questions and answers
General
Training procedure
- When fitting a new tyre with a new sensor, the new sensor must be registered in the TPMS control unit. If the old sensor is used in the same position, no programming is necessary. This is done using the "TPMS Service App" from KRONE – available free of charge in the iOS App Store and Google Play Store.
- Download the "TPMS Service App" from KRONE
- Open the app and register as a workshop.
- Enter code and log in
- Establishing a connection via vehicle identification plate scan: Scan vehicle identification plate
- App connects to control unit
- Then start the TPMS setup.
- Identify the position of the affected sensor and begin the replacement.
- For new sensors: Enter new sensor ID; various options are available:
- Manual entry (e.g., from a 433 MHz reader)
- Scan the QR code on the sensor
- Scan the barcode on the tyre
- Confirm new configuration
THE SOLUTION: Simply clone existing sensors onto universal sensors
- Read the log of the already installed sensor using the TPMS device.
- Transfer the data to the universal sensor with just one click.
- Done! Reattach the wheel with the universal sensor in the same wheel position.
No relearning process is required on the vehicle. By cloning the sensors, the vehicle recognizes them immediately – and your vehicle is ready for use again right away.
- Stationary training procedure required (2 variants)
- Select “Vehicle”, “Tyre Pressure Monitoring”, “Sensor Position” on the display.
- The highlighted wheel indicates which wheel is being taught.
- Activate sensor with device
- When the wheel is confirmed, the vehicle flashes 8 times and the display switches to the next wheel.
Option 2:
- Select “Vehicle”, “Tyre Pressure Monitoring”, “Sensor Position” on the display.
- The highlighted wheel indicates which wheel is being taught.
- Run the wheel that is to be trained.
- When the wheel is confirmed, the vehicle flashes 8 times and the display switches to the next wheel.
- Repeat the process for each wheel.
THE SOLUTION: Simply clone existing sensors onto universal sensors
- Read the log of the already installed sensor using the TPMS device.
- Transfer the data to the universal sensor with just one click.
- Done! Reattach the wheel with the universal sensor in the same wheel position.
No relearning process is required on the vehicle. By cloning the sensors, the vehicle recognizes them immediately – and your vehicle is ready for use again right away.
- After sensors have been installed, the vehicle must remain stationary for at least 10 minutes.
- Inflate tyres to the correct pressure
- For training purposes, drive faster than 24 km/h for 10 minutes.
- Note: The learning process may take longer for vehicles with 3 or 4 axles.
THE SOLUTION: Simply clone existing sensors onto universal sensors
- Read the log of the already installed sensor using the TPMS device.
- Transfer the data to the universal sensor with just one click.
- Done! Reattach the wheel with the universal sensor in the same wheel position.
No relearning process is required on the vehicle. By cloning the sensors, the vehicle recognizes them immediately – and your vehicle is ready for use again right away.
- The vehicle must be stationary for at least 15 minutes.
- Put the vehicle into learning mode using the menu buttons.
- Drive above 32 km/h until the sensors are programmed to the vehicle.
- NOTE: The learning process may take longer depending on the vehicle, axle configuration, and number of sensors!
THE SOLUTION: Simply clone existing sensors onto universal sensors
- Read the log of the already installed sensor using the TPMS device.
- Transfer the data to the universal sensor with just one click.
- Done! Reattach the wheel with the universal sensor in the same wheel position.
No relearning process is required on the vehicle. By cloning the sensors, the vehicle recognizes them immediately – and your vehicle is ready for use again right away.
- No OBD
- To learn the system, refer to the vehicle's operating manual.
THE SOLUTION: Simply clone existing sensors onto universal sensors
- Read the log of the already installed sensor using the TPMS device.
- Transfer the data to the universal sensor with just one click.
- Done! Reattach the wheel with the universal sensor in the same wheel position.
No relearning process is required on the vehicle. By cloning the sensors, the vehicle recognizes them immediately – and your vehicle is ready for use again right away.
To program the TPMS sensors to the vehicle, a DAF OBD II diagnostic tool is required. Please note: This service may incur costs.
THE SOLUTION: Simply clone existing sensors onto universal sensors
- Read the log of the already installed sensor using the TPMS device.
- Transfer the data to the universal sensor with just one click.
- Done! Reattach the wheel with the universal sensor in the same wheel position.
No relearning process is required on the vehicle. By cloning the sensors, the vehicle recognizes them immediately – and your vehicle is ready for use again right away.
Trucks and Buses
When pre-assembling complete wheels for trucks and buses, you face a choice: OE (Original Equipment) sensors or universal sensors. The decision depends heavily on whether you know exactly which vehicle the wheels are intended for. Here's a direct comparison for pre-assembly:
- OE sensors
These sensors are pre-configured at the factory to a specific vehicle protocol (e.g., MAN, Mercedes-Benz, Scania).
