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Mercedes TPMS Light On, How to Reset, Programming, Sensor Replacement

Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) monitors your Mercedes-Benz tire pressure of all four tires and will warn you if any tires have low pressure. Often referred to as TPMS, it has sensors installed at all four tires, and readings from each tire are transmitted to the TPMS control unit. It is important to understand that although TPMS reset and programming are used interchangeably, they are different procedures. Reset or relearn is when you set new pressure on your tires, install a new OEM TPMS sensor, or rotate tires, and the car needs to recognize the new location of the TPMS sensors. TPMS programming requires manual programming before installing a universal TPMS sensor. During programming, the mechanic will copy the ID of the defective TPMS sensor and copy it to the new TPMS sensor. This procedure is also referred to as TPMS cloning.

In this article, we will discuss the following:

  • How to program/reset Mercedes TPMS sensors
  • Where to buy inexpensive TPMS sensors
  • How to retrofit the Mercedes TPMS Kit
  • Mercedes TPMS Battery Life
  • Info on Mercedes TPMS Repair Cost
  • Mercedes TPMS Sensor Frequency

How to reset/relearn Mercedes-Benz TPM / TPMS


Depending on the Mercedes model, you must try one of the following instructions.

Before resetting the TPM on your Mercedes, you need to inflate all tires to the recommended PSI. Check the recommended pressure on the sticker underneath the fuel cap door. As you carry out this procedure, turn the ignition on but do not start the engine.

How to reset (program) the TPM (TPMS) in most Mercedes-Benz vehicles

  1. Check the recommended tire pressure on the inside of the fuel door.
  2. Access the Service Menu by using the steering wheel buttons.
  3. Scroll until you see TIRE PRESSURE.
  4. Press OK on the steering wheel.
  5. You should see pressure readings from each tire. If the pressure is too low, you will see a warning that that specific tire is out of range.
  6. If you receive a message, TIRE PRESSURE TO DISPLAY AFTER A FEW MINUTES; drive for several minutes and check the pressure again.
  7. Next, use the steering wheel buttons to restart the TPMS.
  8. Press OK to confirm.

Correct the tire pressure. Add air to bring the tire pressure within range. You can add air to your Mercedes by going to a service station or by using a small 12-volt air compressor gauge to do this at home. We would recommend a portable air compressor such as the HV-35 SuperFlow 12-volt compressor. It has a built-in gauge and can inflate a tire in about 3 minutes, and as a bonus, it’s inexpensive. Click on the provided link to check the price and read reviews on Amazon.

If the instructions above do not work, try the following instructions. 

TPM INSTRUCTIONS 1:

  1. Press the forward/back button on the steering wheel until the trip and odometer are displayed.
  2. Press UP or DOWN until the tire pressure monitor is shown.
  3. Press the PLUS button, TIRE PRESS. MONITOR-ACTIVATED!-PRESS. It may require driving for a few minutes.
  4. If REACTIVE-TIRE PRESS. MONITOR appears, then repeat the procedure.
  5. If TIRE PRESS.-CHECK TIRES shows tire pressure is too low or too high.

TPM INSTRUCTIONS 2:

  • Press the UP/DOWN button on the steering wheel until you see: TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR CONNECTED REACTIVATION.
  • Press the + button, TIRE PRES. NOW OK? is shown.
  • Press the + button, and the TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR REACTIVATED will be displayed.

TPMS INSTRUCTIONS 3:

  • Press the UP/DOWN button on the steering wheel to select RUN FLAT TIRE INDICATOR ACTIVE. REACTIVATION POSS.
  • Press the + button, TIRE PRES. NOW OK? is shown.
  • Press the + button, and the RUN FLAT INDICATOR REACTIVATED button will be displayed.

To relearn new sensors, ID’s car must be driven for 10 mins at over 15 mph.

Where can I buy inexpensive Mercedes TPMS sensors?


If you need a new TPMS Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensor for Mercedes C, CL, CLK, CLS, E, G, GL, and ML, check the following listing on Amazon. You will find aftermarket and genuine MB TPMS sensors. They cost a fraction of the price you may pay at a dealer and can be installed by most tire shops.

Installing aftermarket TPMS sensors


Many universal TPMS sensors, known as cloneable sensors, can be used on Mercedes-Benz. Typically, these sensors require programming, but there are some units, such as multi-fit Universal Programmable System Kit, that don’t require a factory relearn process.

We recommend that every new TPMS sensor be relearned to your vehicle as the manufacturer recommends, whether you are using an aftermarket or genuine OE sensor. Aftermarket sensors may need special programming to be installed and relearned. This applies to many  “programmable,” “universal,” or “cloneable” sensors.

How to install/retrofit TPMS in Mercedes-Benz cars?


It is even possible to install TPMS on your Mercedes-Benz if it doesn’t come with the system installed at the factory. To install the TPMS on your Mercedes, you must first check that you have installed the TPM Control Unit and the receiving module.  If you have the TPMS module installed, you can watch the following video on installing TPMS in your Mercedes-Benz. You will need four new genuine Mercedes-Benz TPMS monitoring sensors, which you can purchase on Amazon (check price) for much less than the dealer.

Can I install the TPMS sensor and not perform relearning or programming?


Yes, if you can clone the ID of the existing TPMS sensor. If you copy the ID of the existing sensor and write it on the new sensor, then you don’t need to perform any programming at the dealership. This is possible with TPMS sensors such as the Dorman Multi-fit Universal Tire Pressure Monitoring System Kit. If you look at that link, there is a video on the product description explaining how this works in detail.

What frequency are Mercedes TPMS Sensors?


Mercedes TPMS frequency requirements: 315 MHz sensors in the US and 433 MHz in Europe.

What is the expected life of the Mercedes TPMS Sensor?


Inside the Mercedes TPMS, you will find a lithium-ion battery. The life span of Mercedes TPMS sensors can vary between 6 to 10 years, in some cases, they can last even longer. Avoid using products such as Fix-a-flat as they will drastically reduce the life of the TPMS sensors.

What is the best scanner for diagnosing problems with my Mercedes-Benz?

The YOUCANIC full-system diagnostic scanner is an essential tool for Mercedes-Benz owners and technicians looking to troubleshoot problems with their vehicles. This scanner can help diagnose issues with the engine, transmission, brakes, airbag, ABS, steering systems, and more by reading and interpreting fault codes stored in the car’s computer system. With this information, you can make informed decisions about repairs and maintenance, saving time and money.

In addition to diagnosing problems, the YOUCANIC scanner can also reset maintenance reminders and service indicators, ensuring that your vehicle is properly maintained and preventing potential issues from occurring in the future. This feature is especially useful for Mercedes-Benz owners who want to stay on their vehicle’s maintenance schedule without visiting a dealership or a mechanic. Overall, the YOUCANIC full system diagnostic scanner is a valuable tool that can help you keep your Mercedes-Benz running smoothly and reliably for years.

 

2 comments

  1. I own a 2013 ml350 blue tec .my question is can I replace a faulty nox sensor without having to take it to the dealer for programing .

  2. i just changed the battery in my 2006 CL 55 amg, 3 days ago and the car just lost all power, They said that I had two week to have the codes reset. Can I reset the codes my self?

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