I've been replacing TPMS sensors in GM cars for years. But it wasn't until I had a Mirage that I actually to understand the concept of a sensor ID and a TPMS communication protocol. When a car can register new sensors using a $10 trigger tool (or sometimes no tool at all), you don't give a rat's azz about sensor IDs or what communication protocol a sensor is using.
The communication protocol was the last piece of the puzzle for really understanding the different types of replacement TPMS sensors out there. In the last week I re-wrote THIS section of the TPMS Quick Reference that goes into more detail about how TPMS sensors work and the different "re-learn" processes.
Only about 25% of vehicles require an OBDII tool to register TPMS sensor IDs. If you own a Mitsubishi (or most other Asian makes)...congratulations...you are part of that 25%!
I went to 2 different shops in the last week to have some new aftermarket TPMS sensors programmed to my Mirage (another thread on that coming soon). The first shop said "Yeah...we can do a Mitsubishi." Then I pulled out this photo...
...and I said "Look...if you have a tool that does NOT have a special OBDII adapter cable just for Mitsubishi models, then you probably can't do it." As soon as I said that, they were like "uhhh...well...we don't have any special cables...you'll probably have to go to the dealer for that."
I did the same thing at the second shop (Discount Tire). The guy behind the counter looked at me like I had 2 heads when I pulled the picture out. Fortunately there was a tire tech standing right there and he says "Oh yeah...we have that adapter for Mitsubishi cars. Pull it into the garage and we'll do it right now!" Success!