10 Things to Consider When Buying TPMS Sensor Tool

This simple, easy-to-use tool can save a you a big headache.

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Keeping your tires in check is easier now more than ever. With TPMS sensors in place, your car tells you if pressure is out of whack and even gives a live reading of tire pressure in some cases. With this system in place, you have almost no excuse not to be running the right tire pressure at all times. That is unless your TPMS sensors are out of whack. But even that is made easy when you add a TPMS tool to your collection. This device is how you keep your tire pressure monitoring system in check. The only thing standing between you and the perfect model for your situation is the hunt, and that's exactly what we're here to handle.

Autel MaxiTPMS New Generation Diagnostic & Service Tool

JDIAG 2IN1 TPMS Relearn Tool

To identify the best TPMS tools available, we searched online for products at different price points and various features, and compared them with user reviews. We also looked at each device's compatibility with different TPMS sensors, gauged how compatible each was with modern vehicles, and chose those that offered the most versatility. Finally, we considered how extensive any given TPMS tool&#;s features and ability to read different codes was, opting to highlight those that could diagnose more problems for added convenience. To learn more about how we select and rate products, check this out.

TPMS relearn gives access to the vehicle&#;s ECU for quick diagnostics and reading and writing of the sensors&#; IDs

Sensor Check feature allows viewing of TPMS data such as the sensor&#;s ID, battery, and position, plus tire pressure and temperature

Offers professional-level readings for in-depth information

Sensor programming may be a little awkward

Professional features may confuse first-time users

Activates all tire deflation-triggered and magnetic-triggered sensors found in TPMS units

A lifetime of free updates included

Does not read the battery level of the old sensors (if replacing sensors)

May not work on sensors that are not Autel brand

Simple to operate, even for first-time users

Works on after-market as well as OEM tire pressure sensors

The written instructions could be more complete

Sometimes the tool does not reset the malfunction indicator light (MIL)

The company is the world’s best TPMS Sensor Tool supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

Excellent support of the market

Offers all useful data regarding TPMS systems

Instructions aren&#;t very helpful

Signal strength can see improvement

We chose the Autel MaxiTPMS New Generation Diagnostic & Service Tool as our top choice overall. This is because it recognizes sensors universally and seamlessly connects to your vehicle&#;s ECU. On the other hand, the hand-held Autel MaxiTPMS TS401 is our choice for best value because it works on 98 percent of today&#;s cars and trucks.

Tool and sensor compatibility is a major factor to consider when buying a TPMS tool. Some tools are meant to be used with particular car models, while others can be used with a wide selection of vehicles. If you want a TPMS tool you can use on multiple vehicles, get one that&#;s compatible with American, European, and Asian cars. Most brands fall within these categories. 

The functions of a TPMS tool guide its design and price. While some TPMS tools are basically monitor-only systems, some have more than four functions. They can check the tire pressure, relearn sensors, reset codes, and program sensors. They display this data in real time on an LCD screen.

Battery powered, solar powered, or rechargeable? The power source is an important feature when choosing a TPMS tool. While some tools have nine-volt batteries that last long, there are newer products that have rechargeable batteries or use solar energy. It is also important to know the status of the battery, so you know when it&#;s time to replace it. 

TPMS tools can range anywhere from $10-$300 or more. Features are a primary determining factor for pricing. More basic models that have very limited functions will run at the lower end of the price scale, while more comprehensive versions sell for much more. Quality and application coverage also factor into what you can expect to pay.

You've got questions. The Drive has answers.

This tool identifies the types of sensors in your tires and the information that the sensors contain. This information is necessary for the sensors to work correctly after you have performed maintenance such as a tire replacement or rotation. You use the tool to perform the proper relearn procedures to reset the system. 

No, only newer cars and trucks. Manufacturers began to install TPMS in vehicles in the s on a few luxury cars. Rollover problems on some vehicles in the late s prompted laws mandating TPMS on U.S. vehicles. As of , all vehicles sold in the U.S. and EU must have a TPMS. 

A: It depends on the kind of sensors your vehicle is equipped with. Many are reprogrammable, and all you need to reprogram them is one of the TPMS tools on our list above.

A: If your OBD2 scanner does come with the ability to read TPMS codes and reset its sensors, then you&#;ll be able to do so without a specialized TPMS tool. However, if your OBD2 scanner isn&#;t able to do so, you will need a separate device.

Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, &#;wisdom of the crowd&#; assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.

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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. 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/?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711---0&mkcid=2&itemid=&targetid=&device=c&mktype=&googleloc=&poi=&campaignid=&mkgroupid=&rlsatarget=pla-&abcId=&merchantid=&msclkid=20ce12aacad1dff The link is just an example, I'm sure they can be had for a less.

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?

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). 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 ass was my parents 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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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..

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.

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 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

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 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 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.