search up in the top. Maybe you could tell us more or even post a link to the exact discussion for those of us who are not quite as adept at navigating here.

Some people fail to search at all. Other people prefer to belittle rather than help. (Yes, I've searched and failed to find my question and been served with a similar verbal assault on my intelligence when asking it. Actually, the one who commented on my question did at least post links to similar (but NOT the same!) question threads.)