Frequently asked TPMS related Problems and Solutions by Autel MaxiTPMS

Following are 12 pieces of frequently asked TPMS related Problems and Solutions collected by Autel Technicians. If you have the same problems, please proceed to read it.

Problem list:

TPMS parts related problems

2. Relearn procedure related problems

3. Tire pressure related problems

4. Sensor mounting related problems

5. Sensor ID related problems

6. Sensor frequency related problems

7. OBD issue related problems

8. Model year related problems

9. Indirect TPMS related problems

10. Software version related problems

11. What are high- and low-line TPMSs?

12. How to locate and solve TPMS troubles?

One –by one Autel MaxiTPMS Question and Answer:

PS: contact Autel Technical Support at email Sales@CHINAOBD2.com

TPMS parts related problems

Problem description 1:

A 2005 or older vehicle model has an illuminated TPMS light.

Solution:

Probably it’s the tire pressure control modules that are worn out due to a too long service. Please use an Autel tool to detect TPMS trouble codes and confirm failure causes. Repair or replace worn-out parts, for example a transmitter, receiver or sensor.

Problem description 2:

My vehicle had a collision. Now my TPMS light stays on. What do I do?

Solution:

A collided vehicle may have either broken tire pressure control modules or broken sensors or even both. Please use an Autel tool to check both sensor information and control modules.

If any unusual value, replace the damaged sensors with Autel sensors. Then relearn new sensors into your vehicle by strictly following our advised relearn procedures.

If TPMS troubles codes are found, or if you cannot complete the relearn after installing Autel sensors even you stick to the step-by-step relearn procedures, repair or replace the damaged parts based on the failure causes you find.

Relearn procedure related problems

Problem description 1:

I cannot access and complete the sensor relearn.

Solution:

Please strictly follow the step-by-step instructions in Relearn Procedure in your Autel tool. Any operations inconsistent with the instruction will lead to the failure. For example, TS601 requires Autel sensors are programmed into the 2015 Renault Megan 3 model in an OBD relearn process. In that case, if you try an auto relearn, you may get failed.

Problem description 2:

I are performing an auto relearn as required, but still get failed.

Solution:

We suggest that your driving speed is controlled between 25 km/h and 100 km/h throughout the relearn. Too fast or too slow speed may cause a relearn failure.

Please wait for at least 15 minutes before you start a second relearn, otherwise it may cause a failure. Sensors or your vehicle need a certain while to get back to their parking status before a second relearn.

Tire pressure related problems

Problem description:

My TPMS light comes on and my vehicle tells “please check tire pressure” and “a low pressure condition”.

Solution:

Please always keep the correct air pressure in your specific tires. Look for the recommended pressure in your vehicle owner’s manual or the tire placard attached to the door edge. And double check that tires are worn out when the TPMS light shows a low pressure condition.

When you are ready to inflate your tires, first make sure they are cold. Then inflate to a pressure that is 10-15 kPa above the value recommended on the tire placard. Wait for about 15 minutes and deflate the tire to the recommended pressure. For example, it was a case about a Land Rover car. Its TPMS light showed a low pressure tire and didn’t turn off until the under-inflated tire was inflated to a pressure above the nominal value.

It must be noted that

1) The nominal tire pressure should never exceed the full load pressure, especially vehicles with modified tires; and

2) All tires should never be 30% over-inflated anytime.

Sensor mounting related problems

Problem description 1:

Sensors are properly mounted and successfully relearned into the vehicle. Everything goes fine until a few days later when the TPMS light comes on and indicates “low pressure”. I check sensors to read their information and do find out a low pressure condition.

Solution:

Please double check the valve stems of all sensors after installation and make sure there is no air leak.

Problem description 2:

Clamp-in sensors are properly mounted, but I find difficulties when I try to dismount them.

Solution:

Make sure the washer is well mounted against the outer rim, otherwise it will have air leak. And tighten the screw-nut with 4.0 Nm with the help of the positioning pin. If too tight, it will be broken and you can hardly dismount.

Sensor ID related problems

Problem description 1:

When I read sensor IDs by activation or OBD function, my tool shows a warning message of “duplicated sensor ID”. I cannot complete the relearn procedure and the TPMS light always stays on.

Solution:

Please be aware that tire pressure sensors in different wheels cannot share the same ID. Please use an Autel TPMS tool to activate all sensors, read sensor information and make sure sensor IDs are unique.

Problem description 2:

I programmed sensor IDs into my vehicle through OBD relearn procedure, but after a driving for some time, my TPMS light comes on.

Solution:

We suggest you read sensors IDs again and their corresponding locations after your writing to make sure they are correct.

Problem description 3:

I programmed sensor IDs by manual input, but after a driving for some time, my TPMS light comes on.

Solution:

We suggest you compare your manual input IDs with the original and make sure they are consistent. If not, please contact Autel Technical Support.

