To the best of my knowledge, TPMS sensors are shipped dormant (to save the battery) and need to be activated via TPMS tool.

 

All TPMS sensors have a unique sensor ID. For the MC Accent, the sensor IDs for TPMS sensors are registered in the TPMS control module so any time a sensor is replaced, the new sensor must be registered or a "programmable" sensor (e.g. Autel's MX sensors) can be programmed with the old sensor's ID (i.e. the old sensor's registered ID would be copied to the new sensor). In either case, a TPMS tool is needed.

 

So what's the deal with "preprogrammed" sensors then? What exactly are they programming?

More importantly, are there any tools that are affordable enough to make sense buying? I had a scroll through ebay and amazon, and they appear to be about $300+USD. Add in the sensors and maybe it's cheaper to take it to the dealer? We have two other Hyundais and a Voyager, but they're newer and I probably won't need this again for at LEAST 3 years. Kind of a small town, and the guy that usually does my tires had his tool stolen. I'd rather not let shops work on my car (even the tire guy just gets my wheels dropped off, lol, but at least I trust him).

 

Not sure what "preprogrammed" means. A sensor is either programmable (by the user) or not. If not, then the sensor has a hard-coded sensor ID that has to be registered with the car's TPMS module. The basic process after the sensor is replaced is you walk around and scan the sensor in each wheel in an ordered fashion specified by the scan tool and then plug the tool into the OBDII port and the tool writes the sensor IDs and corresponding wheel positions to the TPMS module (or BCM in some cars).

Whatever tool you buy needs to plug into the OBDII port--the cheapest new ones I've seen start around the $200 range, but I would guess you can find one cheaper if you look around (esp. used).

 

I'll have a look for used tools, thanks for reminding me. Meanwhile...

Amazon.com: MORESENSOR Compact PRO Series 315MHz TPMS Tire Pressure Sensor 4-Pack | Preprogrammed for Select 35+ Korean Brand Models 529332F000 | Rubber Valve Stem | KX-S100-SN-4 : Automotive

Buy MORESENSOR Compact PRO Series 315MHz TPMS Tire Pressure Sensor 4-Pack | Preprogrammed for Select 35+ Korean Brand Models 529332F000 | Rubber Valve Stem | KX-S100-SN-4: Replacement Sensors - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

 

I can recommend Autel line of TPMS tools.

 

So maybe something like these?
Autel TPMS
Sensors

 

TS508 is what I am using, I can recommend this tool.

 

The way I understand it, if you buy pre-programmed sensors they will register with the car's electronics within a few minutes of driving. I have an '11 if I get the warning I have to check each tire, they aren't identified.

 

The way it works with Autel is:

• with the tool you scan existing OE TPMS sensor, the tools copy sensor's ID number
• ID number is programmed into new, blank Autel TPMS sensor
• once cloned Autel sensor is installed, it appears as the old sensor to the TPMS module in the car and no re-learning is required

 

On newer Hyundai vehicles with 433MHz TPMS frequency, TPMS module will know tires were rotated. Not sure with the older system, that only displays general 'low pressure' warning light without indicating the faulty wheel.

 

On newer vehicles if you rotate the tires you have to reset TPMS system is not automatic on any brand of vehicle. It will tell you you have a flat or low tire on the wrong position if you don't.