Next-gen TPMS technology

June 3, 2014

Examples of the latest tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) were on display at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show and the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) in Las Vegas.

The Smart Sensor Pro+ from 31 Inc. is easy to learn and offers a complete TPMS solution. It requires only two sensor part numbers for 90% industry coverage. It can program a Smart Sensor in a matter of seconds, and can copy the original OE sensor’s ID into a Smart Sensor.

The company also offers its Pro+ TPMS scan tool, which is updateable online at www.smartsensorupdate.com. Group 31 also offers a complete line of TPMS products and services, including X-tra Seal TPMS service kits, a full array of TPMS tools and accessories, and the company’s new MULTIPRO multi-application TPMS sensors.

Autel Intelligent Technology Co. Ltd. says the MaxiTPMS TS401 is a new generation TPMS diagnostic and service tool with unparalleled sensor coverage and an easy-to-use interface. The tool is ergonomic and provides quick access to faulty TPMS sensors.

The tool can activate and decode all magnetic-, frequency- and tire deflation-triggered sensors on all vehicles sold worldwide, notes Autel. It receives both 315MHz and 433MHz signals and interprets data including sensor ID, tire pressure, temperature and battery condition.

The MaxiTPMS TS401 provides visual and audible responses to confirm sensors are working properly. Intuitive navigation and step-by-step on-screen instructions guide techs through procedures, and a pre-selection process offers faster activation and diagnostics. Autel will provide one year of free updates via USB port, and multilingual support is available. It comes with a limited one-year warranty.

Continental Commercial Vehicles & Aftermarket added a multi-application TPMS sensor to its VDO Redi-Sensor Multi-application TPMS sensor line. The sensor offers coverage for Audi, Mercedes-Benz, GM light truck, Subaru, Volkswagen, Volvo and late model Toyota and Nissan vehicles.

The VDO Redi-Sensor Multi-application TPMS sensor program currently covers over 85% of all vehicles in North America with only three sensor SKUs, and replaces over 140 OE sensors, says the company. It installs right out of the box and is designed to follow standard OE vehicle relearn procedures.

The company says no sensor programming or cloning is required. VDO Redi-Sensor has a faster TPMS scan tool hunt mode and works with all major TPMS scan tools.

The Schrader EZ-tire sensor from Schrader International Inc. is enclosed in a small, circular, rubber fitment package that adheres to the inner liner of the tire. Given its location, the EZ-tire solution expands the benefits of TPMS (including enhanced tire performance data) to a wide range of new applications in addition to traditional passenger cars and light trucks that are federally mandated to include TPMS.

Schrader notes that like its valve-mounted EZ-sensor, EZ-tire is programmable across diverse TPMS protocols and vehicle platforms, saving installation time, cost and inventory requirements.

Bartec USA LLC highlighted the Tech200 and Tech500 TPMS tools as well as its Web-based TPMS support software called TPMS Hub.

The Tech200 TPMS Activation Tool features wireless Bluetooth. Techs using the product can transmit sensor information to a computer or printer, show customers their sensor condition and start the record-keeping process, according to the company.

The Tech500 TPMS tool builds on the quality and function of the company’s Tech400 tool. Rugged and ergonomic, the Tech500 has an all-in-one design, with the OBD functionality built in, not in a separate connector. The Tech500 has wireless Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technology and the Bartec Menu Flow system interface.

The TPMS Hub software provides easy access to sensor look-ups and cross references, service pack information, TPMS tool work instructions, TPMS re-learn procedures, TIA repair information and exclusive Bartec Tech Tips.    ■