Cloning 2 sets of TPMS sensors

There is a sensor in my spare. I don’t 5 rotate, but have ALWAYS done full size spare. So, my spare is matching rim/tire. I had a bad gash a while back and spare and new went into service. Opposite worn, went into spare… you just have to rotate the 4 active in the ECU (tech stream or tool).

 

With all the hours I've spent reading about this issue on multiple forums, I just decided to get the Autel 580K with the included 4 sensors. My time is worth something. You can copy and program them using this bundle. Yes, it is $350 for the bundle, but 2 sensor purchases and trips to the tire store would cost just as much. Plus maybe I can do some quick programming for people in my area for a small fee. Help pay off the tool.

 

I highly recommend the Autel tools to clone, program new sensors, and relearn by OBDII. I did a lot of research before making this purchase. Using this thread as well as part of my research. No regrets form me with the Autel tool.

My brother’s friend has one already and had great feedback about his unit.

I was able to use it on my gen 3 Tacoma on a second set of tires and able to do a full five tire rotation and able to learn by OBDII new tire locations with no issue… this was after being told it wasn’t possible by a manager at tire discounter who told me that it wasn’t possible to do a five tire rotation on a Tacoma or a Lexus and update ECU by OBDII. I explained what I was looking to do twice and he was unable to follow and give me confidence he even knew what I was talking about. I was shocked since this was his profession. Not mine.

I told him I understood the ECU only stores the four active sensors on the Tacoma and I would have to relearn with the tool by OBDII every time I did a 5 tire rotation. He couldn’t follow and understand and said I should have bought a Jeep if I wanted to do that. Toyotas cannot do that. They only store four sensors. He said once it learns the tires those tires they can’t be used on another vehicle and you couldn’t swap. I really have less confidence in what they teach techs these days. Why is it so hard to find a good one.

I decided to not listen to his input and instead trusted the reviews of others and input from an actually user of an Autel system. I am glad I didn’t listen to him and stick with a 4 tire rotation setup and not update by OBDII. Clearly not all techs or managers are up on technology. That or they are trying to con you into buying their product to maximize their take home pay. Won’t be going back there.

Here are many pros using the Autel tool. I used the 508WF model.

Updates are free for life. Verse a lot of the other brands where you have to pay for them. That can be more than $100 a year.

It can update via Wi-Fi. No PC needed. Took a minute to figure it out but once I registered on line the device and ran the update a second time it updated with no issue.

It can do quick learn procedure and advanced.

It can update ECU by OBDII.

It can program blank Autel MX sensors. You can clone or create new ID’s depending on your need.

It can create ID’s for Autel Sensors from 1-16 sensors at a time. I did all 5 of mine with one step verses 5 individual processes. This would be very helpful for those that have to do a fleet of vehicles.

It can read and update the ECU for a majority of all OEM and after market brands.

Only con is it cannot program blank sensors from other brands, but not an issue for me.

I went with creating my ID’s and I have two full size (summer/winter) sets of five tires to do a five tire rotation. It worked perfect and had no issues. Did exactly what it was advertised to do.

Because of all this I opted NOT to clone and just relearn with the tool every 5-tire rotation since cloned sensors can interfere with each other when you are parked to close to each other and it wouldn’t allow me to do a 5-tire rotation anyways without reprogramming. Either will work with this tool though.

If you are doing the 5-tire rotation get the 508 model. If you are doing a clone setup don’t worry about getting a model with the OBDII port/cable and go with a slightly cheaper model.

I hope this helps some of you that are considering either option, clone or program a new ID’s.

Ps. I broke the bead of the deflated tire by using a car jack under my hitch and raised the jack while it pressed down on the side wall of the tire as it pushed against the hitch till the bead broke. There are videos to walk you through this. I was able to pull out all 5 valve steams and install the MX sensors and then inflate the tires. You need a real air compressor though. Not a 12v air compressor. The sensors are light enough that the 11g extra weight didn’t cause an issue with the balance. I was able to install all these at home myself saving $30-$50 per tire depending on the tire shop. Saved $160-$250. Unit with sensors paid for itself first time I used it.

 

In defense of the tire shops, they have to deal with many different systems that all work differently and are constantly changing - a real nightmare in my opinion. And the tools don't necessarily get updated for the new systems until after they come out.