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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’.

Programmable sensors such as the Rite-Sensor® (Bartec) EZ-sensor® (Schrader) and the Sens.it™ (Alligator) are programmed by a Bartec tool, such as the TECH600. Where a broken sensor is to be replaced, the TPMS 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

RiteSensor

Rite-Sensor® from Bartec is a fully configurable and programmable universal sensor. Complete with an aluminium Clamp-in and black Snap-on valve stems, and work with all Bartec TPMS tools. Designed to replace faulty sensors, without the extra costs of having to buy expensive OE sensors. Ability to cover a high percentage of vehicles with Direct TPMS systems.

Key Factors

Which Bartec tools can program and test the Rite-Sensor®?

  • Easy use with Bartec TPMS Tools: TECH600, TECH450 & TECH350

Can the sensor be programmed in a wheel?

  • Rite-Sensor® needs to be programmed BEFORE use. It must be programmed for the specific vehicle before installing.

How many Rite-Sensor® products do I need to stock?

  • One price for universal sensor enables fitter to have one price for fitting.

Can I save time using Rite-Sensor®?

  • Save time and reduce complexity of TPMS one-stop-shop service.
EZ-sensor®
EZ-sensor®

EZ-sensor® must be programmed prior to installation and relearned to the vehicle. A Programming Tool compatible with EZ-sensor is required. For maximum coverage, ensure your TPMS tool is updated to the latest software available.

Key Factors

Which Bartec tools can program and test the EZ-sensor®?

  • TECH600, TECH450 & TECH350 TPMS Tools

Can the sensor be programmed in a wheel?

  • Yes. This is important at Winter Tyre season and during peak periods of activity when throughput and process time are vital to keep the customers happy.

How many EZ-sensor® products do I need to stock?

  • EZ-Sensor® is available in two different frequencies and both can be fitted either with the rubber snap-in or clamp-in valve stems.

Can I save time using EZ-sensor®?

  • Using the original sensor ID and the same wheel position avoids the need to perform the vehicle specific relearn procedures.
IntelliSens™
IntelliSens™

The BH SENS (Huf IntelliSens™) universal sensor is pre-programmed with the protocols of numerous tire pressure sensors belonging to different models of automobile. When you fit it, you use a diagnostic device to configure it in seconds. This allows vehicles to pass more quickly through your workshop and saves your customers long waits.

Key Factors

Which Bartec tools can program and test the IntelliSens™ sensor?

  • TECH600, TECH450 & TECH350 TPMS Tools

Can the sensor be programmed in a wheel?

  • Yes, but only if the tyre pressure is lower than 1 bar.

How many IntelliSens™ products do I need to stock?

  • There are two different types available at the moment.

Can I save time using IntelliSens™?

  • Using the original sensor ID and the same wheel position avoids the need to perform the vehicle specific relearn procedures.
Sens.it™
Sens.it™

Sens.it™ a fully configurable replacement sensor from Alligator. Requires a TPMS tool to set the protocol ID based on Make, Model and Year selection.

Key Factors

Which Bartec tools can configure and test the Sens.it™ sensor?

  • TECH600, TECH450 & TECH350 TPMS Tools

Can the sensor be programmed in a wheel?

  • Yes. This is important at winter tyre season and during peak periods of activity when throughput and process time are vital to keep the customers happy.

How many Sens.it™ do I need in stock?

  • Three different kinds. 315 MHz sensors have both rubber snap-in and clamp-in valve stems. The 434MHz version is only available with a clamp-in valve.

Can I save time using IntelliSens™?

  • Using the original sensor ID and the same wheel position avoids the need to perform the vehicle specific relearn procedures.

Are different valve colours available?

  • The valve is available in an anodized silver, titanium grey and black, in addition to a chrome surface finish for custom wheels.
Type How They Work Tool Required to Diagnose Fault on Vehicle Tool Required to Create Tool Required to Re-learn Examples Works With Bartec Tools
Universal Sensors Sensor ID and Protocol are programmed into sensor via LF (sensor can be already mounted) YES YES YES - if new ID EZ-sensor®
Sens.it™		 YES
Multiple sensor protocols and ID formats already present in sensor YES NO YES - if new ID IntelliSens™ YES

FAQs

A TPMS Tool is a device by which a skilled automotive repair technician can diagnose and repair vehicles that have a faulty Tire Pressure Monitoring System [TPMS]. The TPMS Tool can activate and detect TPMS Sensors, communicate with the vehicle’s onboard computer system and direct the actions of the necessary service.

The make model and year of the vehicle are selected on the tool and this identifies the OE sensor which should be fitted to the vehicle. The TPMS tool can then transmit the correct Low Frequency (LF) wake up signal to the sensor and this wakes up the sensor which then acknowledges by transmitting a Radio Frequency (RF) signal.

The TPMS tool contains an RF antenna which receives the signal transmitted by the TPMS sensor. This data is normally transmitted at either 315MHz or 433MHz.The antenna and associated software and electronics should be able to differentiate between the sensor in front of the tool and other sensors in the vicinity. The tool software is used to decode the signal and extract data corresponding to the sensor ID, the pressure and temperature, battery condition and other data and display to the user as appropriate.

The tool needs to be able to communicate with the vehicle to diagnose a fault and also to relearn the new sensor ID and wheel position to the vehicle ECU and turn out the warning light. This is normally achieved by the tool communicating through an OBD cable between the tool and the vehicle. Recent designs of tools also communicate with Bluetooth enabled OBD devices.

When a broken or faulty sensor is replaced as part of a repair then either an OE sensor or a universal programmable replacement sensor should be used. The tool needs to then write the ID and wheel position of the new sensor to the vehicle ECU which it does via the OBD.

  • Wireless tool and OBD connector mean fewer broken cables
  • Rugged design capable of withstanding tire shop environment
  • Activates and reads all OE TPMS sensors
  • Programs all major universal replacement TPMS sensors
  • Capable of software and coverage updates over WiFi
  • Gets regular software updates throughout the year
  • Easy to use for beginners, but with expert features available
  • Wireless charging ensures your tool is always ready to use
  • Has BLE ready for the next generation of TPMS sensor (like Tesla)
  • Capable of downloading data to a PC or the Cloud for traceability
  • Has detailed relearn procedures including indirect vehicle resetting
  • Comes with high quality US based customer support

No you should source a TPMS tool which works with all vehicles and OE sensors and also which works with all major universal programmable sensors.

It may be that your tool does not have the required coverage for the vehicle you wish to work on. Against a background where new sensors are being continually being released, this may be because the tool has not been updated with the latest vehicles or TPMS sensors, so updating the tool is your first action.

If you are programming a universal replacement sensor it may be that the sensor does not cover the make, model and year of the sensor you are replacing. You should be able to establish this by searching on the tool.

If the warning light is on then your first action should be to inflate your tyres. Once that possibility has been eliminated then a TPMS tool should be used to diagnose the fault. This is done by connecting the tool to vehicle OBD using a cable or BT connector. The tool should interrogate the vehicle ECU and report the applicable Diagnostic Trouble Code.

Following replacement of a broken or otherwise faulty sensor the vehicle is relearned using the TPMS tool and part of this process is to turn out the Warning light.

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