OTC Universal TPM Reset vs. Bartec
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,559
Likes: 207
From: Olathe KS
OTC Universal TPM Reset vs. Bartec
Does anyone know if this OTC Brand tool can be used instead of the Bartec for the C6?
It's ~$100 more than the Bartec, but looks more universal and useful with the diagnostic display, etc. Maybe stronger signal too.
At $420 for the OTC vs. $320 for the Bartec, I'd rather get something that looks like it can be used for more than just one mundane task...triggering.
Heres a pic of the Bartec for comparison...actually it's no comparison really...
Need a tool handy when I swap Comp Grey for High Polished rim/tire/sensor sets back and forth. Also need something that will work on my '05+ Tahoe for tire rotations, and is upgradeable into the future. This one says it can be uploaded for updates.
It's ~$100 more than the Bartec, but looks more universal and useful with the diagnostic display, etc. Maybe stronger signal too.
At $420 for the OTC vs. $320 for the Bartec, I'd rather get something that looks like it can be used for more than just one mundane task...triggering.
Heres a pic of the Bartec for comparison...actually it's no comparison really...
Need a tool handy when I swap Comp Grey for High Polished rim/tire/sensor sets back and forth. Also need something that will work on my '05+ Tahoe for tire rotations, and is upgradeable into the future. This one says it can be uploaded for updates.
Last edited by bub; May 3, 2006 at 09:26 PM.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,559
Likes: 207
From: Olathe KS
More info...
http://www.otctools.com/newcatalog/p...s/3833_165.pdf
Lists 1990 thru 2006 Corvette...
Interestingly, 1990 is the oldest vehicle of any make/manufacturer listed...it must be able to detect the on or off pressure switches used on the C4's.
I checked my Corvette Black Book...it shows that UJ6 LTPWS was actually available as early as 1989...definitely one of the first vehicles on the road with any TPMS technology, albiet quite simple by comparison and definitely outdated now.
http://www.otctools.com/newcatalog/p...s/3833_165.pdf
Lists 1990 thru 2006 Corvette...
Interestingly, 1990 is the oldest vehicle of any make/manufacturer listed...it must be able to detect the on or off pressure switches used on the C4's.
I checked my Corvette Black Book...it shows that UJ6 LTPWS was actually available as early as 1989...definitely one of the first vehicles on the road with any TPMS technology, albiet quite simple by comparison and definitely outdated now.
Last edited by bub; May 21, 2006 at 01:45 AM.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,559
Likes: 207
From: Olathe KS
Better yet, I picked up the SPX/Kent-Moore J-46079 TPMS Tool at 1/2 the price of the Bartec on eBay...
http://cm.ebay.com/cm/ck/1065-29392-...tem=4634901113
Calls to SPX/OTC reveal this J-46079 is the exact same tool as the OTC 3833 and works with the C6 and my Tahoe as well.
Will advise results when I get the tool in hand, but the GM bulletin makes reference to this specific J-46079 tool...as follows:
"2005-2006 Corvette
Tire Pressure Sensor Learn
Tools Required
J-46079 Tire Pressure Monitor Diagnostic Tool
TPM Learn Mode Description
The tire pressure monitor (TPM) system uses the remote control door lock receiver (RCDLR), body control module (BCM), keyless entry transmitter, 4 radio frequency transmitting pressure sensors, and the serial data circuit to perform the TPM learn mode functions. The sensor learn procedure must be performed after each tire rotation, RCDLR replacement, or tire pressure sensor replacement. Once the TPM learn mode has been enabled, each of the sensors unique identification (ID) codes can be learned into the RCDLR's memory. When the RCDLR receives a sensor's transmission, it sends a serial data message to the BCM to sound a horn chirp. This verifies the sensor has transmitted its ID code and the RCDLR has received and learned it. The RCDLR must learn the sensor IDs in the proper order to determine sensor location. The first learned ID is assigned to the left front location, the second to right front, the third to right rear and the fourth to left rear.
