Tpms Keeps Stopping

Troubleshooting TPMS Keeps Stopping: A Comprehensive Guide

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The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is a crucial safety feature in modern vehicles, designed to alert drivers when tire pressure falls below a certain threshold. However, when the TPMS keeps stopping or malfunctioning intermittently, it can be a frustrating and puzzling issue. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the potential causes, diagnostic steps, and solutions to help you resolve the TPMS keeps stopping problem.

Causes of Intermittent TPMS Malfunction

Tpms Keeps Stopping
Image Credit: Wikimedia

1. Sensor Issues

  • Low Battery Voltage: TPMS sensors are powered by small batteries, typically lasting 5-10 years. As the battery voltage drops, the sensor’s ability to communicate with the vehicle’s TPMS module can become intermittent, leading to the TPMS light turning on and off.
  • Sensor Damage: During tire installation, rotation, or other maintenance, the TPMS sensors can become damaged, causing communication issues and intermittent malfunctions.

2. Tire Pressure

  • Incorrect Tire Pressure: While incorrect tire pressure can trigger the TPMS light, it is often not the primary cause of intermittent TPMS issues. Ensuring proper tire pressure is still an essential step in troubleshooting.

3. Wheel Rotation and Sensor Positioning

  • Wheel Relocation: Relocating wheels or sensors, such as during tire rotation, can cause the TPMS system to malfunction temporarily. This is often observed when the system starts working again after the wheels are swapped back to their original positions.
  • Sensor Positioning: The positioning of the TPMS sensors within the wheel assembly is critical for proper signal transmission. Any changes in sensor positioning can lead to intermittent signal loss and TPMS malfunctions.

4. Interference or Signal Loss

  • Electromagnetic Interference: The TPMS sensors operate on specific radio frequencies, typically 315 MHz or 433 MHz. Interference from other electronic devices or sources of electromagnetic radiation can cause intermittent signal loss and TPMS malfunctions.
  • Physical Interference: Obstructions or physical barriers between the TPMS sensors and the vehicle’s TPMS module can also lead to intermittent signal loss and TPMS issues.

5. Aftermarket Wheels and Sensors

  • Compatibility Issues: Using aftermarket wheels or TPMS sensors that are not compatible with the vehicle’s original equipment can cause compatibility issues, leading to intermittent TPMS malfunctions.

Diagnosing and Fixing the Issue

Tpms Keeps Stopping

1. Check Tire Pressure

  • Ensure that all tires are inflated to the recommended pressure, as specified in the vehicle’s owner’s manual or on the driver’s side door jamb sticker.
  • Use a high-quality tire pressure gauge to measure the pressure in each tire, and adjust as needed.

2. Inspect TPMS Sensors

  • Visually inspect the TPMS sensors for any signs of damage, such as cracks, dents, or corrosion.
  • Ensure that the sensors are properly installed and securely mounted within the wheel assembly.

3. Reset the TPMS System

  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to reset the TPMS system. This process typically involves driving the vehicle at a specific speed for a certain distance to allow the system to relearn the sensor IDs and tire pressures.

4. Consult a Professional

  • If the TPMS issue persists, it’s recommended to visit a reputable tire shop or dealership that has the necessary diagnostic tools and expertise to identify the root cause of the problem.
  • These professionals can use specialized TPMS diagnostic tools to read sensor data, check for communication issues, and perform more advanced troubleshooting.

5. Replace TPMS Sensors

  • If the TPMS sensors are old, damaged, or not functioning properly, replacing them may be the best solution to resolve the intermittent TPMS malfunction.
  • When replacing sensors, ensure that they are compatible with the vehicle’s make, model, and year, and follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions carefully.

Technical Specifications

TPMS Sensor Battery Life

  • TPMS sensors are typically powered by small, long-lasting batteries that have an expected lifespan of 5-10 years, depending on the manufacturer and usage conditions.

TPMS Signal Frequency

  • TPMS sensors operate on specific radio frequencies, typically 315 MHz or 433 MHz, to communicate with the vehicle’s TPMS module.
  • These frequencies can be susceptible to interference from other electronic devices or sources of electromagnetic radiation, leading to intermittent signal loss and TPMS malfunctions.

References

  1. Macheforum: TPMS all of a sudden stopped reading but worked again the next day – Thoughts? (https://www.macheforum.com/site/threads/tpms-all-of-a-sudden-stopped-reading-but-worked-again-the-next-day-thoughts.24784/)
  2. YouTube: How To Fix TPMS Keeps Stopping Error In Android Mobile (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMPo6dwNaAY)
  3. ClubFrontier: TPMS Randomly coming on and off (https://www.clubfrontier.org/threads/tpms-randomly-coming-on-and-off.373191/)
  4. Reddit: TPMS light goes on and off intermittently (https://www.reddit.com/r/genesiscoupe/comments/egh4jn/tpms_light_goes_on_and_off_intermittently/)
  5. RivianForum: TPMS stop working after driving around 30 minutes?? (https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/threads/tpms-stop-working-after-driving-around-30-minutes.15969/)

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