The TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) sensor warning light is a crucial safety feature in modern vehicles, designed to alert drivers when the tire pressure is incorrect. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a detailed understanding of what the TPMS sensor warning light means, what to do when it comes on, and why it sometimes flashes and then stays on.
What Does the TPMS Sensor Warning Light Mean on My Dashboard?
The TPMS sensor warning light is typically located on the vehicle’s dashboard and is shaped like a horseshoe with an exclamation point inside it. This light is designed to alert the driver when one or more tires are at least 25% below the recommended pressure level. This can significantly impact the vehicle’s safety, handling, and performance.
The TPMS system uses sensors installed in each tire to monitor the air pressure. When the pressure in one or more tires drops below the predetermined threshold, the TPMS sensor warning light will illuminate on the dashboard, indicating that immediate attention is required.
What Should I Do When the TPMS Sensor Warning Light Comes On?
When the TPMS light turns on, it is essential to take immediate action to address the issue. Here are the steps you should follow:
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Find a Safe Place to Stop: Safely pull over to a secure location, preferably off the main road, as driving with underinflated tires can be dangerous, especially at high speeds.
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Check Tire Pressure: Use a reliable tire pressure gauge to measure the air pressure in each tire. Compare the readings to the recommended pressure levels, which can be found on the tire placard or in the vehicle’s owner’s manual.
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Inflate Tires: If the tire pressure is low, use an air compressor or visit a nearby gas station to inflate the tires to the recommended pressure level. It’s important to ensure that all tires are properly inflated to the same pressure.
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Reset the TPMS System: After inflating the tires, drive the vehicle at a speed of at least 50 miles per hour for approximately 10 minutes. Then, stop the car, turn off the engine, and restart it. This should reset the TPMS system, and the warning light should turn off if the tire pressure is now within the acceptable range.
Why Does the TPMS Sensor Warning Light Sometimes Flash and Then Stay On?
The TPMS sensor warning light can exhibit different behaviors, and a flashing light can indicate different issues:
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Temperature Changes: Fluctuations in temperature can cause the TPMS light to flash briefly. This is because the tire pressure can change as the temperature changes. To prevent this issue, it’s recommended to check the tire pressure when the tires are cold and adjust it to the recommended level.
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Sensor Issues: If the TPMS light flashes and then remains illuminated, it may indicate a problem with one or more of the TPMS sensors. In this case, it is necessary to schedule a service appointment with a qualified mechanic to have the issue diagnosed and resolved.
Technical Specifications of TPMS Sensor Warning Light
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Activation Pressure: The TPMS light typically turns on when the tire pressure is at least 25% below the recommended level. For example, if the recommended tire pressure is 35 psi, the TPMS light will illuminate when the pressure drops to 26 psi or below.
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Reset Procedure: After correcting the tire pressure, the TPMS system can be reset by driving the vehicle at a speed of at least 50 miles per hour for approximately 10 minutes. This allows the system to re-learn the correct tire pressure and turn off the warning light.
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Sensor Issues: A flashing TPMS light that remains on may indicate a problem with one or more of the TPMS sensors. These sensors are responsible for monitoring the tire pressure and transmitting the data to the vehicle’s computer. Faulty sensors will require professional diagnosis and replacement.
Additional Tips and Precautions
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Regular Tire Pressure Checks: It’s essential to check the tire pressure regularly, even if the TPMS light is not illuminated. Moderate deviations in tire pressure can still cause damage to the tires and affect the vehicle’s performance and handling.
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Tire Safety: Driving with underinflated tires can lead to accidents, tire damage, and reduced vehicle control. Maintaining the recommended tire pressure levels is crucial for ensuring the safety and reliability of your vehicle.
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Tire Rotation and Replacement: When rotating or replacing tires, it’s important to ensure that the TPMS sensors are properly installed and functioning correctly. Failure to do so may result in the TPMS light remaining on or malfunctioning.
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TPMS Sensor Replacement: If a TPMS sensor needs to be replaced, it’s recommended to have the work performed by a qualified technician. Improper installation or programming of the new sensor can lead to TPMS system issues.
By understanding the meaning, troubleshooting steps, and technical specifications of the TPMS sensor warning light, you can ensure the safety and performance of your vehicle while addressing any tire pressure-related concerns promptly.
References
- Priority Tire. (2022, August 19). TPMS Light On? Here is What It Means and How to Fix It. Retrieved from https://www.prioritytire.com/blog/tpms-light-on-here-is-what-it-means-and-how-to-fix-it/
- Pirelli. (n.d.). TPMS Light On: What it means and what you need to do. Retrieved from https://www.pirelli.com/tires/en-us/car/driving-and-tire-tips/how-to-read/tpms-light-on
- Schrader TPMS. (n.d.). What To Do When Your TPMS Light Turns On. Retrieved from https://www.schradertpms.com/en/driver-education/what-do-when-your-tpms-light-turns
- Pep Boys. (n.d.). Why is My TPMS Light On. Retrieved from https://www.pepboys.com/car-care/tire-care/why-is-my-tpms-light-on
- REDI-Sensor. (n.d.). Solid vs flashing TPMS Warning Light. Retrieved from https://www.redi-sensor.com/faqs/solid-vs-flashing-tpms-warning-light/