TIP: No-cost TPM Reprogramming Tool
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,439
Likes: 6
From: Newark, DE
St. Jude Donor '06
TIP: No-cost TPM Reprogramming Tool
I recently got new wheels installed. The guy was very careful about lifting the car, breaking down the old wheels, mounting the new tires, hiding the stick-on weights, etc. BUT... I discovered after I got home that he mixed up all the tire pressure sensors. 
A little research on the forum turned up this excellent how-to link:
http://www.frankhunt.com/FRANK/corve...g_the_TPS.html
However, I wasn't about to purchase what might be a single use tool, didn't feel like going back to the tire shop and arguing, and couldn't find a household magnet that was strong enough. Coincidentally, I ran into a friend of mine later that day that has his own computer repair business. He suggested (and gave me) an "emergency retract magnet" from a crashed hard drive. Let me tell you, these suckers are STRONG! I cupped it in the palm of my hand and then brushed the back of my hand against his metal file cabinet. The magnet was strong enough to slam my hand against the cabinet drawer!
Following the online instructions and using this magnet, I was able to reprogram all four wheels in less than a minute. If you can find one, these are extremely handy and small enough to fit anywhere (mine is ~ 1.5" wide, and shaped like a miniature brake pad). I would think that any computer shop or company IT department would have several available for the asking.
A little research on the forum turned up this excellent how-to link:
http://www.frankhunt.com/FRANK/corve...g_the_TPS.html
However, I wasn't about to purchase what might be a single use tool, didn't feel like going back to the tire shop and arguing, and couldn't find a household magnet that was strong enough. Coincidentally, I ran into a friend of mine later that day that has his own computer repair business. He suggested (and gave me) an "emergency retract magnet" from a crashed hard drive. Let me tell you, these suckers are STRONG! I cupped it in the palm of my hand and then brushed the back of my hand against his metal file cabinet. The magnet was strong enough to slam my hand against the cabinet drawer!
Following the online instructions and using this magnet, I was able to reprogram all four wheels in less than a minute. If you can find one, these are extremely handy and small enough to fit anywhere (mine is ~ 1.5" wide, and shaped like a miniature brake pad). I would think that any computer shop or company IT department would have several available for the asking.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 377
Likes: 6
From: North West, Georgia
Take care with those magnets
do a search on Neodymium magnets for details ..
They are strong enough to pinch off sections of skin and lose fingernails. (or finger tips)
Also very brittle and will shatter fairly easy.
Anyone wanting a set of those can look for a computer shop and ask for the oldest drive they have thats crashed. We normally have those tossed in the trash
Most places will give you an old one. about 12 torx screws later and you can have a set
do a search on Neodymium magnets for details ..
They are strong enough to pinch off sections of skin and lose fingernails. (or finger tips)
Also very brittle and will shatter fairly easy.
Anyone wanting a set of those can look for a computer shop and ask for the oldest drive they have thats crashed. We normally have those tossed in the trash
Most places will give you an old one. about 12 torx screws later and you can have a set
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Another very good source for very strong magnets is any old microwave oven that is pitched out in the trash! The magnetron tube has two excellent magnets! They are about 2" around X 3/8" thick with a 3/4" hole in the center. You can even leave it on the valve stem while you go and update the DIC for the next sensor. 
BC
BC
