Changing tires seasonally or swapping out your wheels shouldn’t mean a trip to the dealership just to reset your Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The ATEQ Quickset TPMS Reset Tool is designed to empower you to handle this task at home. After getting my hands on the ATEQ Quickset from Revolution Supply, I decided to put it to the test and share my experience. While you can delve into detailed instructions and visuals on platforms like toyotanation.com or by downloading the manual from http://ngefrance.fr (by installing the ATEQ TPMS Quickset software: setup_oTPMQUICKSET.exe), this review focuses on real-world usability and whether this tool is a worthwhile investment for DIY car maintenance.
Hands-on with the ATEQ Quickset TPMS Reset Tool
The first thing to note is the price point. At around $150, the ATEQ Quickset isn’t the cheapest gadget in your toolbox. However, when you consider that a single TPMS reset at the dealer can easily cost around $90, the math starts to make sense. For those who switch between summer and winter tires annually, or maintain multiple sets of wheels, the ATEQ Quickset can potentially pay for itself within a couple of years, if not sooner.
Functionally, the ATEQ Quickset is essentially a portable memory device that bridges your car and your computer. It connects to your PC via a USB interface and to your vehicle through the OBDII port – the standard diagnostic port found in most modern cars. ATEQ advertises broad compatibility, claiming support for TPMS systems across major Asian automotive brands like Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, and Subaru, among others. This wide range of coverage makes it a versatile tool for households with multiple vehicle brands.
Alt: ATEQ Quickset TPMS Reset Tool scanner device with OBDII connector and USB port, showcasing its compact design for easy car maintenance.
Installation and Setup: A Mixed Bag
My initial experience with installation was not entirely smooth. Attempting to install the ATEQ software on my Fujitsu laptop running Windows Vista proved to be a frustrating endeavor. Despite successful software installation, the system consistently failed to recognize the hardware connection via USB. It appeared the ATEQ software installs a USB-to-serial adapter driver, and I was plagued by persistent COM port error messages. After numerous software updates, exchanges with ATEQ tech support, and multiple install/uninstall cycles, I had to concede defeat on my Fujitsu laptop. Tech support acknowledged they hadn’t specifically tested on a Fujitsu and promised further investigation, though I wasn’t holding my breath for a quick resolution.
Switching gears to my older Compaq desktop running Windows XP, the installation process was a completely different story. The software installed flawlessly on the first attempt, without any of the USB connectivity issues encountered on the laptop. This highlights a potential area for improvement in ATEQ’s software compatibility across different operating systems and hardware configurations.
Alt: ATEQ Quickset software interface displayed on a laptop screen, showing options for vehicle selection and TPMS sensor data management, illustrating the tool’s user-friendly PC application.
Programming and Resetting: Where the Quickset Shines
Once the software was successfully installed on my Compaq desktop, setting up the ATEQ Quickset was straightforward. The instructions guide you to download the TPMS sensor serial numbers from your car’s ECU via the OBDII port. In my case, this step didn’t work as expected – the tool wouldn’t pull the serial numbers automatically. However, this wasn’t a major setback because I already had the sensor IDs for both my summer and winter tire sets, provided by the dealer during a previous TPMS reset service.
Using the PC software, I manually programmed the TPMS sensor serial numbers for both tire sets onto the ATEQ Quickset device. This process was intuitive and well-documented in the software manual. With the programming complete, resetting the TPMS system in the car became incredibly simple.
Alt: Close-up view of ATEQ Quickset TPMS Reset Tool being connected to a car’s OBDII port, emphasizing the ease of physical connection for resetting tire pressure monitoring system.
After swapping to my winter tires, the dreaded TPMS warning light was flashing on the dashboard. I plugged the ATEQ Quickset into the OBDII port, pressed a button on the device, and just like that, the warning light vanished. Everything returned to normal operation in seconds. This instant reset capability is a significant advantage, especially for anyone who has experienced the annoyance of driving with a persistent TPMS light and the uncertainty of actual tire pressure status. Previously, I endured an entire winter season with a flashing TPMS light, unsure if my run-flat tires were actually deflated. Having driven on a flat run-flat before (on a different vehicle), I can attest that it’s often difficult to detect a flat RFT tire simply by feel.
Final Verdict: Recommended with Minor Caveats
Despite the initial installation hiccup on my Fujitsu laptop, the ATEQ Quickset TPMS Reset Tool ultimately delivered on its core promise. When it works, it works exceptionally well, making TPMS resets for tire changes a breeze. The ability to store two sets of tire sensor IDs directly on the device means I likely won’t need to use the PC software again unless I acquire a third set of wheels.
Pros:
- Cost-effective: Pays for itself over time compared to dealer resets.
- Easy to use: Simple OBDII port connection and button-press reset.
- Saves time: No need to schedule dealership appointments for TPMS resets.
- Increased Safety: Eliminates driving with a potentially misleading TPMS warning light.
- Broad Compatibility: Supports major Asian vehicle brands.
Cons:
- Pricey upfront investment.
- Software installation can be finicky: Potential compatibility issues with certain laptops/operating systems.
- Initial setup may require manual sensor ID input: Automatic ECU download may not always work.
Recommendation:
I would recommend the ATEQ Quickset TPMS Reset Tool, especially to those who regularly switch tires or maintain multiple wheel sets and are comfortable with basic DIY car maintenance. Just be prepared for potential software installation troubleshooting, and ensure you have your TPMS sensor IDs readily available in case the automatic download function doesn’t work for your vehicle. Overall, the convenience and peace of mind it provides make the ATEQ Quickset a worthwhile tool for avoiding unnecessary dealership visits and maintaining proper TPMS function.
