TPMS sensors on your van or camper: do you have them, and which do you need?

Short answer: not every van has sensors in the wheels. Some measure pressure with a sensor in each wheel (direct), others work it out through the ABS and have no sensors (indirect). That differs per van and per trim, so find out what yours has before you buy sensors. If it has none, you do not need any.

Loodys · wheels & sets

Complete wheel sets for your van or camper

Choose your vehicle and see only the wheels that fit, or order a complete set: wheels and tyres, fitted and balanced in Nieuwegein. Not sure about the size? Send your licence plate via WhatsApp.

Complete sets (wheels + tyres)Choose your vehicleAsk via WhatsApp

Two kinds of tyre pressure monitoring

Direct uses a pressure sensor in each wheel, usually on the valve. It measures the actual pressure and sends it wirelessly to the van, even when you are standing still.

Indirect has no sensors. The system uses the ABS wheel speed sensors: a tyre with too little pressure turns slightly faster than the others, and from that the van concludes that something is wrong. So there are no sensors that can break or run out of battery, and there is no sensor to buy. After a tyre change or topping up, such a system usually has to be reset, with a button or through the menu; this differs per van.

This difference is where it often goes wrong: people buy sensors for a van that does not need them, or think something is broken.

Does your van have sensors? How to find out

There is no list per van that we can give you, because it differs per van and per trim. These are the routes, from most to least certain:

1. The owner's manual. It says whether there is tyre pressure monitoring and how to reset or teach it. This is the most reliable source.
2. The dashboard or on-board computer. If you can see the pressure per tyre, there is almost certainly a sensor in each wheel. If you only see a warning light, it may be indirect. That is a hint, not proof.
3. A licence plate check at a sensor supplier. It shows whether a sensor exists for your model and year, and which one. That does not mean your own van has one. If the check finds nothing, you still do not know whether you have no system, an indirect system, or whether the check simply does not know your van.
4. The brand dealer, with your VIN. They can look up what was fitted originally.
5. Drop by in Nieuwegein if you are still not sure after all this.

Which sensor do you need?

Only if your van has a direct system:

• Frequency. Sensors transmit on a fixed frequency. We supply 433 MHz sensors, and for American pickups a 315/433 MHz sensor. With other suppliers, always check the frequency and the OE number.
• OE number. The original part number of the sensor is in the dealer's catalogue or in a licence plate check.
• Type of sensor. Programmable universal sensors are supplied blank and loaded with the protocol for your van. Original sensors work without programming, but only fit that model.
• Teaching. A new sensor has its own ID code that the van has to learn. That can happen automatically (just drive), with a tool via the OBD port, or with a procedure from the manual. Which route applies to your van differs. A sensor that has not been taught simply gives a warning light.

New wheels from us: what does this mean for you?

• Indirect system: there are no sensors, so nothing changes. After fitting, the system usually has to be reset.
• Direct system: sensors are not transferred, so you need new ones. With our complete sets you can choose a set with sensors (+€140 per set of four).
• Not sure? Work through the five routes above, or drop by.

Loodys · wheels & sets

Complete wheel sets for your van or camper

Choose your vehicle and see only the wheels that fit, or order a complete set: wheels and tyres, fitted and balanced in Nieuwegein. Not sure about the size? Send your licence plate via WhatsApp.

Complete sets (wheels + tyres)Choose your vehicleAsk via WhatsApp