TPMS on GL
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 603
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From: Spicewood, TX
2008 GL 320, 2007 Silverado LTZ C3500 Duramax Turbo Diesel
TPMS on GL
According to my disclaimer packed operator's manual, it seems that the US version (TPMS) only indicates low tire pressure, where the Canadian's (Advanced TPMS) shows the actual pressure in all four tires. This is a little bit of a disappointment since I love the TPMS on my Duramax. I find it to be spot-on accurate compared to conventional tire pressure guages.
Is this a software difference or different equipment altogether? It would be great if GL could be re-programmed to show the pressure in all four tires and not just give a warning light when the pressure drops in them. I was of the impression that this is going to be standard equipment on all US cars and trucks in the very near future.
Is this a software difference or different equipment altogether? It would be great if GL could be re-programmed to show the pressure in all four tires and not just give a warning light when the pressure drops in them. I was of the impression that this is going to be standard equipment on all US cars and trucks in the very near future.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 379
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From: MA
13 SL550, 14 E63 Wagon, 15 S550, 11 M3, 08 F430 Spider, 12 ML350
There's been discussion about this a few months ago and I if I remember correctly the sensors are in the wheels but the individual pressure function is not active nor can MB dealers alter the software. Many of us are a bit perplexed by this 
. 
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Las Vegas, NV
2011 E350 Cabriolet..White and Almond Mocha
According to my disclaimer packed operator's manual, it seems that the US version (TPMS) only indicates low tire pressure, where the Canadian's (Advanced TPMS) shows the actual pressure in all four tires. This is a little bit of a disappointment since I love the TPMS on my Duramax. I find it to be spot-on accurate compared to conventional tire pressure guages.
Is this a software difference or different equipment altogether? It would be great if GL could be re-programmed to show the pressure in all four tires and not just give a warning light when the pressure drops in them. I was of the impression that this is going to be standard equipment on all US cars and trucks in the very near future.
Is this a software difference or different equipment altogether? It would be great if GL could be re-programmed to show the pressure in all four tires and not just give a warning light when the pressure drops in them. I was of the impression that this is going to be standard equipment on all US cars and trucks in the very near future.
As far as knowing if the individual reading can be activated by software update I don't know. I am going to check with my friendly rep. The display capabilities may not be available on the MFD on the dash to allow for it??? Also, the it may require a different sensor on the wheels.
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,653
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From: Central Pa.
2013 GL450 (traded for 2015 Escalade), 2012 Corvette, 2014 Ford Fusion, Previous: 2007 GL450, 2011
TPMS meets the standard requirements. I have the individual readings for each wheel on my S and will really miss that feature. I depend on.
As far as knowing if the individual reading can be activated by software update I don't know. I am going to check with my friendly rep. The display capabilities may not be available on the MFD on the dash to allow for it??? Also, the it may require a different sensor on the wheels.
As far as knowing if the individual reading can be activated by software update I don't know. I am going to check with my friendly rep. The display capabilities may not be available on the MFD on the dash to allow for it??? Also, the it may require a different sensor on the wheels.
My rep said "no"....I hope they change to the more sophisticated version for later model years!
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Barmet Bay, NY
1972 Chevy Vega 2300 - Panel Express
True, the GL does not have TPMS... it has TPWS.
TPMS has actual radio transmitters in each wheel.
TPWS uses the Anti-lock brake system to sense if one wheel is travelling slower than the other three; which would be caused by lower tire pressure.
I was told that you can tell which system you have by looking at the valve stem caps. If they're plastic, you have TPMS. If they are metal, you have TPWS
TPMS has actual radio transmitters in each wheel.
TPWS uses the Anti-lock brake system to sense if one wheel is travelling slower than the other three; which would be caused by lower tire pressure.
I was told that you can tell which system you have by looking at the valve stem caps. If they're plastic, you have TPMS. If they are metal, you have TPWS
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 5,517
Likes: 20
From: Las Vegas, NV
2011 E350 Cabriolet..White and Almond Mocha
True, the GL does not have TPMS... it has TPWS.
TPMS has actual radio transmitters in each wheel.
TPWS uses the Anti-lock brake system to sense if one wheel is travelling slower than the other three; which would be caused by lower tire pressure.
I was told that you can tell which system you have by looking at the valve stem caps. If they're plastic, you have TPMS. If they are metal, you have TPWS
TPMS has actual radio transmitters in each wheel.
TPWS uses the Anti-lock brake system to sense if one wheel is travelling slower than the other three; which would be caused by lower tire pressure.
I was told that you can tell which system you have by looking at the valve stem caps. If they're plastic, you have TPMS. If they are metal, you have TPWS
BTW, you may be right on the caps. My S had gray plastic before I put on AMG Chrome ones to match the wheels...
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Super Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 537
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From: Land of Magnolias and Mint Juleps
True, the GL does not have TPMS... it has TPWS.
TPMS has actual radio transmitters in each wheel.
TPWS uses the Anti-lock brake system to sense if one wheel is travelling slower than the other three; which would be caused by lower tire pressure.
I was told that you can tell which system you have by looking at the valve stem caps. If they're plastic, you have TPMS. If they are metal, you have TPWS
TPMS has actual radio transmitters in each wheel.
TPWS uses the Anti-lock brake system to sense if one wheel is travelling slower than the other three; which would be caused by lower tire pressure.
