What is Universal Programmable TPMS Sensor and Why Do We Use Them?

What are Universal TPMS Sensors?

Universal TPMS sensors are designed to replace the original equipment (OE) sensors for the automotive aftermarket. There are different types of universal sensors and Bartec tools are designed to work with all major types. The two major types are &#;programmable&#; and &#;configurable&#;.

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Programmable sensors such as the EZ-sensor® (Schrader) and the Sens.it&#; (Alligator) are programmed by a Bartec tool, such as the TECH600. For example, if a broken sensor is to be replaced, then the tool would clone the ID and communication protocol of that sensor onto the programmable sensor, so that the car sees no difference when the new sensor is fitted. This is the key to turning out the TPMS warning light on the dashboard.

Configurable TPMS Sensors such as the Huf IntelliSens, however, have protocols and parameters already stored in the sensor which only need to be activated by the Bartec tool to make the sensor compatible with the vehicle.

Major benefits of both types of sensor:

• Reduction in the number of parts stocked and associated costs
• Lower the risk of fitting the wrong part
• Simplification and speed of the process
• Avoid lost sales from not having the right part
• Sensors can be programmed either before or after the wheels are mounted to the vehicle

Types of Universal TPMS Sensor

RITE-SENSOR®

EZ-sensor®

IntelliSens&#;

Sens.it&#;

Bartec Auto ID FAQs

Universal Sensors are Non-Original Equipment (OE) TPMS sensors used in the replacement market.

Programmable sensors must be programmed by a TPMS Tool to the specification of the vehicle they are being installed on. Once programmed most programmable sensors provide the same information that the OE sensors did.

In most cases you won&#;t unless the warning indicator is coming on flashing for 60 to 90 seconds intermittently, but it would still require having codes read from the system and sensor tested. Best to take the vehicle into an authorised service center for testing.

Most tyre shops and repair shops recommend servicing the TPMS when changing or installing new tyres or wheels by replacing the valve core, retaining nut, seal and cap on the valve stem, then testing the system to make sure it's operating correctly. Many direct systems can display the actual pressure in each tyre.

Bartec recommends having the sensors relearned after a tyre rotation and is required after a tyre/s replacement. This way the TPM System knows the accurate location of each sensor/wheel.

Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems, or TPMS provide safety and economic benefits for motorists. By helping drivers to maintain the correct tyre inflation, TPMS can help improve ride and handling, reduce stopping distances and the potential for hydroplaning. TPMS can also increase fuel efficiency and extend tyre life. TPMS is designed to monitor the air pressure in a tyre and send a warning to the vehicle&#;s on-board monitoring system when the pressure drops below a preset limit.

For more information, please visit Universal Programmable TPMS Sensor.

You cannot always tell if a tyre is under inflated simply by looking at it. The only way to accurately check tyre pressure is by using a quality tyre pressure gauge. A tyre can lose air pressure without appearing to be under inflated. There is very little visual difference between a properly inflated and an under inflated tyre.

The life of a TPMS sensor will vary due to several variables including temperature (cold can reduce the life as well as extreme moisture), garage kept or not, driving distance, maintenance of the TPMS sensor and air pressure. Normally you can expect to get somewhere from 7 years up to 12 years before failure occurs under typical driving conditions.

You should stop as soon as it is safe and practical to inspect and make sure you don&#;t have a tyre rapidly losing pressure. Driving with an extremely low tyre pressure can cause an accident and/or ruin the tyre. If the tyres look to be holding pressure, find a tyre repair shop that can check your air pressure when it is possible.

No. The battery in the sensor cannot be replaced. The housing is sealed to protect the internal components including the battery in the harsh environment inside the tyre.

A flashing TPMS warning light (looks like a horseshoe) or the letters TPMS being lit, indicate a TPMS system failure. This means that the system is not working properly and needs to be diagnosed by a reputable repair facility. It could be a bad sensor/s or other component in the system or failure to properly relearn the IDs for the sensors to the vehicle.

Every TPMS sensor has a unique ID number so the vehicle&#;s on-board computer system can identify the location of that ID and wheel. The ID numbers are written via a Relearn procedure into the on-board computer system. The tyre technician is able to identify through testing, the location of a bad sensor/s to show the correct air pressure by location. Most relearns require a capable and compatible TPMS tool.

When Rotating wheels and tyres or replacing tyres, the TPMS sensors get moved to another location on the vehicle. The tyre technicians must perform a function known as a Vehicle Relearn. The technician will use a piece of equipment like a scan tool or a TPMS tool to perform this task. This task requires training, proper equipment and takes time, therefore many tyre retailers and repair shops charge for the service.

Low tyre pressure is one of the leading causes of blowouts causing an accident involving death/injury, excessive tyre wear, poor handling, diminished fuel economy, reduced effectiveness of the vehicle stability control system. When the TPMS warning light is on when presented for an MOT it is an instant failure of the vehicles MOT.

Original or OE TPMS sensors are pre-programmed for 1 make and type of car, while a universal sensor can control a whole range of makes and types of cars. A universal TPMS sensor can be programmed with a dedicated TPMS tool, with which the protocol of a certain vehicle is programmed on the sensor, so that the sensor can communicate correctly with the car. With an OE TPMS sensor this has already been done by the manufacturer. With both options, the new sensor will have to be "taught" to the vehicle (often) using a TPMS tool. Unless you already have TPMS sensors in your car, you can "clone" the ID numbers of the current sensors to the new, universal sensors. You do not have to re-teach this to the car. This is not possible with OE sensors and you will always have to teach the sensors with the correct teaching procedure.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website TPMS Diagnostic And Service Tool.