Tire Pressure Monitor Fault: How To Fix What You Need To Do
Low tire pressure is one of the main causes of tire failure. That’s why modern vehicles include a safety feature called a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). This system monitors tire pressure and alerts drivers when it is so low that it can reduce vehicle control.
However, like other safety systems, TPMS can sometimes experience faults and issues. This article delves into the meaning of tire pressure monitor fault, its causes, and how to fix it.
What Is A Tire Pressure Monitoring System?
A TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) is a safety function designed to detect and alert drivers about low tire air pressure early on. This feature can help prevent accidents, improve fuel economy, and increase tire life.
To monitor the air pressure in tires, TPMS uses sensors that are located in the valve stems of the tires. Within the control module of the vehicle, these sensors transfer data about pressure and then display through dashboard warning. The two main types of TPMS are as follows:
- Direct TPMS: Direct TPMS uses sensors within each tire of the vehicle to monitor air pressure directly and then transmit and share this data to your car’s computer system.
- Indirect TPMS: These types of TPMS use wheel speed data that is measured by the ABS sensors from the first place to measure tire pressure.
Causes Of Tire Pressure Monitor Fault
There are various sources that can cause the TPMS warning light to turn on. However, most of the common ones are:
- Sensor damage
- Sensor battery failure
- Corrosion
- Signal disruption
- Software glitches
- Damage from road side debris
- Faulty wiring or electrical issues
Sensor Damage And Sensor Battery Failure
During tire changes and other maintenance, the sensor can be physically damaged, which can cause it to malfunction.
TPMS sensors are powered by small batteries, which can fail over time. According to experts and research, most sensors have a lifespan of 5-10 years, depending on consumption and brand quality.
Corrosion
Corrosion is another reason for TPMS faults in vehicles with harsh conditions like salt and extreme temperatures. It can also decrease the battery’s capacity and interfere with the sensor’s ability to transfer data precisely.
Signal Disruption
Other electronic systems or radio frequencies from other devices can disrupt the signal connection between the sensors and the vehicle system, leading to the tire pressure monitor fault.
Software Glitches
Sometimes, a glitch may occur in the programming of the software systems, which may cause false warnings on the dash or failure to measure air pressure.
Damage From Road Side Debris
Sensors are typically attached to the valve stem and may damage by sharp objects like, metal fragments, screws, rocks, and nails. These objects can puncture the tire, which leads to sensor damage, resulting in erroneous readings from the sensor.
Faulty Wiring Or Electrical Issues
Loose connections between sensors and wiring can cause undependable communication, which can lead to sensor failure. Electrical issues can also affect the ability of the control module system to process sensor data.
Faulty wiring or other electrical problems can interrupt the power supply to the TPMS system. These issues can also prevent the TPMS warning from displaying, even when the air pressure is low.
How To Fix Tire Pressure Monitor Fault?
Fixing a tire pressure monitor warning can be complex and may require assistance from someone professional; however, here are some procedures that you can follow to address TPMS faults:
Inspect tire pressure: From the very first, manually check the tire pressure with a gauge. Inflate the tires to the recommended air pressure level. If the warning light stops illuminating after a small drive, that means the issue is low air pressure.
Reset the TPMS: You should reset the TPMS after filling the tires, following the vehicle’s manual. If it doesn’t reset, then it might show a deeper issue.
Inspect the sensors: After the above methods, if the TPMS light still persists, you can check the sensors for any physical damage or corrosion. If you find any damage, then the issue was due to this reason.
Replace the sensor battery: If the sensors’ batteries are too old, they might be the issue, and for replacement, a visit to a local shop is required.
Update vehicle systems software: A glitch in the software can display a TPMS fault light. Visit your mechanic and ensure that your vehicles have up-to-date software.
Professional diagnosis and repair: If you’ve tried all the procedures that I’ve mentioned above, but the TPMS warning light still appears, it’s time to consult an experienced mechanic. They have extensive knowledge and use specialized diagnostic tools and techniques to fix the problem, whether it’s a sensor malfunction, corrosion, software glitch, or a deeper system fault.
How To Reset Tire Pressure Monitor Indicator?
Tire pressure monitor reset is a simple and straightforward process that can be done in a few steps. Here’s a quick video guide that you can follow to reset the tire pressure monitor warning light on your vehicle:
Car Brands With Reported TPMS Faults
TPMS faults only with Mercedes-Benz are not necessary, while they can occur in any vehicle. Here are some issues that some of the brands have reported the problems that they have experienced with their vehicles:
| Car Brand | Common TPMS Issues |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz BMW Toyota Ford Honda Nissan Kia General Motors Hyundai Volkswagen | Sensor battery failure, wiring issues, control module problems, software glitches |
Related Post:
Run Flat Indicator Inoperative Problem On Mercedes-Benz
In A Nutshell
Addressing the root cause of a problem helps resolve it accurately and in a timely manner. However, with a good understanding of tire pressure monitor faults and their causes, you can easily find the solution and ensure your vehicle’s safety and optimal performance, preventing yourself from heavy-cost repairs.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
What does a tire pressure monitor problem mean?
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is a modern safety feature that alerts you when the air pressure in your vehicle’s tires is too low, which could cause problems. The warning light’s appearance means your tires could be underinflated, leading to tire failure.
Can I Drive with a tire pressure monitor fault on my dash?
No, it’s not recommended to drive your vehicle with a TPMS fault. This is an advanced safety feature that alerts drivers about underinflated tires. Moreover, driving with low air pressure in tires can be risky because your tire may go flat while driving on the road.
What does TPMS fault mean on a Ford vehicle?
If the TPMS fault light illuminates your Ford’s dash, it means the tire pressure sensors, batteries, or sensors are faulty. Disagreeing with the actual problem is more critical so that you can get assistance from a Ford professional.
The tire pressure warning light is on, but the tires are fine. Why?
This could be due to sudden air pressure loss in tires or a puncture. Some drivers experience that their tires are fine, but a warning light appears; a faulty TPMS sensor can cause this.
Can I fix my tire pressure sensor problem?
Yes, it can be a DIY project for you if you’re a vehicle atheist and have some past mechanical experience. Keep in mind that replacing TPMS sensors can be cost-effective, but it also requires some expert knowledge and the right tools.
Martin Lee is an ASE-certified mechanic and contributing author at SincereMechanic. He uses his expertise to create captivating articles that align with our content strategy. Using his deep automobile knowledge, he does in-depth research, puts expertise into articles, and makes them very informative. That information ensures our readers receive many valuable insights about the Vehicles.