Problem description 4:

I had a tire rotation service, and My TPMS light comes on after a driving for some time. For example, it tells the front left tire has a low pressure condition, but it turns out to be the front right tire.

Solution:

It’s because ID locations logged into your vehicle’s ECU are inconsistent with the actual fact. Please use the Autel tool’s OBD function to write sensor IDs again.

Notes: if you have any other problems that are not mentioned here, please contact Autel Technical Support.

Sensor frequency related problems

Problem description:

When I select the model year in my Autel tool to activate sensors, I find both 315MHz and 433MHz options are available for my specific vehicle’s model year. What do I do?

Solution:

Both 315MHz and 433/434MHz sensors may function across vehicles in the same model year. Take the 2005-2007 Audi A6 models for instance, some of them use 315MHz while others 433/434MHz. When you have no idea which frequency works for your specific vehicle, please try both. One or the other will make your sensors successfully activated.

OBD issue related problems

Problem description:

When I access to some function that is included in the released function list, I get “not supported” or “fail to establish communication” warning messages.

Solution:

Please contact Autel Technical Support and describe what have you done, what warning messages did you get and then what happened. We will solve your problems and release an update soon.

Model year related problems

Problem description 1:

When I select a model year similar to my vehicle to activate and/or program sensors in wheels, my good sensors don’t work properly.

Solution:

Please select the right model year according to the information on your vehicle’s label (usually on driver’s door jamb).

If your vehicle model is not supported on your Autel tool, please contact us with your label and sensor photos and the information that how you operated. We will provide you a substitutable model year that fits to your OEM part number and guide you to activate, program and relearn your sensors, but in this way, you need to find out the relearn procedure by yourself when you cannot get it from the owner’s manual. Your specific model year will be updated to our next software release.

Problem description 2:

I cannot activate TPMS sensors.

Solution:

If you are sure that you have selected the right model year, please

1) Check your vehicle for direct TPMS sensors; or

2) Try the same model year with other optional frequencies; or

3) Check that your sensor is damaged due to car crash; or

4) Check that your sensor battery is dead because your vehicle’s model year is older, if it is, replace your sensor; or

5) Contact Autel Technical Support and provide your vehicle’s label and sensor photos;

Otherwise, it’s because you have accidentally selected a wrong model year.

1) If your vehicle is renovated, double check its model year. For example, a Chrysler 300 vehicle may have a mistaken label saying Chrysler 300C. Or

2) If your vehicle’s month is on the boundary between two model year segments defined in your Autel tool, please try both segments to activate sensors. One or the other will work. Or

3) If there is a little overlap between two model year segments which have different manufacturers and protocols in your Autel tool, for example, BMW 2 Series (VDO) 2014/03-2016/12 433MHz and BMW 2 Series (HUF) 2014/01-2014/12 433MHz, please try both. One or the other will work.

Problem description 3:

I can activate sensors but cannot relearn.

Solution:

If your vehicle is a Hyundai or Kia model, please check for high line and low line options. Select the proper one according to your actual situation. Otherwise you need to contact Autel Technical Support.

Indirect TPMS related problems

Problem description 1:

I cannot read tire pressure information from my vehicle via my Autel tool.

Solution:

Dismount your tire, then squeeze or separate its outer tube to verify a direct TPMS sensor is fitted. If no direct TPMS sensors are fitted, your vehicle has an indirect TPMS, so of course, you cannot read.

Problem description 2:

I cannot establish communication between my TS601 tool and vehicle via OBD port.

Solution:

If possible, you can use an Autel diagnostic device such as MS906 or 906TS to make auto scan of your vehicle’s ECUs. If common direct TPMS modules like Tire Pressure Module (TPM) and Body Control Module (BCM) are detected, your vehicle is equipped with direct TPMS. Check for other reasons. If only ABS is detected, probably your vehicle has an indirect TPMS, so your TS601 tool cannot communicate with your vehicle via OBD port.

Software version related problems

Problem description:

Vehicles included in the latest function list released on Autel website are not supported on my Autel tool.

Solution:

Update your Autel tool as soon as you get it. Please refer to the update part in your device’s User Manual.

What are high- and low-line TPMSs?

High Line: vehicles with high line systems can inform drivers of the location of the underinflated wheel tire, and usually show tire pressure readings.

Low Line: vehicles with low line systems will not indicate the location of the underinflated wheel tire, and usually have only tire pressure lights but no readings.

How to locate and solve TPMS troubles?

To locate and solve TPMS troubles, you need to complete the steps below:

1) Use an Autel tool to scan trouble codes, activate sensors and read sensor information;

2) Check your TPMS devices according to the detected trouble codes, and then repair/replace the damaged parts, like ECU, receiver, actuator, tire pressure sensor and circuit;

3) Clear trouble codes;

4) Relearn sensors after code clearance;

5) Switch the ignition off and on again, start the engine, use the tool to scan the TPMS system again to make sure the codes are cleared and the TPMS light goes out;

6) Drive your vehicle for 15 minutes to make sure everything goes fine.

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