The "Orange Tool" Review: Simple TPMS Relearns
Known as the EL-50448 (GM) or EL-50449 (Ford), this simple device does one thing and does it well: it wakes up your sensors so your car can see them.
Quick Verdict
If you rotate your own tyres on a GM (Chevy, GMC, Cadillac) or Ford vehicle, you likely need this. It prevents the need to let air out of your tyres to trigger the sensors during a relearn sequence.
Pros
- ✅ Extremely cheap (often under £15/$20)
- ✅ Simple one-button operation
- ✅ Compact and durable
- ✅ Essential for DIY rotations
Cons
- ❌ Cannot read codes or battery status
- ❌ No screen
- ❌ Only works if car is in "Relearn Mode"
- ❌ Brand specific (usually)
How It Works
Many GM and Ford vehicles have a "Relearn Mode" you can activate (usually by holding lock/unlock on the fob or a button sequence). Once in this mode, the car waits for a signal from the front-left tyre, then front-right, etc.
Without this tool, you might have to let air out of the tyre for 10-20 seconds to trigger the sensor, which is annoying and inaccurate. With this tool, you just hold it against the tyre sidewall (near the valve stem) and press the button. The horn honks, and you move to the next wheel.
Which Version Do I Need?
- EL-50448 (OEC-T5): Specifically for GM vehicles (Chevy, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Opel).
- EL-50449: Designed for Ford vehicles (Ford, Lincoln, Mercury).
- Super EL50448: Newer "2-in-1" versions that claim to support both.