If you are driving a Mercedes-Benz, there is a chance that you may have a faulty tire pressure sensor, which can be a costly repair. Read on to learn about the problems that may occur with this type of system, and how you can repair them.
Repairing a faulty TPMS sensor
The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is a safety feature found on most late model vehicles. It is designed to alert the driver of dangerous changes in tire pressure. Several conditions may trigger this warning.
The best way to know if your TPMS is malfunctioning is to first check the indicator light. Many models are equipped with a selectable TPMS display, which can be accessed via the instrument cluster. If you are having trouble with your TPMS, it may be time for a re-programming. In most cases, a service station will be able to perform the repair. You can also check the vehicle’s manual to find out what the TPMS indicator light is for.
A faulty sensor can cause the TPMS indicator light to blink erratically or to flash incessantly. It is important to have the TPMS replaced as soon as possible, especially if you have a new set of tires. This is because it can be dangerous to drive on a flat tire. Another symptom of a malfunctioning TPMS is the loss of connection between the sensor and the ECU.
Getting a low air pressure reading is the most obvious reason to check your tires. However, you should be aware that there are several more reasons to do so. For example, properly inflated tires reduce the noise and friction associated with driving on the road, as well as improving fuel economy. Similarly, the pressure level in your tire can also have a significant effect on the handling of your vehicle.
Besides ensuring that your tires are inflated to the proper levels, you should also make sure that you do not over inflate them. Over inflation can cause your tires to wear out faster and can lead to a blowout. Also, if you are going to be traveling with heavy loads, you might need to add more air in your tires.
To get the most from your TPMS, you should follow the manufacturer’s instructions and be aware that some models require special programming. Even the most expensive sensors will not last forever. Some models are prone to corrosion, which can drastically reduce the lifespan of the TPMS sensor.
The most common causes of a faulty TPMS indicator light are worn out or failed sensors, corroded valve stems, and low battery life. Depending on the make and model, a TPMS replacement can cost anywhere from $70-$200. There are even cloneable sensors available. These sensors can be programmed to work in a variety of applications, including Mercedes-Benz.
While it is true that the TPMS indicator light does have a few other features, you should remember that it is simply a safety feature. This means that it is not the most exciting feature and you should not take it for granted. Having a properly inflated tire can significantly improve the performance of your car and prevent the most common causes of a crash.
TPMS warning light comes on all the time
The TPMS warning light is not something you want to ignore. It is a safety measure to alert you if you have one or more tires that need a repair. Even if your tire is fine, the light may indicate it needs a pressure adjustment.
The TPMS system can help you keep track of your tires so you don’t have to worry about your car stalling or blowing out in the middle of a road. Keeping your tire inflated to the right amount also helps with fuel economy. Underinflation can cause your tires to wear out prematurely and lead to under handling. This can make your car feel rough and bumpy. On the other hand, properly inflated tires will last longer and reduce road noise.
The TPMS can detect if your tires are over or under inflated and will inform you of this with the appropriate warning lights. But don’t be fooled into believing that it can protect you from underinflation. Despite the adage that overinflated tires cause the most problems, underinflation is actually the most dangerous. If your tires are underinflated, you may see premature wear on the tread on both sides of your shoulders. In addition, you might notice uneven braking.
Aside from keeping you safe, a TPMS is designed to help guide you when it comes to maintenance. There are various warning lights that you will find on your dashboard. You can get a good idea of what each light means by reading the vehicle’s manual. However, if you are experiencing a problem with your TPMS, you might need to get a professional opinion. Having a qualified technician inspect your car is always a good idea.
As with any system, the TPMS system has its flaws. Over time, it can lose the ability to correctly alert you when your tires are faulty. Luckily, there are a number of ways to fix this problem. For example, you can have your tire reinflated by an authorized dealership or service center. Or you can simply have the light reset.
To start with, you should be sure to check your tire pressure regularly. Most vehicles display the low tire pressure light on startup, but this is not the only indicator. If you experience an underinflated tire, you should either add air or replace the valve cap. Similarly, if you are having an overinflated tire, you will need to remove the cap and check the pressure.
The TPMS can be a source of confusion, particularly during cold weather. While the light is likely to be on during these months, you can still check the pressure by unscrewing the valve cap and checking the gauge. Fortunately, some vehicles have an electronic system to reset the gauge, but you should not assume that it is automatically resetting itself.
Cost of a TPMS relearn
When a vehicle is fitted with TPMS sensors, it is recommended that they be relearned after each tire replacement. This is to ensure that the TPMS system works properly. The procedure varies depending on the type of TPMS system used on the vehicle. It can also vary by location and by model year.
A TPMS is a warning system that is integrated into the air stem of the tires. Using a sensor, the TPMS monitors the pressure of each wheel and alerts the driver when one or more of the tires is underinflated. The TPMS light is usually located in the instrument cluster of the car. If the TPMS light is blinking, it indicates a problem with the TPMS. Incorrect programming can cause the TPMS light to remain on, even when the tire pressure is correct.
Mercedes Benz has two types of TPMS systems. One is the low-line system, which is a sensor that monitors the inflation of a single tire. It alerts the driver of underinflation by sending a signal to the driver’s steering wheel. The other is a mid-line system, which monitors the inflation of each tire.
Both TPMS systems require a relearn procedure, but it is different for each model. Some models are relearned by simply driving the vehicle, while others have an auto-relearning function that requires a specific sequence from the manufacturer.
Before starting a TPMS relearn, the technician must test each of the wheel sensors. If they are not working correctly, they will need to be replaced. Usually, a tire shop can do this. However, the procedure can be difficult to perform, so a professional will need to take care of it.
Once the wheels have been checked, the technician will need to program the new sensors into the TPMS. Then, he will need to relearn the vehicle. Depending on the model of the vehicle, this can be done using a TPMS scan tool. These tools are used to wake up each tire pressure sensor, read its status, and store its ID.
To begin the relearn procedure, the technician must connect the OBD cord to a compatible TPMS scan tool. He will then enter the vehicle’s computer into relearn mode. At this point, he will learn the unique IDs of each sensor. After learning, the TPMS will be able to read the sensor information and display it in the proper place.
The TPMS relearn process can be confusing for service professionals. They often confuse sensor programming with vehicle learning. Luckily, the Tire Industry Association has a manual and a website that provides a lot of useful information.
TPMS sensors are very unique in the sense that they require a special programming process before being installed. Moreover, they can be deflated and inflated individually. That means that if a faulty sensor is found, the technician will have to remove the old sensor and replace it with a new one.
