TPMS tool question

I bought a Autel maxitpms ts408s . It requires me to download a program into a laptop. the Issue is my work Computer will not allow need to download a program into it. And my daughter's computer is a MacBook. I was told macBook was not capable. So this tool is useless to me. Unless somebody can redirect me. Or give advise on a different tool to use. Thanks in advance.

 

Can't help with that tool but I have used the

$219 Autel MaxiTPMS TS501 PRO, 2025 TPMS Programming Tool Same as TS508, Up of TS501 TS408S, Relearn Activate 99% TPMS Sensors, Program Autel MX-Sensor 315/433MHz, TPMS Reset & Diagnostics, Lifetime Update

Autel MaxiTPMS TS501 and it was super easy to use.

 

A few options:

1. Use Wine to run a Windows app on Mac. Not guaranteed to work but free and worth a try. https://www.winehq.org/

2. Use Virtualbox to create a windows guest OS machine and run the software in there (and make sure you have USB pass through)

3. Hit up ebay and get a dirt cheap Windows laptop.

 

The Autel Windows program is for the free updates. Nice to have but not needed unless you want to use on newer vehicles not in the

$199 TS408 S, 2025 TPMS Relearn Tool Updated of TS401 TS408, OBD II Programming Scanner, OEM Sensor(315 433Mhz) Relearn, Activation, Reset, Read Clear DTCs, Smae as TS501 PRO TS508WIFI TS601

TS408 database.

 

Rob i still have to register it by USB it says. That correct?

 

I believe there is a current lack of windows ability on the new Apple silicon chips (m1,..m4) You can use parallels, but it's expensive. I dont believe there is a virtualbox version that runs on the new stuff yet.

 

You are right.

 

some cheap options
https://www.woot.com/category/computers/laptops?ref=w_cnt_cdet_pc_3

 

Frustrating that Toyota makes a tire software issue, which is trivial from the perspective of the ECU, such a complicated and unnecessarily cumbersome problem. Having 2 sets of tires is incredibly common, and while not everyone would have them, a great many people do.

I am in first return swap to winter tires that I bought with new sensors from Discount tire, and guessing that they won't be read by the truck until they are relearned (or whatever). I'll try driving for a while, try re-initializing, and then maybe take them in if that isn't too much of a wait....

 

What do you mean by software issue?

I’ve heard one can delete it and switch to rubber valve stems. My last car came with rubber valve stems. Never had a problem.

Maybe I should do that now that I think about it. Rather than spend $120 on replacing 4 dead battery original sensors to accomplish what exactly I don’t really know.

FWIW tire shops with a TPMS tool are one way to learn new sensors without having to buy a laptop, software, etc.

 

My understanding is with Gen 3 Tacos, the computer keeps only one set of sensor IDs in memory. If you swap between winter/summer tires, you need to reprogram the IDs into the computer every swap. Also from my understanding (not experience), other car manufacturers let you program in multiple sets of tires, so no reprogramming of IDs is needed during tire swaps or rotations.

Personally I love having TPMS. While not essential, it's a great safety feature especially if you get a leak that you might not catch until your tire is shredding at highway speed (which I've had happen).

 

If you have the Autel tool and purchase Autel sensors you can clone them to your installed sensors. That way you don't need any additional programming.
If you have the tool it takes less than 5 minutes to relearn new sensors. Not a big deal.

 

If you buy sensors from Walmart they’ll install and program them for free. I don’t know what that looks like for two sets of tires, but if you just need a replacement valve or set, it’s probably cheaper than buying a dedicated scan tool.

 

Have a buddy with a Win laptop stop by and assist?

 

It's the swapping twice a year between winter/summer tires that's got me... the shop I bought the tires at will do it for free, but I'll have to see how much trouble that is (they get booked months in advance during swap months).

 

get blank sensores had have them cloned to your other set
there are a few write-ups on this

 

I have the same problems with my work computer. You could ask your it department to make an exception. Every time I’ve asked, they said no.