TPMS help…

Hello TW!

Trying to figure out the deal with TPMS on my taco (or TPMS relearn process for 2nd gen Tacomas). Few months back I had new tires installed and had new TPMS sensors installed at the same time. I bought all new Schrader TPMS sensors off Rockauto made for 2015 Tacomas, and states they are pre programmed for Tacomas. They had two options: pre-programmed or universal sensors to program yourself, both of which are 315hz. I got the pre-programmed ones hoping that would make this process easier. My confusion is what is the difference in programming and relearning? I suppose in my case I do not need to clone mine so I guess that takes out that possibility. I am confused on the programming part, if mine are supposedly pre programmed should I still need to do this? Now for relearn, most everything I’ve read has said you press the TPMS button under the dash, but I’ve always thought of this button for TPMS “reset” (if you have a flat tire trip the TPMS light and reinflate the tire for example) , as opposed to “relearn” (needed for installing new sensors). Maybe it actually does have a relearn function for new sensors? I’ve done the reset procedure as laid out in the manual that has you drive around up to 25 miles but this does nothing and the TPMS light still comes and stays on. The instructions that came with the sensors are no help at all, basically shows the install process and says “take it to a shop to relearn”.

I’ve tried the search feature on TW and haven’t gotten much information for my specific situation. There are tons of threads for 3rd gen tacos on TPMS but I know the TPMS is much different on 2nd gens. I’ve seen threads on having different tools to program the sensor’s ID into the ECU, but would like to know what all is needed for my situation before I drop $200+ on a tool. I am not interested in disabling the TPMS, my truck has it and it’s useful for my needs of the truck.

I don’t mind buying a TPMS tool if need be, I’m just trying to figure out if I need to buy one (and which one) after buying supposed “pre programmed” sensors. The shop who mounted and balanced my tires said do the reset procedure in the manual (under dash button thingy and hit the road for 20 miles) and if that didn’t work Toyota would have to do it and I would rather do it myself.

Any help is appreciated!

Garrett


TPMS sensors I purchased.



My taco

 

The truck's programming must match the 7-digit TPMS ID stored in the sensors.

There are 2 options accomplish this.

• Purchase programable TPMS sensors and change TPMS sensor IDs to match what is stored in the truck's computer.
• Purchase pre-programmed TPMS sensor and change the truck's programming to match the TPMS ID in the sensor.
  • One method to program the TPMS IDs into the truck is to use Techstream.
  • You can also take it to a tire shop and they can program the TPMS IDs.
  • Pressing the TPMS reset button will not do it.

 

What they mean by programmed is the sensor is hard coded with a unique ID and the frequency listed.
A programmable sensor can have it's ID and frequency changed by a compatible programming tool, this allows one to clone the ID and frequency of the original sensors so no programming changes need to be made to the vehicle.

If using pre-programmed sensors you need to retrieve the sensor IDs either by reading them with a TPMS tool or off the sensors themselves which requires de-mounting the tire, those ID numbers must then be entered into the vehicles's TPMS ECU with a capable scan tool or TPMS tool so it can communicate with the sensors.


The TPMS reset button is only there to reset the air pressure threshold of the tires should you desire to run a different pressure and/or when rotating them on vehicles that require different pressures in the front and rear.

 

Roger that, thanks guys