I was told that you can tell which system you have by looking at the valve stem caps. If they're plastic, you have TPMS. If they are metal, you have TPWS
Further proof - I disassembled the broken sensor. It has a circuit board as well as a battery. When the new sensor was installed, the dash light went out.
It is amazing to me that MB cannot utilize the signals the sensors are sending to give us actual pressure readouts rather than simply telling us we have a low tire - and not even which one at that! BTW, a broken sensor will cost you ~$250.
FWIW, both my Bimmers use the ABS rotation method and they both have rubber valve stems. My GL has the metallized plastic stems which are needed with stem mounted sensors. That's a sure way to tell which you have but not fool-proof on all cars. Some cars using sensors have then strapped to the wheel and still use rubber valve stems. Note, I'm talking about the stems and not the caps.
Last edited by boxboss; Sep 3, 2007 at 10:59 PM.
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Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 603
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From: Spicewood, TX
2008 GL 320, 2007 Silverado LTZ C3500 Duramax Turbo Diesel
FWIW, both my Bimmers use the ABS rotation method and they both have rubber valve stems. My GL has the metallized plastic stems which are needed with stem mounted sensors. That's a sure way to tell which you have but not fool-proof on all cars. Some cars using sensors have then strapped to the wheel and still use rubber valve stems. Note, I'm talking about the stems and not the caps.
Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 223
Likes: 1
From: Reno, Nevada
SL550, ML350, 66 Corvette
True enough. My C3500 Silverado has rubber valve stems and registers the tire pressure in all four tires. It has proven to be very accurate and elimintes the need to manually check tire pressures. The only time the tire pressures are checked is at routine services.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 537
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From: Land of Magnolias and Mint Juleps
If you have rubber valve stems and have a pressure detection system, it is most likely using the ABS-Rotational method. The exception is those rare systems that banded the sensor to the interior rim of the wheel.
If you have a metal valve stem and no pressure monitoring system, it's
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Subaru Legacy
Actually, the newer GM's (2007) have a rubber valve stem, but there is a sensor on the other end of it.
Also, the direct tire pressure system (sensor in the tire) is the only method that currently covers all the requirements that the government has for tire pressure monitoring, so all cars manufactured after 9/1/2007 have the direct system (and most in the past year or 2 as well). The indirect system (using the ABS system), because it detects a difference in pressure between left and right only (so if both left and right are down the same amount, it will not detect a problem), does not meet the government requirements. Audi does have a system in development using the ABS system that will meet all the requirements, but changing from the OE tires can affect it...even a change in rolling resistance from OE will affect it.
Oh, and Ford seems to be the only manufacturer that has gone back to the band type sensors. In this case, the sensor is attached to a band that is wrapped around the wheel.
Also, the direct tire pressure system (sensor in the tire) is the only method that currently covers all the requirements that the government has for tire pressure monitoring, so all cars manufactured after 9/1/2007 have the direct system (and most in the past year or 2 as well). The indirect system (using the ABS system), because it detects a difference in pressure between left and right only (so if both left and right are down the same amount, it will not detect a problem), does not meet the government requirements. Audi does have a system in development using the ABS system that will meet all the requirements, but changing from the OE tires can affect it...even a change in rolling resistance from OE will affect it.
Oh, and Ford seems to be the only manufacturer that has gone back to the band type sensors. In this case, the sensor is attached to a band that is wrapped around the wheel.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 537
Likes: 2
From: Land of Magnolias and Mint Juleps
Actually, the newer GM's (2007) have a rubber valve stem, but there is a sensor on the other end of it.
Also, the direct tire pressure system (sensor in the tire) is the only method that currently covers all the requirements that the government has for tire pressure monitoring, so all cars manufactured after 9/1/2007 have the direct system (and most in the past year or 2 as well). The indirect system (using the ABS system), because it detects a difference in pressure between left and right only (so if both left and right are down the same amount, it will not detect a problem), does not meet the government requirements. Audi does have a system in development using the ABS system that will meet all the requirements, but changing from the OE tires can affect it...even a change in rolling resistance from OE will affect it.
Oh, and Ford seems to be the only manufacturer that has gone back to the band type sensors. In this case, the sensor is attached to a band that is wrapped around the wheel.
Also, the direct tire pressure system (sensor in the tire) is the only method that currently covers all the requirements that the government has for tire pressure monitoring, so all cars manufactured after 9/1/2007 have the direct system (and most in the past year or 2 as well). The indirect system (using the ABS system), because it detects a difference in pressure between left and right only (so if both left and right are down the same amount, it will not detect a problem), does not meet the government requirements. Audi does have a system in development using the ABS system that will meet all the requirements, but changing from the OE tires can affect it...even a change in rolling resistance from OE will affect it.
Oh, and Ford seems to be the only manufacturer that has gone back to the band type sensors. In this case, the sensor is attached to a band that is wrapped around the wheel.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Subaru Legacy
Here's one on ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/GM-Fa...em270166110640
From the outside it looks just like a regular valve stem.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/GM-Fa...em270166110640
From the outside it looks just like a regular valve stem.
Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 223
Likes: 1
From: Reno, Nevada
SL550, ML350, 66 Corvette
Here's one on ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/GM-Fa...em270166110640
From the outside it looks just like a regular valve stem.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/GM-Fa...em270166110640
From the outside it looks just like a regular valve stem.
