Since their official government mandate in 2008,TPMS sensors and their presence in North American automobiles have become a normal offering for repair & service shops nationwide with technology within the industry evolving at what some would believe to bean overwhelming rate. After reading this article, we can assure that you’ll be up to speed – and that’s a Siming guarantee.
A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF TPMS IN THE US:
In 2008, the government federally mandated the implementation of TPMS systems in all vehicles sold in the US. The goal of this was to ensure that all drivers on American roads were able to safely assess their tire pressure, tire health, and manage maintenance intervals with the utmost accuracy and precision. As time has progressed, TPMS sensor technology has evolved drastically, with the TPMS industry as a whole reaching new heights each year. The once-limited TPMS aftermarket has flourished into a diverse commercial sphere of products that are better than ever before.
WHY CHOOSE PROGRAMMABLE SENSORS OVER OE?
Programmable TPMS sensors, unlike Original Equipment (OE) sensors, come with many of the same features as OE – with the added benefits of cost-effectiveness and market wide programming abilities. ProgrammableTPMS sensors once held a negative reputation due to their lack of reliability and accuracy, however this worry is about as outdated as dial-up internet. Programmable TPMS sensors of today – like theONE-Direct dual frequency sensor, are more accurate, more reliable, and more durable than ever before. Another key note is that some models of the same year either require 315 OR 433mHz OE sensors, and purchasing the incorrect OE part can turn into an expensive and time-consuming ordeal. Meanwhile, the ONE-Direct sensor can be programmed as either 315OR 433mHz output sensors, and if incorrectly programmed can immediately be re-programmed to the correct required protocol. Programmable sensors are especially advantageous for shops that deal with a variety of makes, models, and year ranges.For a fraction of the cost and without the hassle of ever changing part numbers with locked presets, shop owners can purchase ONE type of programmable sensor fit for 99%* of vehicles that enter their garage.
When programmed, the ONE-Direct dual frequency TPMS sensor functions exactly the way an OE sensor transmits data to the vehicle. TheONE-Direct sensor can be programmed either with a unique sensor ID via the “ CREATE SENSOR” feature on your TPMS tool, or by uploading an existing sensor ID that has been copied via your TPMS tool via the “COPYID” feature of your TPMS tool.
CREATE SENSOR vs COPY ID:
When deciding to create vs copy sensor ID’s, ask yourself the following:
Is this new TPMS sensor a permanent replacement for this vehicle or is it seasonal?
- If the new sensors will be permanent replacements to outgoing sensors, it may be best to create new IDs and perform the relearn procedure. In the event of this being a seasonal replacement only, copying the original sensor IDs may prove more convenient.
Will this vehicle regularly switch tire sets?
- If this vehicle regularly will see new tires being installed, copying IDs may prove to be the optimal, hassle-free procedure.
Are the vehicle’s outgoing TPMS sensors readable?
- If the vehicle’s previous TPMS sensors can have their IDs pulled still, copying and uploading those existing IDs to your newONE-Direct sensors can prove to reduce your maintenance time and labor requirements.
Does this vehicle present any known difficulties with the relearn procedure?
- If the vehicle you are currently working on isproving to be a problem-child due to damage ordefects, copying previously existing or registeredTPMS IDs may prove to be the optimal procedure.
PROCEDURAL DIFFERENCES – COPY vs CREATE:
In some vehicles, performing the relearn procedure is not required when installing sensors with copied IDs, however performing the relearn procedure is likely always recommended when creating newSensor IDs (see your vehicle’s owner’s manual or instructions displayed in your TPMS tool).
FINAL TAKEAWAYS:
Programmable TPMS sensors like the ONE-Direct TPMS sensor have become staples in automotive shops nationwide for their combination of cost-effectiveness, programmability, and reliability. TheONE-Direct dual frequency TPMS sensor is the premier example of the next steps in TPMS. For further information on the ONE-Direct sensor, click here or contact our veteran technical support team Monday-Friday 8am-8pm EST by phone at 888-281-5785 or via email at [email protected] .