- Advantage of pre-assembly: They don't need to be programmed. Simply install, mount the tyres, and you're done. There's no risk of programming errors.
- Disadvantage: They are inflexible. If you pre-assemble wheels for a Mercedes, they cannot be quickly fitted to a DAF – the truck will not recognize the sensors.
- Universal sensors
These sensors are "empty" when delivered and are programmed for the specific vehicle.
- Advantage of pre-assembly: Maximum flexibility. You can keep a stock of fully assembled wheels in your warehouse. You only program the sensor for the desired vehicle shortly before mounting them on the truck.
- Special feature (cloning): Universal sensors allow you to create a 1:1 clone of the installed sensor. The truck won't even notice that a new wheel has been fitted, and relearning the sensor on the vehicle is completely unnecessary.
- Disadvantage: None
In summary: For tyre dealers who serve many different customers, as well as for fleet operators with a mixed fleet, the universal sensor is the best choice due to its storage requirements.
If your commercial vehicle is equipped with original equipment (OE) sensors – that is, the sensors installed at the factory – the system is perfectly matched to the vehicle. Nevertheless, there are important points to consider during maintenance and replacement:
- Exchange only for the exact same model
Original sensors are typically single-protocol sensors. This means they are permanently programmed to the radio protocol of your truck manufacturer (e.g., MAN, Mercedes-Benz, Scania).
- Advantage: You do not need to configure or program the sensor before installation.
- Note: You must pay attention to the part number when purchasing. An original sensor for an Actros will generally not fit a Scania, even if it looks identical.
- The learning process (relearn)
Even if the sensor already has the correct protocol, the truck's control unit does not automatically know that a new sensor has been installed after a replacement.
- Automatic learning: Many modern trucks (e.g. Mercedes Actros) automatically recognize new sensors after a certain driving time (approx. 15–20 minutes at 20 km/h).
- Manual learning: For some models, the sensor IDs must be entered manually via a workshop diagnostic tool or the on-board menu.
- OBD: Some vehicles can only be programmed via OBD (usually only with devices from the respective manufacturers). This service usually incurs additional costs and time.
- Battery life
The batteries in original sensors are permanently sealed and cannot be replaced.
- In trucks, these batteries last approximately 3-5 years (depending on mileage and transmission frequency).
- If a sensor fails due to a dead battery, it is often advisable to replace all sensors on one axis, as the other batteries will usually also run out of power soon.
A practical tip: Use universal sensors like the Bartec RSHD-1 or RSHD-2 instead of OEM sensors. This will save you a lot of time and effort. Universal sensors also offer maximum flexibility. Our expert will be happy to explain the specific advantages to you.
Yes, universal sensors like the RSHD-1 and RSHD-2 are suitable for trucks, buses and trailers.
TPMS devices
A modern TPMS service tool for commercial vehicles is far more than just a "programmer." It's the central diagnostic tool that allows you to manage the entyre lifecycle of a tyre and its sensor. Here are the four main areas of application in detail:
A modern TPMS service tool for commercial vehicles is far more than just a "programmer." It's the central diagnostic tool that allows you to manage the entire lifecycle of a tyre and its sensor. Here are the four main areas of application in detail:
- Diagnosis and troubleshooting (check-in)
Before you even remove a tyre, you can use the device to take stock of its condition:
- Check sensor status: Is the sensor still transmitting? The device receives the radio signal through the tyre.
- Battery status: You can see how much power the integrated battery in the sensor has left (e.g., "OK" or "Low"). This prevents you from mounting a tyre whose sensor will be dead in three months.
- Read data: You receive precise real-time data on pressure and temperature .
- Programming and Configuration
- Universal sensors are described as follows: You select the make, model, and year of manufacture of the truck from the menu. The device then transmits the appropriate protocol wirelessly to a universal sensor.
- ID cloning: The device reads the ID of a defective sensor and transfers exactly the same ID to a new universal sensor.
- The advantage: The truck doesn't even "notice" the swap. No programming or relearning of the vehicle is necessary, as the ID for the control unit remains the same.
- Relearn via OBD on the vehicle
If you rotate wheels or use new IDs, the vehicle needs to learn them:
- OBD learning: The device is connected to the truck's OBD interface via cable or Bluetooth. It writes the new sensor IDs directly to the fault memory or the TPMS control unit.
- Step-by-step instructions: Devices such as the TECH350HD and TECH600HD show you exactly what to do on the display (e.g., "turn on the ignition", "take a test drive", or "press the confirmation button on the steering wheel").
- Documentation and logging
- Service reports: Devices can generate a log documenting that all sensors were active and the pressure was correctly set at the time of vehicle handover.
- Condition reports: They can show the driver or customer in black and white when a sensor battery is almost empty or a sensor reports an unusually high temperature (indicating a grinding bearing or brake).
