Techstream error when registering TPMS sensor IDs

While using TIS Techstream V10.30.029 I encountered the error below when trying to add new sensor IDs associated with my Winter tire wheels. I was following the Registration procedure under the Utility menu of the Tire Pressure Monitor ECU

"ID registration failed due to a communication error with the ECU while in initialization mode."

This error seems to be persistent, as I retried the registration several times with the same results. The vehicle is on the "ON" state.

The message goes on to say "Terminate initialization by connecting TC and CG of the DLC3 for 30 seconds"

I was not clear on what this step was suggesting, but I think is referring to shorting pins on the OBDII connector (seem rather "old school" to me).

Any recommendations or suggestions?

 

Well when the failure occurred in the "ON" state I switched to the READY mode with the same results.

 

The sensors were supplied and installed by Tire Rack. They are Pacific S122 315 MHz Sensors and are suppose to be Prius compatible.

 

I suppose I could drag the summer tires out of storage to try this, although it is not clear to me the that registration process and the detection of the registered sensor IDs are one in the same. Right now the registered sensors are in fact from the summer tires, but I could see if I can re-register the sensor IDs for these summer wheels.

Do you think the communication error (above) is between the sensors and the ECU? I was reading this as a communication error between Techstream and the ECU, but it is not clear.

p.s.: I have sent a note to Tire Rack asking them to confirm the TPMS sensors installed are 2016 Prius compatible.

 

RobH - My thoughts as well. This is the first time I have tried using Techstream, but they fact that the error message occurs moments after completing the registration process (i.e., entering the 4th sensor ID) led me to think this was a Techstream issue, not a sensor issue. As previously indicated I have asked Tire Rack to confirm that provided the proper sensor for the 2016 Prius, I could also that the vehicle to the dealer to see if they can register the IDs (but I expect that will cost me some money).

Worst case I will just live with the dash board indicator light until April with the Summer wheels go back on.

 

Thanks for that suggestion. I may give that a try. The retailer I purchased Techstream from did point me to a new version (v11.20.019)

 

I upgraded Techstream to v11.20.19, but there is no change in the behavior (same error message after the last sensor ID is entered). When you begin the registration there is a warning (below) that the registration will fail if "the system is still in the process of initializing".

I think the fact that the system (tire pressure monitoring ECU/system) is stuck in the initializing process is causing the registration failure. The error message (top of this thread) seems to be saying to connect the Timing Check (TC) pin to the Chassis Ground (CG) for 30 seconds to terminate this initialization.

As a Techstream newbie I am hesitant on shorting anything to ground. I am guessing this means disconnect the Techstream laptop from the OBD-II connector (Toyota calls this the DLC3) and connect pins #4 (chassis ground) and #13 (timing check) together for at least 30 seconds while the vehicle ignition is in the "On" state.

UPDATE: I found this Toyota TSB that addresses this specific issue (although it is not 2016 Prius specific, so my assumption is the 16' Prius will behavior in a similar manner). I guess I will give it a try. T-SB-0084-09

 

Yes I agree, there is no reason there cannot be an auto-discovery protocol implemented. (my daughter's 2014 Kia Soul appears to auto-discover TPMS sensor IDs). The good news is I can just ignore the warning indicator and life goes on normally. The engineer in me, however, wants to make this work. .

 

FYI, I followed the procedure specified in the TSB (T-SB-0084-09) to terminate the Initialization process. While connecting the Timing Check (TC) pin to the Chassis Ground (CG) for 30 seconds did cause the Multi-function display to indicate "DSS Diag" (driver support system diagnostics) it did not allow the subsequent registering of the new TPMS sensor IDs. At this point I will live with the Tire Pressure Warning indicator on the dashboard (until the summer wheels go back on the vehicle).

Tire Rack confirmed they shipped the correct TPMS sensors for the 2016 Prius. (claiming they are in fact the Toyota OEM TPMS sensors)

 

Thanks, I noticed that pins #4 and #5 on the mini VCI (OBDII) connector are pulled forward relative to all the other pins in the connector (i.e, the stick out slightly farther). Is this part of the connector design?