Universal TPMS Sensors
for use with Bartec Auto ID TPMS tools
What are 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 EZ-sensor® (Schrader) and the Sens.it™ (Alligator) are programmed by a Bartec tool, such as the TECH600. For example, if a broken sensor is to be replaced, then the 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
RITE-SENSOR®
The 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, TECH500 & TECH300
Can the sensor be programmed in a wheel?
- The 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® is the first truly programmable and patented Tyre Pressure Monitoring Sensor which has been designed with the goal of replacing 90% of the TPMS sensors currently stocked by the dealer. Sensors are based on the Schrader Snap In or Clamp In design.
Key Factors
Which Bartec tools can program and test the EZ-sensor®?
- TECH300, TECH400SDE, TECH500 and TPMS Pad.
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™
The 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 configure and test the IntelliSens™ sensor?
- TECH300, TECH400SDE and TECH500.
Can the sensor be configured in a wheel?
- Yes, but only if the tyre pressure is lower than 1 bar.
How many IntelliSens™ do I need in stock?
- There are two different types available at the moment.
Can I save time using IntelliSens™?
- The Sensor can be configured very fast and a relearn procedure is not required, if you use Copy ID.
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?
- TECH300, TECH400SDE and TECH500.
Can the sensor be configured 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 Sens.it?™
- 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 |
Tool Required |
Examples |
Works with |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Universal Sensors |
Sensor ID and Protocol are programmed into sensor via LF |
YES |
YES |
YES - if new ID |
EZ-sensor® |
YES |
Multiple sensor protocols and ID formats already present in sensor |
YES |
NO |
YES |
IntelliSens™ |
YES |
Bartec Auto ID FAQs
A tyre-pressure sensor is a small programmable electronic device, located in the pressurised pocket made by a wheel and tyre, that constantly measures the air pressure inside the tyre. Tyre-pressure sensors are integral to what is known as the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.
Universal Sensors are Non-Original Equipment (OE) TPMS sensors used in the replacement market.
Programmable sensors must be programmed by a TPMS Tool to the specification of the vehicle they are being installed on. Once programmed most programmable sensors provide the same information that the OE sensors did.
In most cases you won’t unless the warning indicator is coming on flashing for 60 to 90 seconds intermittently, but it would still require having codes read from the system and sensor tested. Best to take the vehicle into an authorised service center for testing.
Your local tyre shop or repair shop can replace the TPMS sensors based on the life expectancy of your new tyres, or if your sensor is faulty.
Most tyre shops and repair shops recommend servicing the TPMS when changing or installing new tyres or wheels by replacing the valve core, retaining nut, seal and cap on the valve stem, then testing the system to make sure it's operating correctly. Many direct systems can display the actual pressure in each tyre.
Bartec recommends having the sensors relearned after a tyre rotation and is required after a tyre/s replacement. This way the TPM System knows the accurate location of each sensor/wheel.
Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems, or TPMS provide safety and economic benefits for motorists. By helping drivers to maintain the correct tyre inflation, TPMS can help improve ride and handling, reduce stopping distances and the potential for hydroplaning. TPMS can also increase fuel efficiency and extend tyre life. TPMS is designed to monitor the air pressure in a tyre and send a warning to the vehicle’s on-board monitoring system when the pressure drops below a preset limit.
You cannot always tell if a tyre is under inflated simply by looking at it. The only way to accurately check tyre pressure is by using a quality tyre pressure gauge. A tyre can lose air pressure without appearing to be under inflated. There is very little visual difference between a properly inflated and an under inflated tyre.
The life of a TPMS sensor will vary due to several variables including temperature (cold can reduce the life as well as extreme moisture), garage kept or not, driving distance, maintenance of the TPMS sensor and air pressure. Normally you can expect to get somewhere from 7 years up to 12 years before failure occurs under typical driving conditions.
You should stop as soon as it is safe and practical to inspect and make sure you don’t have a tyre rapidly losing pressure. Driving with an extremely low tyre pressure can cause an accident and/or ruin the tyre. If the tyres look to be holding pressure, find a tyre repair shop that can check your air pressure when it is possible.
No. The battery in the sensor cannot be replaced. The housing is sealed to protect the internal components including the battery in the harsh environment inside the tyre.
As of model year 2014, all vehicles in Europe require the installation of a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System to all new passenger cars.
A flashing TPMS warning light (looks like a horseshoe) or the letters TPMS being lit, indicate a TPMS system failure. This means that the system is not working properly and needs to be diagnosed by a reputable repair facility. It could be a bad sensor/s or other component in the system or failure to properly relearn the IDs for the sensors to the vehicle.
Every TPMS sensor has a unique ID number so the vehicle’s on-board computer system can identify the location of that ID and wheel. The ID numbers are written via a Relearn procedure into the on-board computer system. The tyre technician is able to identify through testing, the location of a bad sensor/s to show the correct air pressure by location. Most relearns require a capable and compatible TPMS tool.
When Rotating wheels and tyres or replacing tyres, the TPMS sensors get moved to another location on the vehicle. The tyre technicians must perform a function known as a Vehicle Relearn. The technician will use a piece of equipment like a scan tool or a TPMS tool to perform this task. This task requires training, proper equipment and takes time, therefore many tyre retailers and repair shops charge for the service.
Low tyre pressure is one of the leading causes of blowouts causing an accident involving death/injury, excessive tyre wear, poor handling, diminished fuel economy, reduced effectiveness of the vehicle stability control system. When the TPMS warning light is on when presented for an MOT it is an instant failure of the vehicles MOT.
Typically, this indicates tyre/s that have a low-pressure condition of at least 25% below the pressure listed on the placard on the driver’s door.