A typical workflow in practice:
- Arrival: Quick scan of all wheels with the device
- Service: Perform tyre change or rotation.
- Programming: If necessary, adjust the new sensor to the vehicle protocol.
- Check: Check if everything is OK
Important: Without such a device, you often cannot clear the error message on the truck's display after replacing a sensor, even if the tyre pressure is correct. Since July 2024, this could cause the vehicle to fail its mandatory vehicle inspection (MOT/TÜV).
A TPMS device with a commercial vehicle cover and a 24V adapter is required. We recommend the BARTEC TECH350HD or TECH600HD
TPMS sensors
When pre-assembling complete wheels for trucks and buses, you face a choice: OE (Original Equipment) sensors or universal sensors. The decision depends heavily on whether you know exactly which vehicle the wheels are intended for. Here's a direct comparison for pre-assembly:
- OE sensors
These sensors are pre-configured at the factory to a specific vehicle protocol (e.g., MAN, Mercedes-Benz, Scania).
- Advantage of pre-assembly: They don't need to be programmed. Simply install, mount the tyres, and you're done. There's no risk of programming errors.
- Disadvantage: They are inflexible. If you pre-assemble wheels for a Mercedes, they cannot be quickly fitted to a DAF – the truck will not recognize the sensors.
- Universal sensors
These sensors are "empty" when delivered and are programmed for the specific vehicle.
- Advantage of pre-assembly: Maximum flexibility. You can keep a stock of fully assembled wheels in your warehouse. You only program the sensor for the desired vehicle shortly before mounting them on the truck.
- Special feature (cloning): Universal sensors allow you to create a 1:1 clone of the installed sensor. The truck won't even notice that a new wheel has been fitted, and relearning the sensor on the vehicle is completely unnecessary.
- Disadvantage: None
In summary: For tyre dealers who serve many different customers, as well as for fleet operators with a mixed fleet, the universal sensor is the best choice due to its storage requirements.
If your commercial vehicle is equipped with original equipment (OE) sensors – that is, the sensors installed at the factory – the system is perfectly matched to the vehicle. Nevertheless, there are important points to consider during maintenance and replacement:
- Exchange only for the exact same model
Original sensors are typically single-protocol sensors. This means they are permanently programmed to the radio protocol of your truck manufacturer (e.g., MAN, Mercedes-Benz, Scania).
- Advantage: You do not need to configure or program the sensor before installation.
- Note: You must pay attention to the part number when purchasing. An original sensor for an Actros will generally not fit a Scania, even if it looks identical.
- The learning process (relearn)
Even if the sensor already has the correct protocol, the truck's control unit does not automatically know that a new sensor has been installed after a replacement.
- Automatic learning: Many modern trucks (e.g. Mercedes Actros) automatically recognize new sensors after a certain driving time (approx. 15–20 minutes at 20 km/h).
- Manual learning: For some models, the sensor IDs must be entered manually via a workshop diagnostic tool or the on-board menu.
- OBD: Some vehicles can only be programmed via OBD (usually only with devices from the respective manufacturers). This service usually incurs additional costs and time.
- Battery life
The batteries in original sensors are permanently sealed and cannot be replaced.
- In trucks, these batteries last approximately 3-5 years (depending on mileage and transmission frequency).
- If a sensor fails due to a dead battery, it is often advisable to replace all sensors on one axis, as the other batteries will usually also run out of power soon.
A practical tip: Use universal sensors like the Bartec RSHD-1 or RSHD-2 instead of OEM sensors. This will save you a lot of time and effort. Universal sensors also offer maximum flexibility. Our expert will be happy to explain the specific advantages to you.
External sensors are mounted visibly on the outside of the rim. A connector between the valve and the external sensor enables the sensor to measure the pressure. Internal sensors are located inside the tyre and are either mounted on the inside of the valve or secured with a strap around the rim. Only internal sensors can measure temperature in addition to pressure, which is part of the EC141 standard.
With the universally applicable, brand-independent TPMS service tool TECH600HD, workshop professionals can directly read and save the stored manufacturer information, such as sensor ID or communication protocol, provided the installed sensor is undamaged. This data can then be transferred to the universal sensor RSHD-1 or RSHD-2. This creates a functionally identical clone of the original, which is immediately recognized by the TPMS control unit as a known sensor. Relearning, OBD access, or a special learning procedure is unnecessary.
Since such universal sensors can be programmed wirelessly, complete wheelsets can be prepared in advance (pre-assembly). This significantly simplifies their use on different tractors or trailers – a particularly practical advantage during seasonal changeovers.
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) sensors come directly from the vehicle or system manufacturer and precisely match the factory specifications. Universal sensors are high-quality alternatives that are freely programmable and flexibly applicable. Premium universal sensors from Bartec also achieve OEM quality, offer excellent value for money, and are ideal for mixed commercial vehicle fleets. Universal sensors reduce inventory and speed up service.