If you own a Mercedes manufactured between 2015 and 2018 and your TPMS warning light has recently appeared, you are not alone. These vehicles are now reaching the age where TPMS sensor battery failure has become one of the most common faults we see.
At Fix My TPMS, we regularly diagnose Mercedes TPMS faults across London and Essex. The most common warnings we currently see on Mercedes vehicles include Wheel Sensor Missing, Tyre Pressure Monitor Inoperative and the TPMS warning light remaining illuminated.
In many cases, these faults are caused by TPMS sensors reaching the end of their battery life.
Why Mercedes TPMS Faults Are Becoming More Common
Mercedes TPMS sensors contain sealed internal batteries which typically last between 5 and 10 years. Vehicles manufactured between 2015 and 2018 are now reaching the age where these batteries begin to fail.
This is why we are seeing increasing numbers of Mercedes TPMS faults on A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, GLA and GLC models.
- TPMS warning light illuminated
- Wheel Sensor Missing message
- Tyre Pressure Monitor Inoperative
- TPMS Malfunction warning
- Sensor communication faults
- Intermittent TPMS warnings
Most Common Mercedes TPMS Warning Messages
The following warnings are among the most common Mercedes TPMS faults we diagnose today:
- Wheel Sensor Missing
- Tyre Pressure Monitor Inoperative
- TPMS Warning Light On
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System Fault
- TPMS Malfunction
For Mercedes vehicles manufactured between 2015 and 2018, these warnings are often linked to failing TPMS sensor batteries.
What Does “Wheel Sensor Missing” Mean?
The Wheel Sensor Missing warning means the vehicle can no longer communicate with one of the TPMS sensors fitted inside the wheel.
On Mercedes vehicles from 2015–2018, the most common cause is a failed TPMS sensor battery.
- Faulty TPMS sensor
- Damaged TPMS sensor
- Incorrect sensor programming
- Communication fault
In most cases, diagnostics are required to identify which wheel sensor has failed.
What Does “Tyre Pressure Monitor Inoperative” Mean?
Tyre Pressure Monitor Inoperative is another common Mercedes TPMS fault message.
This warning usually appears when the vehicle can no longer receive reliable information from one or more TPMS sensors.
- Failed TPMS sensor battery
- Multiple sensor failures
- Sensor communication issues
- Programming faults
This fault cannot usually be fixed by simply inflating the tyres or resetting the system.
Which Mercedes Models Are Most Commonly Affected?
While TPMS sensor battery failure can affect almost any Mercedes model, we most commonly see faults on vehicles manufactured between 2015 and 2018.
- Mercedes A-Class (W176)
- Mercedes B-Class (W246)
- Mercedes C-Class (W205)
- Mercedes E-Class (W212 & W213)
- Mercedes CLA (C117)
- Mercedes GLA (X156)
- Mercedes GLC (X253)
- Mercedes GLE (W166)
Many of these vehicles are now between 7 and 10 years old and still running their original TPMS sensors.
Solid vs Flashing TPMS Warning Light
Solid TPMS Warning Light
A solid TPMS warning light usually indicates a tyre pressure issue.
- Low tyre pressure
- Temperature-related pressure changes
- Slow puncture
In many cases, correcting tyre pressures will resolve the warning.
Flashing TPMS Light
If the TPMS light flashes for approximately one minute before remaining illuminated, this normally indicates a TPMS system fault.
- Failed TPMS sensor
- Sensor battery failure
- Programming issue
- Communication fault
This is one of the most common TPMS faults we currently see on Mercedes vehicles from 2015–2018.
Why TPMS Sensor Batteries Fail
TPMS sensors are sealed units with internal batteries that cannot be replaced individually. Over time, the battery loses power and eventually stops working.
- Typical lifespan is usually 5–10 years depending on usage
- Constant signal transmission drains the battery over time
- Once the battery fails, the sensor usually needs replacing
Can Mercedes TPMS Sensors Be Repaired?
If the fault is caused by battery failure, the answer is usually no.
The correct repair is:
- Replace the faulty TPMS sensor
- Program the replacement sensor
- Perform a TPMS relearn procedure
- Confirm communication with the vehicle
A simple reset will not fix a failed TPMS sensor battery.
Will Mercedes TPMS Faults Cause MOT Failure?
Yes. If your Mercedes TPMS warning light is illuminated due to a TPMS fault, it can result in an MOT failure on vehicles where TPMS is legally required.
This is one of the reasons many drivers choose to repair TPMS faults before MOT testing.
Mercedes TPMS Diagnostics, Programming & Sensor Replacement
Fix My TPMS provides professional Mercedes TPMS diagnostics, sensor replacement and programming across London and Essex.
We use specialist diagnostic equipment to identify failed sensors, test sensor batteries and programme replacement sensors correctly.
Related TPMS Guides
- How to Reset TPMS Warning Light
- Do TPMS Sensors Need Replacing?
- TPMS Law UK: MOT Failure, PCO & Taxi Rules Explained
- What is TPMS?
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Mercedes showing Wheel Sensor Missing?
In most cases this means one of the TPMS sensors is no longer communicating with the vehicle. On 2015–2018 Mercedes models, battery failure is the most common cause.
What does Tyre Pressure Monitor Inoperative mean?
This warning usually indicates a fault within the TPMS system, often caused by a failed sensor or communication issue.
Why is my Mercedes TPMS warning light on?
A Mercedes TPMS warning light can indicate low tyre pressure or a TPMS system fault depending on how the warning light behaves.
How long do Mercedes TPMS sensors last?
Most Mercedes TPMS sensors last between 5 and 10 years before battery failure becomes a possibility.
Do Mercedes TPMS sensors need replacing?
Yes. Once the internal battery fails, the sensor must be replaced and programmed.
Mercedes TPMS Warning Light On?
If your Mercedes TPMS warning light is on, flashing, or showing a Wheel Sensor Missing or Tyre Pressure Monitor Inoperative message, Fix My TPMS can identify the fault quickly using professional TPMS diagnostic equipment.
We provide Mercedes TPMS diagnostics, sensor replacement and TPMS programming across London and Essex.
View our TPMS services or contact us today for assistance.