Tire Sensor Reset Tool

[RUN4CVR]

Anyone know where to get the Tire Pressure Sensor Reset Tool for a C6??? I see a bunch for $200+, but that seems pretty expensive.... Any ideas? Thanks.

[rays06C6]

I have read in other threads that you can buy the Bartec Trackside Tool from Wright Tools for $140 + Shipping. Contact is Jim Strobridge at 1-800-783-9826, x194.

[naschmitz]

Send a PM to beezeye. He is kind of the expert on this subject and got me all set up with one.

[6 Kids]

Cut the magnets off the back of a small speaker, wrap it in tape so it doesn't scratch the wheel and you are good to go. Cost = $0.

[BEZ06]

Originally Posted by 6 Kids

Cut the magnets off the back of a small speaker, wrap it in tape so it doesn't scratch the wheel and you are good to go. Cost = $0.

Sorry!

Magnets work on a C5, but not a C6 (unless you've got the very rare sensors on a few real early C6's).

On the C6 you need the electronic radio frequency transmitter tool like we're talking about.

Bob

[RUN4CVR]

Originally Posted by beezeye

Sorry!

Magnets work on a C5, but not a C6 (unless you've got the very rare sensors on a few real early C6's).

On the C6 you need the electronic radio frequency transmitter tool like we're talking about.

Bob

Bob,
I hear you are the expert...what are your thoughts?

Jason

[Cloaked]

Originally Posted by naschmitz

Send a PM to beezeye. He is kind of the expert on this subject and got me all set up with one.

that's who I got mine from it works perfect and he is a good guy.

[BEZ06]

Originally Posted by jasbogart

Bob,
I hear you are the expert...what are your thoughts?

Jason

Uh-oh!! Expert????? I don't know 'bout dat, but I have been dealing with these things on the C6 for a couple of years now. I have an early '05 and ran through my first set of tires by about May '05. I got good deal on a set of wheels/tires/sensors another forum member had taken off a new car for aftermarket wheels and that's when I ran into the sensor problem.

I was going on a road trip in 2 days, jacked the car up and swapped my old wheels for my new wheels that already had the tires and sensors mounted, and thought I'd just take it by the dealer and they'd do the 2 minute relearn. Well.....they said bring it back the next day, sit in the service line for however long until they got to me, pay them 10 bucks, and they'd do it. I didn't have time to do that.

I went to another local dealer and was told the same thing, except that it would cost $49.95 for the 2 minute job.

I went on the 1,000 mile trip without resetting the sensors and had DIC messages and warnings numerous times. It never caused a problem because I didn't need to turn off AH, but with the stiff sidewall runflats you just can't tell if you get a flat like you can when a normal tire loses air while driving - so I was checking my tire pressures all the time with my pressure gauge and came to appreciate having the DIC display of pressure and the warning if you lose pressure.

I got back from the trip and started learning about the sensors and the TPMS. I got a tool from eBay not even knowing if it would work on the C6. It did, and I reported about it on the forum. A number of other forum members asked if I got any other tools to let them know. I told several about eBay auctions going on, but most of the time they told me "I don't do eBay, so can you get it for me?"

That started me getting tools whenever I saw good deals, so I could pass them on to other forum members at cost + shipping. A lot of guys don't know what tools are available, how much they should cost, if they will work on a C6 (or your other vehicles), and they don't like doing the bidding thing or PayPal on eBay.




Whew......All that said, the Bartec Trackside rays06c6 mentions in post# 2 above from Wright Tool for $140 (about $150 with shipping) is the best price I know of. That tool is designed to only work on the C6, or probably any other vehicle whose sensors are triggered by a simple continuous wave transmission from the tool.

There are many sensors out there used on all the different makes/models of vehicles, and every 4 wheeled vehicle under 10,000 lbs. will have to have sensors and a TPMS starting this month (2008 model year) by federal law.

Because there are so many different sensors, many require a sort of morse code pulsed transmission (instead of the continuous wave required by the C6) from the tool to trigger them during a relearn procedure.

If you want a tool that you can use on your other vehicles, you may want to spend an extra 70 bucks (at least for a couple tools I've got available, and a couple hundred more from most sources) and get something that can trigger your other vehicle's sensors when you rotate your wife's tires, for instance. Some sensors (I think Jeep/Chrysler) still only require a magnet (except, possibly, the Viper). I think Toyotas may need a Toyota tool something like a GM Tech 2. And some reset themselves automatically.

Take a look at:

http://ktipst.com

http://www.ateq.com/T.P.M.S/ATEQ_Pro...vice-cent.html

http://bartecusa.com/products.html


All of those tools are completely universal - designed to work with all sensors that require a radio transmission to trigger/excite them for diagnostics or for resetting the TPMS (the "relearn" procedure after a wheel swap or new sensors are installed).