Sensor Function Using J-46079
Each sensor has an internal low frequency (LF) coil. When the J-46079 used in activate mode it produces an LF transmission that activates the sensor. The sensor responds to an LF activation by transmitting in learn mode. When the RCDLR receives a learn mode transmission while in TPM learn mode, it will assign that sensor's ID to the location on the vehicle relative to the order in which it was learned.
TPM Learn Mode Cancellation
The RCDLR will cancel the TPM learn mode if more than 2 minutes have passed and no sensors have been learned, or if more than 5 minutes have passed for the entire procedure. If the learn mode is cancelled before any sensor IDs are learned, the RCDLR will remember all previously stored IDs and their locations. As soon as the RCDLR learns the first sensor ID, all previously stored IDs are erased from the RCDLR's memory.
Sensor Learn Procedure
Important: Before proceeding with the procedure below, ensure that no other learn procedure is being performed simultaneously.
1. Select the ACC position on the ignition switch.
2. Simultaneously press the keyless entry transmitter lock and unlock buttons until a horn chirp sounds, indicating the TPM learn mode has been enabled.
3. Starting with the left front tire, hold the antenna of the J-46079 against the tire sidewall close to the wheel rim at the valve stem location then press and release the Activate button and wait for a horn chirp.
4. After the horn chirp sounds, proceed as in step 3 for the next 3 sensors in the following order:
A. Right front
B. Right rear
C. Left rear
5. After the left rear sensor is learned, a double horn chirp will sound indicating all sensor IDs have been learned.
6. Select the OFF position on the ignition switch to exit the TPM learn mode."
http://cm.ebay.com/cm/ck/1065-29392-...tem=4634901113
Calls to SPX/OTC reveal this J-46079 is the exact same tool as the OTC 3833 and works with the C6 and my Tahoe as well.
Will advise results when I get the tool in hand, but the GM bulletin makes reference to this specific J-46079 tool...as follows:
"2005-2006 Corvette
Tire Pressure Sensor Learn
Tools Required
J-46079 Tire Pressure Monitor Diagnostic Tool
TPM Learn Mode Description
The tire pressure monitor (TPM) system uses the remote control door lock receiver (RCDLR), body control module (BCM), keyless entry transmitter, 4 radio frequency transmitting pressure sensors, and the serial data circuit to perform the TPM learn mode functions. The sensor learn procedure must be performed after each tire rotation, RCDLR replacement, or tire pressure sensor replacement. Once the TPM learn mode has been enabled, each of the sensors unique identification (ID) codes can be learned into the RCDLR's memory. When the RCDLR receives a sensor's transmission, it sends a serial data message to the BCM to sound a horn chirp. This verifies the sensor has transmitted its ID code and the RCDLR has received and learned it. The RCDLR must learn the sensor IDs in the proper order to determine sensor location. The first learned ID is assigned to the left front location, the second to right front, the third to right rear and the fourth to left rear.
Sensor Function Using J-46079
Each sensor has an internal low frequency (LF) coil. When the J-46079 used in activate mode it produces an LF transmission that activates the sensor. The sensor responds to an LF activation by transmitting in learn mode. When the RCDLR receives a learn mode transmission while in TPM learn mode, it will assign that sensor's ID to the location on the vehicle relative to the order in which it was learned.
TPM Learn Mode Cancellation
The RCDLR will cancel the TPM learn mode if more than 2 minutes have passed and no sensors have been learned, or if more than 5 minutes have passed for the entire procedure. If the learn mode is cancelled before any sensor IDs are learned, the RCDLR will remember all previously stored IDs and their locations. As soon as the RCDLR learns the first sensor ID, all previously stored IDs are erased from the RCDLR's memory.
Sensor Learn Procedure
Important: Before proceeding with the procedure below, ensure that no other learn procedure is being performed simultaneously.
1. Select the ACC position on the ignition switch.
2. Simultaneously press the keyless entry transmitter lock and unlock buttons until a horn chirp sounds, indicating the TPM learn mode has been enabled.
3. Starting with the left front tire, hold the antenna of the J-46079 against the tire sidewall close to the wheel rim at the valve stem location then press and release the Activate button and wait for a horn chirp.
