So what we really need to know is the so called low frequency the tool transmits to the sensor so somebody can design a quick to build low cost programmer from easily available Radio Shack parts. Equivalent to the 99 cent Radio Shack magnet that can be used to program C5 TPMs. Don't need all the diagnostics just to switch wheels and tires when going to events.
Bill

 

Hey Scot, thanks for joining in this discussion. Will these tools work with the C6 Vette and the Honda 2005 Odyssey Minivan with the Michelin runflats? I've got both vehicles, so I'd like to buy just one tool!

 

I have the J-46079 Tool that I'm told came from a now closed Chevrolet dealer and it works great. Paid $170.00 on Ebay. I like it because even an idiot can work it.

 

Gentlemen:

...just wanted to advise my fellow Forum members of some OPTIONS for their $300, who are in the market for one of these relatively "pricey" tools.

I'm more than happy with this J-46079 tool referenced in all the GM Service literature.

Works great on all my GM stuff now, and for my foreseeable future GM vehicle purchases, so that's all I should need for the next 5-10 years (without updates).

If we ever need an interface module for an update...we'll probably just buy that on eBay too...but by the time I ever need that (worst case = '08 MY's and beyond, as this will work fine on an '07 Tahoe), there'll more than likely be some of those obsolete, and floating around out on eBay too...



PS: Scot - I sincerely wish you the best of luck with your Bartec (DBX?) product, especially at your current price point with your present features. I had considered purchasing it, until I couldn't get much info off your Bartec site, nor any online ordering information, and began doing some online research into the subject. Once a guy succombs to the notion he's going to have to pay 300 bones to do this, he wants to get the best bang for his buck, and frankly I believe (rightly or wrongly so based on the public domain marketing information available) that the SPX offers more bang than the Bartec (DBX series?).

That's how, and when I came up with the SPX alternative (more online info "hits" available), and thus decided on this SPX GM J-46079 version over Bartec's product. Plus, found a few on eBay at "good" prices (good is relative here - meaning $300 or less).

Also, if you can provide a more recent pic of Bartec's (DBX?) C6 TPMS tool (I guess it's black now based on one I saw on eBay, but still with just the 2 LED's? - this pic of the gray one actually came from Bartec's own website http://www.bartecusa.com/tpmstools/images/dbl.jpg, as I couldn't find the more recent version pic of it there at www.bartecusa.com), I'll be more than glad to update my post adding it.

Does it now look like this?

http://www.bonesenterprises.com/pics/icn8461.jpg

 

Got my '06 C6 Service Manuals yesterday, and in the TPMS section not only does it list the J-46079, but it shows a picture (sketch) of it also...

Case closed.