Just a lonely TPMS sensor!
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 39
Likes: 1
From: North Haven CT
Just a lonely TPMS sensor!
Just an FYI on an experience with some aftermarket TPMS sensors manufactured by Group31 as Universal Smart Sensor Pro+ on ebay.
I purchased a set of 4 sensors to use on a 1999 C5 utilizing the 315MHZ universals from Alliance. Prior to purchase I called to determine how these sensors are pinged to wake up for programming and was told by the sales rep, they are "Pre-Programmed" which is fine for the protocols but they still have to be paired into position, the question was like speaking in a foreign tongue, so I asked please read me the pairing instructions for this set to the 99 C5... bla bla dic command, use PAIRING MAGNET.. AH ok you CAN wake them with the magnet! sold... paid.. 186.00 cheap.
Got units tonight and broke out the frequency counter...bring magnet near stem and no transmit.. nada zilch... so without wanting to install the sensors, I break out with a 125KHZ transmitter... and bring the coil near the stem.. again no transmit (fluke tracer at 125khz). OK well lets put them in a pressure vessel and simulate the DM and cause a "leak" pressurize the vessel to 50lbs, wait 20 mins then slowly release pressure to 15lbs, No transmit!
it appears the statement they make "send us your vehicle info" is crap and we pre-program is another pile of BS, since these sensors act like blanks.
Bottom line don't make this mistake I'm sure the group 31 universal sensor WILL work if reprogrammed with the tool in the kit, but now i'm wondering of the local shop around here can even program these at all.
Any comments?
I purchased a set of 4 sensors to use on a 1999 C5 utilizing the 315MHZ universals from Alliance. Prior to purchase I called to determine how these sensors are pinged to wake up for programming and was told by the sales rep, they are "Pre-Programmed" which is fine for the protocols but they still have to be paired into position, the question was like speaking in a foreign tongue, so I asked please read me the pairing instructions for this set to the 99 C5... bla bla dic command, use PAIRING MAGNET.. AH ok you CAN wake them with the magnet! sold... paid.. 186.00 cheap.
Got units tonight and broke out the frequency counter...bring magnet near stem and no transmit.. nada zilch... so without wanting to install the sensors, I break out with a 125KHZ transmitter... and bring the coil near the stem.. again no transmit (fluke tracer at 125khz). OK well lets put them in a pressure vessel and simulate the DM and cause a "leak" pressurize the vessel to 50lbs, wait 20 mins then slowly release pressure to 15lbs, No transmit!
it appears the statement they make "send us your vehicle info" is crap and we pre-program is another pile of BS, since these sensors act like blanks.
Bottom line don't make this mistake I'm sure the group 31 universal sensor WILL work if reprogrammed with the tool in the kit, but now i'm wondering of the local shop around here can even program these at all.
Any comments?
Racer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 258
Likes: 0
From: Acworth Georgia
I bought one from Auto Tech Supply for 48.00 and it works fine. The magnet needs to be round and it needs to slide over the valve stem to wake it up. Then ( while the magnet is in place) you bring the programmer to the stem also. Starting at the l/f, r/f, r/r and then left rear. the horn will chirp once for each sensor when it is recognized and then twice after the last wheel is recognized telling you that it is complete.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 39
Likes: 1
From: North Haven CT
The aftermarket units do not use the Magnet anymore, nor do they trip with any pairing tool. Just fill tire, put in learn mode and pull the valve stem from driver front clockwise. 20.00 wasted on the magnet.
