Why New TPMS Sensors Don't Pair Automatically
You bought new sensors, installed them, and drove for miles. The light is still on. What went wrong? Here are the 3 most common reasons new TPMS sensors fail to connect.
1. Wrong Frequency (315MHz vs 433MHz)
TPMS sensors operate on radio frequencies.
- 315 MHz: Common in most US-market vehicles and older cars.
- 433 MHz: Common in European, Asian, and newer US vehicles.
If you bought 315MHz sensors for a car that listens on 433MHz, it will never see them. It's like trying to listen to FM radio on an AM channel. Always check your specific make/model year requirements.
2. They Are "Blank" Sensors
Many aftermarket sensors (like the popular Autel MX-Sensor) come "blank." They are universal hardware that can mimic thousands of cars, but they have no software on them out of the box.
You must program them using a tool (like the TS508) before installing them into the tyre. Once they are inside the tyre, programming them is harder (though often still possible wirelessly).
Tip: Never install a programmable sensor without programming it first!
3. You Didn't Register the IDs
Even if the sensors are the right frequency and programmed correctly, your car's computer (ECU) might still be looking for the old sensor IDs.
Think of it like pairing a new Bluetooth phone. You can't just have the phone near the car; you have to go into the menu and tell the car "Forget the old phone, here is the new one."
For many cars (Toyota, Nissan, Subaru), you need an OBDII tool to type the new sensor IDs into the car's computer.
Need to Program Sensors?
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