2019 Rav4 TPMS Programming using Autel MX-sensors

Purpose: looking for an aftermarket or OEM device that would allow me to pair my TPMS on my winter tires.

Toyota uses a proprietary system, Honda, and Chrysler for example don’t and I understand if you install an unprogrammed module itself programs with those makes, I just updated the TPMS from some winter tires on a 17′ Rav4 to a 19′ Rav4 and the TPMS sensor had to come out and be placed in the TPMS programmer to accept the new car data, I looked for one to buy, read here somewhere someone bought one from Tire Rack, called them, they disagreed, they had nothing, so.

Find a friendly tire jobber and try your luck, I understand Toyota can do it, but then you have to reprogram every winter summer wheel switch.

After the TREAD Act was mandated in 2007, all vehicles manufactured in the United States beginning in 2008, must be installed with direct or indirect TPMS systems.

The Toyota RAV-4 is installed with a direct TPMS system, which means there are TPMS sensors in the wheel. If one or more tires indicate low tire pressure, the TPMS sensors will transfer the information to the vehicle’s ECU. An indicator light (low-line TPMS system) or each tire pressure will show on the dash (high-line TPMS system).

A TPMS relearn is recommended after a sensor replacement or tire rotation. When services are performed, such as a tire change or TPMS sensor replacement, in one or more tires of a Toyota RAV-4, a TPMS relearn must be performed to transfer the sensor information to the vehicle’s ECU.

Direct TPMS, sensors are installed in the wheel

315MHz

Option 1: Techstream and mini VCI interface cable ($20-$30) on a laptop will work fine.

Techstream can program the car and is essentially free but not the easiest to use. It also has a ton of other uses (e.g. program key fobs).

Option 2: Autel MX-sensor TPMS sensors can be cloned to match the IDs of your existing sensors – no need to then program the car when swapping wheels. Sensors are ~$25 each, the programmer/reader is another $50. I am running this setup on a Lexus, Rav4.4 and a Nissan.

Video on how to diagnose and program TPMS sensor via Autel MaxiTPMS Tool:

Option 3:  Carista Android/iOS app can program the car. I got mine for $40/lifetime but they since changed to subscription model ($9 per day IIRC). The good thing is that it is possible so likely someone else will come up with a cheaper alternative soon.