Hybrid
Diagnostics

TPMS is an electronic system for monitoring the air pressure in a vehicle tire and automatically transmitting a warning to the driver in the event of an under or over inflated tire.  What is TPMS?

The Toyota Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS or TPWS) was introduced to comply with the new Federal motor vehicle safety standard established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) requiring installation of TPMS as mandated by the Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability, and Documentation (TREAD) Act.

Prius (2007-current) models use the Direct Toyota TPMS System, it comprises the following components:

* A direct TPM sensor fitted to the back of the valve stem on each wheel.
* A TPM Warning Light
* A Tire Pressure Monitor ECU
* Antenna(s)

The Toyota Prius uses TPMS sensors manufactured by Pacific Industrial Corp.

TPMS makes driving safer but it makes tire changes more difficult, additionally, the TPMS sensors located on each tire may need replacement.

Why more difficult?

Toyota vehicles, unlike most vehicles made in North America, do not have an inbuilt relearn mode to enable the vehicles to relearn the TPMS ID’s after a tire change or sensor replacement.  Therefore, the relearn must be initiated by an external device that connects to the OBD2 connector and communicates with the vehicle ECU.

How to make it easier?

Two tools that make TPMS easier to deal with are the:

- Toyota OEM Scan Tool
- TPMS tool with a “scan tool” function

Obviously, the Toyota OEM Scan Tool is a good choice but it is also very expensive and only works with Toyota TPMS systems.

An excellent choice for techs who work on a wide variety of vehicles is the Bartec 400 TPMS tool.  It connects to the OBD2 connector and communicates with the vehicle ECU and performs the relearn function that is required after sensor replacement.

The Bartec 400 simplifies sensor replacement, control module replacement and sensor repositioning by activating TPMS sensors, capturing the sensor part number and protocol.  It also turns off the TPMS warning light!

This video shows how to use the Bartec Tech 400 to program  TPMS id’s on a Toyota Prius.

Click here to view the video.

Click to watch video of the Bartec 400

Posted under Hands-On, Tools