The KTi, or the identical TIPS tool, can be upgraded as new sensors with new triggering protocols come out, but it needs a PIM (Programming Interface Module - about $180) and a $49.95 per year subscription (1st year is free) to upgrade the software. These are available on eBay for $300 and up (actually there's a very good deal on a tool plus a PIM for about $310 right now on eBay). I have a couple of PIMs and can do a package like that for $300.

The Bartec Tech 300 is the 2nd tool listed on that Bartec websit above (the 1st tool is the $150 Trackside you can get from Wright Tool). The Tech 300 is a much more capable tool and can be upgraded for free. It doesn't have a screen, like the ATEQ, but you can hook it up to your computer and see some info from your sensors - ID#, battery strength, and there are fields for tire pressure and temperature but I haven't ever gotten a readout for those. The Bartec Tech 300 can usually be found on eBay for around $300.

I don't know much about the ATEQ except that I have had several VT50 tools and it works great on the C6 and is apparently upgradeable, but I don't know how. The really neat thing is the screen that shows you sensor ID# and tire pressure. You can get a very accurate readout of tire pressure to the nearst 0.2 psi without even taking your valve stem caps off.

I've got a couple KTi/TIPS tools, an ATEQ VT50, and a Schrader 21210 (Schrader makes our sensors, and this tool is exactly like the Bartec 300 except it has Schrader markings on the front). All these tools are available for $220 shipped ($300 for a KTi plus PIM and a holster).

The official GM tool is the Kent-Moore J-46079. Do a search on eBay for "46079" and you'll find one listed. GM Techs usually snap these up on eBay because they can get them cheaper then from their tool supplier, but if you really want the official GM tool be ready to pay well in excess of 300 bucks - but maybe you'll get lucky!!!

Well.....that was a lot of info, but I hope it helped you figure out what you might want/need in the way of a tool.

BTW, all of the C6 models and model years use a dark gray "peanut" shaped sensor with GM Part# 25758220 (at least all U.S. and Canada cars - cars built with European specs need a different one). If you're getting a set of new sensors for a second set of wheels, you also need the retaining nut. Forum vendors sell 4 sensors and nuts for about $220. A set of used sensors will probably have the nuts and have been going for around $150 for a set of 4. If you're remounting used sensors, take a good look at the rubber grommet at the base of the valve stem and replace if at all concerned - Schrader and GM say replace them, but I've remounted a couple sets with the old grommets with no problems.

Questions, give me a holler!

Bob

[naschmitz]

I told you beezeye was an expert! I nominate that write up for FAQ status.

[RUN4CVR]

Originally Posted by naschmitz

I told you beezeye was an expert! I nominate that write up for FAQ status.

Yeah, no kidding! Thanks Bob.

I think I'm going to give the Tracside a shot.

I've been driving around with a new set of track tires without the sensors programmed for about 2 weeks. I park in the garage next to my old tires so the car thinks its reading the sensors and i get about 50 miles before it gives me the old "service tire sensors" warning.

After the warning comes on there doesn't seem to be any restrictions...ie "limp mode", 55mph limiting, or not being able to use Comp Mode. Still want to do it right though.

I was able to score the sensors on ebay for about $90.

[BEZ06]

Originally Posted by jasbogart

Yeah, no kidding! Thanks Bob.

I think I'm going to give the Tracside a shot.

I've been driving around with a new set of track tires without the sensors programmed for about 2 weeks. I park in the garage next to my old tires so the car thinks its reading the sensors and i get about 50 miles before it gives me the old "service tire sensors" warning.

After the warning comes on there doesn't seem to be any restrictions...ie "limp mode", 55mph limiting, or not being able to use Comp Mode. Still want to do it right though.

I was able to score the sensors on ebay for about $90.

That was a good deal on the sensors!

Bert (naschmitz) who posted above got a Schrader tool that is exactly like the Bartec Trackside - and I hope it's working good for ya', Bert!

A tool like that is all you need for your C6.

All the tools work exactly the same once you get the car in the "learn mode" - they just transmit a 125 kHz signal that "excites" the sensor and causes it to transmit its data to the TPMS on a 315 mHz frequency (for our U.S./Canada cars).

It's a very simple procedure, but you have to know how to put the car in the learn mode. You also have to know that when you start exciting the sensors to register them with the TPMS computer in the car, the first one is considered by the TPMS to be the Left Front, the 2nd as the RF, the 3rd the RR, and the last one is registered as the LR. So....if you don't do them in the correct order (or on other vehicles, if you rotate the tires and don't do a "relearn" on the car) then the DIC won't display properly, i.e., if it says "Right Front 24 psi" it might actually be reporting the pressure from the sensor in the Right Rear.

Anyway, it's very simple and below is a video of using a TIPS tool, but you'll do everything exactly the same with your Trackside when you get it.

Bob





.

