Two terms used in the industry is most commonly misinterpreted by the consumer of our products
Before we look at these two terms, Tire Pressure Monitor Sensors are available from the OEM, Original Equipment Manufacturer, and Aftermarket. With OEM Sensors, these sensors are purchased based on year make and model of the vehicle and already contain the protocol necessary for the sensor to communicate to the vehicle. With Aftermarket sensors there are many companies producing TPM Sensors that are:
Program and Relearn
Program: To program a TPM sensor refers to copying specific protocol to a sensor so that it can communicate with a specific year make and model of vehicle. Programming Is not required with OEM, OEM Style, or Multi-Protocol Sensor as they already contain the specific protocol necessary for communication.
Relearn: To Relearn a TPM Sensor refers to “Pairing” the TPM Sensor to the vehicles ECU, Electronic Control Unit. This process is also known as “Relearn Procedure”. Each TPM Sensor contains a unique identification number and is matched to the vehicles ECU through the Relearn Procedure as outlined by the manufacturer. There are 4 Relearn Procedures commonly used throughout the world:
Final Note:
Not all sensors are required to be Programmed as they already contain the necessary protocol to communicate with the vehicle, however, all TPM Sensors including programmable TPM Sensors will require the Relearn Procedure to be performed after installation to “Pair” the sensors unique identifications to the vehicles ECU.