If you talk to auto mechanics who perform TPMS sensor service (and that’s a majority of mechanics these days), you’ll hear quite a few say, “TPMS is driving me crazy.” Servicing TPMS has been common since 2008, when the DOT mandate for TPMS in new cars was enacted. While there was a learning curve, TPMS service was something virtually all shops could master, and things went pretty smoothly for years.
However, things have seemed out of whack recently. You’ll hear complaints from techs such as, “I just can’t get these sensors to relearn,” and “It took me four tries before the relearn worked.” Another refrain is, “Relearning the TPMS to the vehicle has become so slow, it just takes forever!”
Based on our experience working with technicians in the field, most of their issues stem from out-of-date TPMS tools and software. If your TPMS tool software is not up-to-date, it may not work properly with the newest generations of TPMS sensors and TPM Systems. So, when TPMS service is required, make sure your TPMS service tool software is up to date and you use the reputable TPMS sensors that have been made by the OE experts.
