1) Frequency matters first.
- North America (most ’07–’14 XC90s): 315 MHz
- EU/ROW: 433 MHz
If you’re not sure, read the label on an old sensor or check your market. Right frequency is mandatory or the car will never hear them.
2) The car side is auto-learn.
Volvo doesn’t store TPMS IDs in VIDA/OBD on these. Install sensors, set pressures to placard, then drive ~10–20 min at >25–30 mph. It will learn new IDs on its own, no “programming to the car” and no OBD relearn step.
3) The sensor side is where people get tripped up.
There are three flavors you’ll see for sale:
- OE-style, pre-programmed replacements (Schrader/HUF/VDO made for Volvo): correct protocol is already on the sensor. These are truly install + drive.
- Universal programmable sensors (Schrader EZ-sensor, Autel MX, HUF IntelliSens, etc.): ship blank. They must be programmed (cloned or created) to the Volvo XC90 protocol with a TPMS tool before install. If you buy these and skip that step, the car will never learn them.
- Multi-application “pre-loaded” universals (e.g., VDO REDI-Sensor SE10003 = 315 MHz, SE10006 = 433 MHz): already carry multiple protocols at the right frequency. On these cars they’re typically install + drive as well.
So the statement “any 315 MHz sensor works” is only half-true, the protocol must match, not just the frequency. That’s why some cheap Amazon/eBay parts fail even though they say 315 MHz.
4) About the specific parts you mentioned:
- Schrader 29175 – check whether it’s an OE-style Volvo application (good to go) or an EZ-sensor blank (needs to be programmed with a TPMS tool).
- VDO SE10003 (315 MHz) / SE10006 (433 MHz) – REDI-Sensor line. These are pre-loaded and usually work as install + drive on XC90.
5) Practical game plan (pick one):
- Zero-hassle route: buy sensors explicitly listed as “for Volvo XC90 [your MY]” at the correct frequency (FCP, RA, etc.). Install with new service kits, inflate, drive 10–20 min.
- Tool route: if you want the cheapest sensors or to clone IDs, grab an entry TPMS tool (ATEQ VT31/VT37, Autel TS508, etc.). Program universals to “Volvo XC90 07–14”, then install and drive.
6) If the light doesn’t clear after a proper drive:
- Ping each wheel with a TPMS tool to confirm each sensor is awake and transmitting at the right freq.
- Swap a suspect wheel front↔rear to see if the fault follows the sensor.
- Receiver issues on these cars are rare; 99% of no-learn cases are wrong frequency, unprogrammed universal sensors, or a dead/new sensor that never woke.
Install notes: use new valve service kits, don’t mix metals (no anti-seize on aluminum stems), torque the clamp nut per the kit (typically ~4 Nm), and set pressures cold.
TL;DR: You don’t program the car on an XC90; you just have to make sure you buy the right frequency + correct protocol sensor. OE-style = install & drive. Universal blanks = need a quick program pass first.