the blur

2009-2010 GM cars.
I swap tires so much, I need the professional reset tool. What do you guys recommend ?

BEZ06

If you want a really good tool, get one with a screen that displays info about the sensor.

Low-end tools simply send a a signal that will trigger the sensor, but they can't do any diagnostic checks of the sensor.

Mid-level tools have a receiver in them that picks up the signal sent out by the sensor after it is triggered. They will usually blink a light and beep, which tells you the sensor transmitted, but not anything else about the sensor.

High-end tools have a screen that allows you to get good info about the sensor:




The tool above is an OTC 3833, and you can see it shows:

• the sensor ID#
  
• the pressure
  
• the temperature in the tire (many GM vehicles use sensors that show the temp, but in the C6 only the 2010 and newer will display the temp)
  
• Batt OK (very important to be able to ascertain the condition of the battery in the sensor)
  
• the 315 MHz is the frequency the sensor transmits on

The OTC 3833 has an extensive menu of dozens of makes of cars with numerous models under each manufacturer, and numerous model years to select from. This allows you to select the sensor you are working with so the tool can properly trigger it and then understand the data transmission from the sensor so it can properly display the info on the screen.

I have a mid-level tool - a used TIPS tool (the green tool in the middle - that red one with all the books is gone). The TIPS tool is available for $135 shipped:




However, you said "professional reset tool", so without question I recommend the OTC 3833!!

There are a lot of other tools with screens, but you can spend many hundreds or thousands of $$$ on a new one.

If I see a good deal on one on eBay or elsewhere for a good price I grab it to pass it on at my cost plus shipping.

So...I currently have two Used OTC 3833 tools (well...I really have three, but one is my personal tool!)




You can see that the one on the left is labeled "Mac Tools", and the one on the right is an OTC 3833.

However, they are both exactly the same tool - the one on the left is simply distributed by Mac Tools:




They are both loaded with the most current software I have for the OTC 3833, which is up through the 2011 model year. I loaded the OTC software into the Mac Tool, so I know it's actually an OTC 3833.

I got the Mac Tools tool cheaper than the actual OTC 3833, so it's available for a few bucks less.

The Mac Tools tool is available for $210 shipped. It comes with a doughnut magnet for triggering C5 sensors, a tool for torquing valve stem cores, and another tool for seating the rubber grommets onto a sensor and tightening the retaining nuts.

The OTC 3833 tool is $235 shipped. It has a doughnut magnet, and guide book and a DVD, but not the tools that came with the Mac Tools unit.

BTW, the software in both the TIPS tool and the OTC 3833 can be upgrade to work with new sensors as they come out. For the TIPS tool you'll have to buy a PIM (Programming Interface Module) and an annual subscription. Software for the OTC 3833 comes out about every year and can be purchased on eBay for around $150.

Bob

the blur

What exactly does that doughnut magnet do?? I tried it on my 2009-2010 vehicles, and it didn't work. Is it only for specific years ?

Thanks for explaining the different levels of tools. I really need something to excite the sensor, to match the sensors to the car. But it would be nice to see if the sensor is functioning.

I just had a failed sensor on my Dodge, and now on my GM. So it seems pretty common.


I'm surfing ebay, and I see the VT30 by Ateq, which seems very similar to the OTC tool. And fairly priced.

crimlwC6

I've used this for years http://www.tirerack.com/accessories/...ring%2BSystems

BEZ06

The C5 sensors are triggered by the magnet. Some other sensors are also triggered by the magnet, such as older Jeeps, etc.

BTW, all C6 sensors require the transmission from a TPMS tool to trigger them - except: very early 2005 models have a sensor that the magnet will trigger; and a 2010 and a 2011 built in Dec 2010 or earlier have a sensor that can be triggered by changing air pressure in the tire.


Yes - with a tool that has a receiver in it that picks up the signal transmitted by the sensor when it's triggered (the mid or high-level tools), you can tell if the sensor is working properly. You can check a sensor that's mounted in a wheel so you know it's working correctly - then if a tire shop busts it during a tire swap they can't say it didn't work when you brought it in. You can also check a sensor before you get it mounted:





You can see above that I am checking a sensor that isn't mounted in a wheel to make sure it's working properly and the battery is strong before I get it mounted.

The TIPS tool that I have will beep and blink indicating the sensor transmitted properly.

The low-level tools with no receiver really can't be used effectively to do diagnostic checks.

ATEQ makes a good tool, and the VT30 with the screen should tell you info similar to that displayed by the OTC 3833, so if you like that tool it will probably do a good job for you.

Bob

victorf

Brand new VT30 with Free Shipping for $199.97 from a site that is not a supporting vendor.

I have one, it does the same thing as the OTC3833 and works great.

BEZ06

Semper P, Victor!

I haven't used the VT30, but I've used the ATEQ VT10, 15, 50, and one labeled as from some other company but I think it was an ATEQ VT55.

They all worked very well!!

But - I've got that Mac tools OTC 3833 for $210 with free shipping!!

I had it for $215 in my previous post, but checked what I paid for it and can lower it to $210 and still break even. I don't try to make any money on any tools or sensors I get cheap.

The OTC 3833 is my tool of choice and what I use for my own personal tool.

The GM 46079 TPMS tool is based on the OTC 3833, but it's loaded with software that really only works with GM vehicles:




Bob

victorf

Roger that Bob! Semper P

In addition, I cheap out and also use Ateq Quickset to enable the newer Asian cars. Asian cars ought to be consistent with the rest of the manufactures, right?

MarkDFW

El Cheapo

http://www.tirerack.com/accessories/...&affiliate=FW9

Captain Buddha

What I use...and it works...idiot proof too...LOL

MarkDFW

Always carry an extra 9 volt battery or two with you. These things chew up batteries quick. Ask me how I know...

dmyers

I have one as well. Works fine.

pabmeterik

Hi Mate. I did read with interest about the TPMS tool.
I am long time looking and searching for an update for my 2 TPMS Kent Moore J-46079 (-20 ). As I read it simular with the OTC 3833.
Is there a possibility to update the tool to today ??
Or is there a possibilty to turn it to 3833 version ??
At this moment it has the software 2007 and one has softwarecersion 3/20/06
Many regards Pab

3X2

PB, I think any gm dealer can do it through gmdesolutions.com. The otc would need otc's update. I had the same tool except it said Isuzu on it and neither GM's or otc's update would reconize it.

pabmeterik

Hi Mate.
May I ask : Some has maybe the latest soft from OTC at a dvd ??
The connetiontool Ihave already. It the same as for the tech II

Regards PAB

0Anthony @ LGMotorsports

If you don't want to screw with sensors or the tool...we will have the Track Box ready for the 09 and newer cars within a couple weeks.

Testing is already done, and in production now.

http://www.lgmotorsports.com/product...oducts_id=2652