[99FewteRC5]

I got my TIPS from beezeye and it works great. I've used them on all CHEVY vehicles -- trucks and cars.

[naschmitz]

Originally Posted by beezeye

Bert (naschmitz) who posted above got a Schrader tool that is exactly like the Bartec Trackside - and I hope it's working good for ya', Bert!

It's working great, Bob. Followng a suggestion by forum member "Vet," I bought a set of take-off wheels from a listing in the C6 Parts for Sale area -- tires, wheels, and sensors for less than the price of tires alone. I am using one set of wheels for the street and the other for the track. So I am swapping tires frequently and love how easy it is to use the Schrader tool to keep the TPMS working with either set.

[RUN4CVR]

Originally Posted by naschmitz

It's working great, Bob. Followng a suggestion by forum member "Vet," I bought a set of take-off wheels from a listing in the C6 Parts for Sale area -- tires, wheels, and sensors for less than the price of tires alone. I am using one set of wheels for the street and the other for the track. So I am swapping tires frequently and love how easy it is to use the Schrader tool to keep the TPMS working with either set.

What did the Schrader tool run you?

[BEZ06]

Originally Posted by RUN4CVR

What did the Schrader tool run you?

I can answer for Bert because I provided it to him.

Same as the Bartec Trackside from Wright Tool.

I try to get tools made by any manufacturer when I see one for a good deal on eBay or elsewhere online so I can pass them on to other forum members at my cost plus shipping.

There's an OTC tool (virtually identical to the Bartec Trackside and Schrader like Bert has) on eBay right now that has bid up to almost $190 (with shipping) and it still has more than 4 days left. Not everybody knows about Wright!

I get these whenever I can get one for a good price. I'm afraid they are an endangered species. With the requirement for ALL new 2008 vehicles to have a TPMS and sensors, all tire dealers and auto repair shops need a tool. They don't want a one-trick pony like the Trackside that will do a C6 and nothing else - they need a universal tool. Therefore, the manufacturers just aren't going to make anything like the Trackside any more. C6 owners are some of the few private owners that need a tool like this because they swap wheels/tires/sensors for the track, but the tool manufacturers aren't going to keep making something for a very limited market. The Trackside retails for $200 or more and we don't even want to pay that much for it. I don't know how much longer Bartec will make them or Wright will honor that low price.

Bob

[RUN4CVR]

I ended up ordering one from Wright yesterday...need it for a HPDE event on Friday.

Because I've been driving around on the new tires and wheels without programming them, once I hit 50 miles or so the Service light comes on and the car will not go into Comp mode. Not good for track days!

I've heard several opinions on how the car would react to no sensors..(ie. nothing changes, or speed limits to 55mph.) I can still get over 55mph no problem, or turn TC off completely but no Comp mode.

[BEZ06]

Originally Posted by RUN4CVR

I ended up ordering one from Wright yesterday...need it for a HPDE event on Friday.

Because I've been driving around on the new tires and wheels without programming them, once I hit 50 miles or so the Service light comes on and the car will not go into Comp mode. Not good for track days!

I've heard several opinions on how the car would react to no sensors..(ie. nothing changes, or speed limits to 55mph.) I can still get over 55mph no problem, or turn TC off completely but no Comp mode.

Good.....I take it they're still honoring that $140 + shipping price.

Your Bartec Trackside will work exactly like that other tool in the video above. Just make sure you know how to put the car in the "learn mode" and do the relearn in the proper order (start at LF, then RF, RR, LR). Put the antenna (the top) of the tool on the tire sidewall right by the valve stemMake sure you get a horn honk at each wheel (2 honks at the LR) - that's your confirmation that the tool excited the sensor and the TPMS received the data from the sensor (no horn honk, it didn't work).

The so called "limp mode" is when you get a message that says something like "Limit Speed to 55 mph", and many people think that the car won't go faster than 55. My experience has been like yours, that message is just a warning and doesn't keep you from going as fast as you want. However, there may be something in the computers that does start to slow you down if you're driving aggressively. It seems to me I've read that if the accelerometers start getting too high of a lateral G load they may pull timing or shut down fuel, but I've never driven hard enough without sensors to get that - but it's definitely something you wouldn't want while racing.

Good luck with your tool!

Bob

[RUN4CVR]

Yep $140 gets you one plus shipping.

Thanks for the advice and video...very informative.

[BEZ06]

Just FYI

In post# 8 above I said:

"The official GM tool is the Kent-Moore J-46079. Do a search on eBay for "46079" and you'll find one listed. GM Techs usually snap these up on eBay because they can get them cheaper then from their tool supplier, but if you really want the official GM tool be ready to pay well in excess of 300 bucks - but maybe you'll get lucky!!!"

The auction ended on that tool, and it went for $407 + shipping.

Bob

[MagneticRed1977]

What do you use for C5 sensors for european distribution?