I recently built a set of rear wheels for track day use! I used Schrader 32500 tpms's for the new rears. My local tire shop programed them to my year. When I tried to learn them to the car the 1st 3 would chirp (learn positions . The last (L.R. would not). I drove to my tire shop and he was able to do all 4.
my question is I have since ordered Autel TS401, do you know if it will be better quality then the $13 diagdirect tool I had bought before

 

I've been using the DIAGDIRECT unit for 4 years now without problem when swapping back/forth to track wheels.
Coincidentally, I just had my TPMS sensors swapped out of my OE wheels yesterday.
I was having problems getting them to read and had to hover over them about 10 sec each. They were the originals, from 2008

With the fresh sensors, they chirp as soon as i press the button, even from a couple inches away

I'd say your sensors may not be programmed correctly if they're new.
I bought some already programmed ones, having previously gone through issues with programmable ones on a different car

 

Thank you Tommyc6z06, that's interesting because with my tire guys unit they all chirped right away

 

How’s the 9v battery in your diagdirect tool?

 

it was brand new and it worked perfectly on the other 3 wheels

 

I have a similar tool and found I had to point it on the tire directly under the tire valve to get it to work properly every time. Once I figured that out it never fails.

 

Anyone have input on these replacement sensors below (Rock Auto)? These are "clamp-in" style noted to be better suited for higher speeds... I'd think more suited for track days.
Took the car out on a very hot day and the front tire pressures were reading high - I think upper 30's. By the time I got home they were reading "XX" and I got the "service tire monitor" message. After lowering the pressures, the "XX" didn't clear, even disconnected the battery to see if it would help reset it... no luck. I went to a tire dealer who tried to reset them and their tool couldn't communicate with the front sensors - likely weak batteries. Rears communicated and are transmitting fine. I didn't know if there's a high-pressure limit on these sensors that would've caused a failure or was it convenient timing that the batteries may be spent?
Also, would bad sensors affect the traction control & active handling system? I currently have the 'service tire monitor' message lit up on the dash. I had a track day yesterday with the front sensors showing "XX". While on track, even at moderate warm up pace, the active handling & traction control kept kicking in - this has never happened before & was essentially undriveable. Just wondering if having no front tire pressure input would be causing this. I tried to deactivate the system (held button for 5+ seconds) and it was a bit more drivable but still kicking in. Went home early to avoid wasting the brakes.

 

I can't help with which sensors are best besides OE from AC Delco. As far as TC/ABS etc i could see bad sensors causing a problem if the car thought tires were flat