SL/R230: Programming new TPMS sensors
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2011 Mauritius Blue SL550
Programming new TPMS sensors
Last year I purchased new tires for my 2011 SL550, and I asked them to switch out all of the TPMS sensors in the process. I don't know if that was a wise choice, but apparently they did not bother copying the old codes onto the new ones. After about 20 minutes of driving I now receive a warning "Tyre pressure monitor" "inoperative - No wheel sensors". Can someone please tell me how I can program the new sensors? Do I need STAR?
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2011 Mauritius Blue SL550
I understand that, which is why I mentioned that in the original post? That is why my question was what is the best way to go forward for me? Can someone with knowledge please let me know?
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From: Colorado
G550
The best way forward is to return to the tire shop and have them do it. They might have assumed your car would automatically register the new sensors (as some cars do), and they neglected to do it.
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From: Houston, TX
2005 SL600
If the sensors were replaced with ones that use the correct frequency there should have been no problem - the car will pick up the new sensors with no additional actions/programming necessary.
I replaced mine with HUF RDE004V21 sensors when I got new tires, no problems and no additional steps needed. Just had to drive the car for a few miles before they started showing the pressure in the instrument panel.
I replaced mine with HUF RDE004V21 sensors when I got new tires, no problems and no additional steps needed. Just had to drive the car for a few miles before they started showing the pressure in the instrument panel.
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From: Houston, TX
2005 SL600
I've seen aftermarket sensors that have multiple transmitter frequencies, but I don't know if they have to be set to the correct frequency during installation or if they just transmit on all at once. I've also seen where Mercedes owners sometimes have issues with aftermarket sensors, which is why I went with OEM (HUF is an OEM supplier to MB).
Mercedes has used 315Mhz and 433Mhz for TPMS, varies by year/model. Mine uses 315Mhz.
Mercedes has used 315Mhz and 433Mhz for TPMS, varies by year/model. Mine uses 315Mhz.
Last edited by brucewane; Apr 12, 2024 at 01:16 PM.
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2011 Mauritius Blue SL550
Thank you for all of the input! I was perhaps foolish in asking them to switch out all of the sensors, perhaps I should have just asked them to switch out the batteries in the original sensors? If that is even possible? I just figured that after 12 years they were bound to start failing anyways, and since I was putting on brand new tires why not just have them switched out at the same time.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Colorado
G550
Thank you for all of the input! I was perhaps foolish in asking them to switch out all of the sensors, perhaps I should have just asked them to switch out the batteries in the original sensors? If that is even possible? I just figured that after 12 years they were bound to start failing anyways, and since I was putting on brand new tires why not just have them switched out at the same time.
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2011 Mauritius Blue SL550
So is there anyone who knows exactly what needs to be done in order to register my new sensors to my car? If they have the correct frequency, that is..
Is Star needed? They are a well-known local shop and have helped me a lot with my other vehicles, but I doubt that they have access to Star.
I've heard there is supposed to be a little device/computer that can register the correct frequencies, without taking the tire off the wheel, and copy the original codes onto the new sensors?
Edit: Unfortunately for me, if the above is true, I don't have access to my original sensors anymore...
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From: Colorado
G550
Great answer, thank you.
So is there anyone who knows exactly what needs to be done in order to register my new sensors to my car? If they have the correct frequency, that is..
Is Star needed? They are a well-known local shop and have helped me a lot with my other vehicles, but I doubt that they have access to Star.
I've heard there is supposed to be a little device/computer that can register the correct frequencies, without taking the tire off the wheel, and copy the original codes onto the new sensors?
Edit: Unfortunately for me, if the above is true, I don't have access to my original sensors anymore...
So is there anyone who knows exactly what needs to be done in order to register my new sensors to my car? If they have the correct frequency, that is..
Is Star needed? They are a well-known local shop and have helped me a lot with my other vehicles, but I doubt that they have access to Star.
I've heard there is supposed to be a little device/computer that can register the correct frequencies, without taking the tire off the wheel, and copy the original codes onto the new sensors?
Edit: Unfortunately for me, if the above is true, I don't have access to my original sensors anymore...
Thread Starter
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2011 Mauritius Blue SL550
I'm not, I just want to understand what they need to do in order to fix the problem, before I confront them about it. I want to be able to have some backed up knowledge to bring to the table, and TPMS sensors are clearly not something I'm very knowledgeable about.
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Joined: Dec 2019
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From: Houston, TX
2005 SL600
Great answer, thank you.
So is there anyone who knows exactly what needs to be done in order to register my new sensors to my car? If they have the correct frequency, that is..
Is Star needed? They are a well-known local shop and have helped me a lot with my other vehicles, but I doubt that they have access to Star.
I've heard there is supposed to be a little device/computer that can register the correct frequencies, without taking the tire off the wheel, and copy the original codes onto the new sensors?
Edit: Unfortunately for me, if the above is true, I don't have access to my original sensors anymore...
So is there anyone who knows exactly what needs to be done in order to register my new sensors to my car? If they have the correct frequency, that is..
Is Star needed? They are a well-known local shop and have helped me a lot with my other vehicles, but I doubt that they have access to Star.
I've heard there is supposed to be a little device/computer that can register the correct frequencies, without taking the tire off the wheel, and copy the original codes onto the new sensors?
Edit: Unfortunately for me, if the above is true, I don't have access to my original sensors anymore...
TPMS sensors have a built in on-off switch that is operated by centrifugal force. They turn on when the wheel spins quickly enough to activate the switch, and turn back off when the wheel stops spinning. This is to preserve battery life.
You install new sensors and take the car out for a drive. You should see tire pressures appear in the instrument panel after 5-10 minutes.
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Last year I purchased new tires for my 2011 SL550, and I asked them to switch out all of the TPMS sensors in the process. I don't know if that was a wise choice, but apparently, they did not bother copying the old codes onto the new ones' free stranger cam chat. After about 20 minutes of driving, I now receive a warning "Tyre pressure monitor" "inoperative - No wheel sensors". Can someone please tell me how I can program the new sensors? Do I need STAR?
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2021
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From: Ann Arbor, MI
2004 SL600
Likely more complicated than just connecting a STAR,
Since the tire shop likely installed their preferred brand of universal TPMS sensors, they have to be programmed with a compatible TPMS tool which has to be positioned close to each sensor. It then "talks" to the sensor and gives it an ID which is compatible with the brand/model of the vehicle. There are many brands of universal TPMS sensor and even $600 TPMS tools cannot program them all. I own a Motorsports shop which sells custom wheels and tires for trucks, jeeps and such and so far we have spent over $3000 on various TPMS programmers to handle all the different sensors we encounter.
In short, you have to take it back to the tire shop.
Since the tire shop likely installed their preferred brand of universal TPMS sensors, they have to be programmed with a compatible TPMS tool which has to be positioned close to each sensor. It then "talks" to the sensor and gives it an ID which is compatible with the brand/model of the vehicle. There are many brands of universal TPMS sensor and even $600 TPMS tools cannot program them all. I own a Motorsports shop which sells custom wheels and tires for trucks, jeeps and such and so far we have spent over $3000 on various TPMS programmers to handle all the different sensors we encounter.
In short, you have to take it back to the tire shop.