4. After the horn chirp sounds, proceed as in step 3 for the next 3 sensors in the following order:
A. Right front
B. Right rear
C. Left rear
5. After the left rear sensor is learned, a double horn chirp will sound indicating all sensor IDs have been learned.
6. Select the OFF position on the ignition switch to exit the TPM learn mode."
Last edited by bub; May 21, 2006 at 06:53 PM.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,559
Likes: 207
From: Olathe KS
If anyone else wants to try the J-46079, I know where another one can be had for $300+$10 shipping (still less than a $319 Bartec, and much more functionality).
He's got it listed for $399, but he will take $300 if you message him:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SPX-K...spagenameZWD1V
I've been researching this pretty thoroughly the last couple of days.
He's got it listed for $399, but he will take $300 if you message him:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SPX-K...spagenameZWD1V
I've been researching this pretty thoroughly the last couple of days.
Last edited by bub; May 6, 2006 at 10:47 AM.
Instructor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
From: Miami Fl
bub what would it cost me to get my hands on that tool for a couple days and get it back sent to you???
Its not that Im cheap but spending 300+ dollars for something I may use once bothers me and local tire stores are proabbly going to have trouble finding my sensors because they are banded inside my wheels who knows where, so I would rather do it myself with time and patience. If its out of the question I understand but Id be willing to pay you something if your willing to help me out, say $50 and shipping both ways. If you can it be a great help and if you can think of someway to get some collateral it would be cool with me so you feel more comfortable lending it to me.
Its not that Im cheap but spending 300+ dollars for something I may use once bothers me and local tire stores are proabbly going to have trouble finding my sensors because they are banded inside my wheels who knows where, so I would rather do it myself with time and patience. If its out of the question I understand but Id be willing to pay you something if your willing to help me out, say $50 and shipping both ways. If you can it be a great help and if you can think of someway to get some collateral it would be cool with me so you feel more comfortable lending it to me.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,559
Likes: 207
From: Olathe KS
Excess...I proposed just such a plan some time ago for a Bartec "group purchase" but got no takers. It seems to make allot of sense to me.
Let me get the J-46079 tool in hand, make sure it works, and then we can work something out. Definitely makes more sense than buying the $319 Bartec.
Some sort of deposit/rental arrangement will be workable.
-CKB
Let me get the J-46079 tool in hand, make sure it works, and then we can work something out. Definitely makes more sense than buying the $319 Bartec.
Some sort of deposit/rental arrangement will be workable.
-CKB
Instructor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
From: Miami Fl
thanks man if you could do me that tremendous favor I would really appreciate it, I want to do it myself opposed to a mechanic who doesnt want to work on my car because he complains its lowered and has aftermarket wheels and 305/25/20 tires, he just doesn't want to touch it.
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Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,559
Likes: 207
From: Olathe KS
What does the pie shaped symbol with the word "Stopped" underneath it on the J-46079 LCD display represent?
Is this something to do with the roll switch in the sensor?
Curious what the J-46079 manual says about it.
Is this something to do with the roll switch in the sensor?
Curious what the J-46079 manual says about it.
Last edited by bub; May 5, 2006 at 08:10 PM.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,559
Likes: 207
From: Olathe KS
Received J-46079 tool today in the mail, and I gotta tell ya, this is one helluva TPMS triggerin' and testing tool!
Shows PSI to the nearest tenth (put away that manual tire gauge forever), sensor signal strength and ID #.
Worked on spare set of wheels and tires stacked in a corner by just aiming at the tire treads (no idea where stems were).
Looks like it may suck down the C-cell batteries though. Battery bar went from full power to 75% in a matter of about 5 minutes. Maybe just normal.
Also performs testing functions on receiver in the car, simulating sensor transmittals.
BTW, the pie shaped deal is the scanning mode indicator. It circulates while scanning and indicates "stopped" below it when done.
Highly recommend this tool vs. Bartec, even at a $300 price, especially if you can pick up an occasional used one off eBay in the $150 to $200 range.
Excess - I'll be in touch regarding a rental arrangement. I bet it will work fine with your banded sensors based on my test of my stored tires described above.
-CKB
PS: Cannot test roll switch unless tire is rotated > 20 mph (not likely) spun manually, or test driven. Software says v 1.0 6/14/04, and as I said, it works fine with C6, so no worries there. Even so, again it is updateable via serial data link if in future GM changes something on C7, etc. This is a top quality piece, and frankly, makes the cheezy little Bartec tool at their inflated $320 look like a rip-off.
Shows PSI to the nearest tenth (put away that manual tire gauge forever), sensor signal strength and ID #.
Worked on spare set of wheels and tires stacked in a corner by just aiming at the tire treads (no idea where stems were).
Looks like it may suck down the C-cell batteries though. Battery bar went from full power to 75% in a matter of about 5 minutes. Maybe just normal.
Also performs testing functions on receiver in the car, simulating sensor transmittals.
BTW, the pie shaped deal is the scanning mode indicator. It circulates while scanning and indicates "stopped" below it when done.
Highly recommend this tool vs. Bartec, even at a $300 price, especially if you can pick up an occasional used one off eBay in the $150 to $200 range.
Excess - I'll be in touch regarding a rental arrangement. I bet it will work fine with your banded sensors based on my test of my stored tires described above.
-CKB
PS: Cannot test roll switch unless tire is rotated > 20 mph (not likely) spun manually, or test driven. Software says v 1.0 6/14/04, and as I said, it works fine with C6, so no worries there. Even so, again it is updateable via serial data link if in future GM changes something on C7, etc. This is a top quality piece, and frankly, makes the cheezy little Bartec tool at their inflated $320 look like a rip-off.
Last edited by bub; May 6, 2006 at 10:13 AM.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,559
Likes: 207
From: Olathe KS
Pic is actually of the LH side of the tool. This connector is used for updating the software in the tool. As discussed, v.1.0 is installed, but this link allows updates via PC as they become available.
Trying to figure out if it can determine sensor battery strength, but signal strength should be a good indicator of battery I would think anyway.
Trying to figure out if it can determine sensor battery strength, but signal strength should be a good indicator of battery I would think anyway.
Last edited by bub; May 5, 2006 at 08:51 PM.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,559
Likes: 207
From: Olathe KS
Noticed an interesting fact from reading the tool's manual...sensor transmits a psig (gauge) pressure based on an assumed atmospheric pressure (probably 14.696 psia). Receiver in car compensates for actual barometric pressure on some cars (not sure if Vette does this)...so DIC reading may differ from TPMS tool reading due to this variation (probably within the 2 psi referenced).
Instructor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
From: Miami Fl
thanks for keeping me in mind, I actually got a flat and the dealer scratch the paint off my wheels so it might be a week or two before we work something out but I still definately need it. Thanks Bub
8th Gear
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
No comparison...the photo you reference is 4 years old.
Please bear in mind, the OTC tool requires updating to the tune of $250 per year.
Bartec has been in the TPMS business a lot longer than SPX...in fact, they buy tools from us (Bartec).
If you want the facts regarding TPMS tools, please do not hesitate to call me at toll free (866)407-TPMS.
Regards,
Scot
Please bear in mind, the OTC tool requires updating to the tune of $250 per year.
Bartec has been in the TPMS business a lot longer than SPX...in fact, they buy tools from us (Bartec).
If you want the facts regarding TPMS tools, please do not hesitate to call me at toll free (866)407-TPMS.
Regards,
Scot
8th Gear
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
"Much more functionality..."
Actually you get the display...and that's about it. Our tool activates AND DECODES EVERY Schrader sensor, not just GM variants. Keep in mind, SPX buys tools from us - Bartec...we design and manufacture TPM tools..since 1998.
Give me a call and we can discuss the FACTS regarding TPMS....
(866)407-TPMS.
Regards,
Scot
Actually you get the display...and that's about it. Our tool activates AND DECODES EVERY Schrader sensor, not just GM variants. Keep in mind, SPX buys tools from us - Bartec...we design and manufacture TPM tools..since 1998.
Give me a call and we can discuss the FACTS regarding TPMS....
(866)407-TPMS.
Regards,
Scot