Can you drive with TPMS malfunction?

Yes, you can drive, but you should not rely on TPMS to warn you about underinflated tires. Have the system inspected and manually check tire pressures promptly to stay safe on the road.

What TPMS is and how it works

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is designed to alert you when one or more tires are underinflated. There are two main types: direct TPMS, which uses pressure sensors embedded in each wheel, and indirect TPMS, which estimates pressure by monitoring differences in wheel speed using the ABS system. A malfunction can mean the system isn’t providing warnings even if tires are low, or it may display a fault message indicating a sensor or module problem.

What a malfunction looks like

Malfunctions can appear in several ways. You might see a persistent TPMS warning light, a “TPMS fault” message, or a “service TPMS” alert on your dashboard. In some vehicles, the light may come on during startup and stay on, or flash briefly. Regardless of the display, the important point is that you may no longer receive automatic alerts about underinflated tires.

Is it safe to drive with a TPMS malfunction?

Before you decide how to drive, consider the state of your tires and the distance you need to travel. The following points outline the safety implications when TPMS isn’t functioning properly:

• Underinflated tires pose a higher risk of poor handling, reduced traction, faster tire wear, and heat buildup that can lead to a blowout.


• If the TPMS isn’t warning you about low pressure, you must rely on manual tire checks to confirm inflation.


• Short trips to a repair shop are generally safer than long highway journeys, especially if you’re unsure about tire pressures.


• High speeds and heavy loads amplify the dangers of driving with underinflated tires.


• If any tire looks visibly underinflated, you should stop and address the issue rather than continuing to drive.

In all cases, treat a TPMS malfunction as a maintenance issue that requires prompt attention. Driving with a malfunctioning system is not illegal in most places, but it increases the risk of tire-related problems and may affect vehicle inspections in some jurisdictions.

What to do if the TPMS warning appears or the system malfunctions

To handle a TPMS fault responsibly, follow these steps. The list below is intended to guide you through immediate actions and subsequent repair considerations.

• Check tire pressures manually with a gauge. Inflate each tire to the vehicle manufacturer's recommended pressure found on the door jamb placard or in the owner's manual.


• Inspect tires for visible damage, punctures, or slow leaks and inspect the spare tire if your vehicle has one.


• If pressures are correct but the TPMS light remains on or a fault message persists, schedule a service appointment to diagnose sensor or module issues.


• If you detect a significantly low tire after manual check, either inflate to the recommended level and limit driving distance or seek roadside assistance if you cannot safely reach a tire shop.


• Note when the warning started and whether it changes after tire rotation, replacement, or weather conditions, and share this information with a technician.

Professional diagnosis may involve checking sensor batteries (direct TPMS sensors typically have battery lives of several years), recalibrating the system after tires are rotated or replaced, and inspecting fuses and related electronics. Do not ignore a persistent TPMS fault, as it directly affects your awareness of tire condition.

Maintenance considerations, inspections, and costs

Understanding the maintenance landscape helps you plan ahead for TPMS-related issues and inspections that may be required by law or by your vehicle warranty.

• Direct TPMS sensors contain batteries that eventually fail; sensor replacement or battery replacement is common when the system faults.


• Indirect TPMS relies on ABS wheel-speed data and calibration; issues here can stem from sensor misreads or software problems.


• After tire rotation, installation, or replacement, many vehicles require TPMS reinitialization or recalibration to ensure accurate readings.


• In some regions, vehicles must have a functioning TPMS to pass certain safety inspections or emissions-related checks.

Costs vary: sensor replacement can range from modest to higher, depending on vehicle make and whether the sensor or valve stem needs replacement. A dealership or independent tire shop can provide a precise estimate after diagnosing the fault.

Preventing future TPMS issues

Proactive maintenance reduces the likelihood of TPMS malfunctions and helps keep your tires in good condition.

• Check your tire pressures at least monthly and before long trips, using a reliable gauge.


• Rotate tires and recalibrate TPMS as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer or after tire service.


• Inspect sensors for corrosion at the valve stems and ensure the wheel rims are clean to maintain sensor integrity.


• Replace tires when tread wear becomes extensive; when replacing tires, consider TPMS sensor replacement if indicated by the technician.


• Keep the vehicle’s electrical fuses and TPMS control module in good condition and address warning messages promptly.

Regular monitoring and timely service help ensure the TPMS remains a reliable safety feature rather than a recurring source of concern.

Summary

A TPMS malfunction does not prevent you from driving, but it removes a critical early warning about underinflated tires. Drive cautiously, verify tire pressures manually, and seek prompt professional diagnosis and repair. Maintaining proper tire pressure, recalibrating after tire work, and adhering to your vehicle’s TPMS guidelines reduces risk and helps ensure your tires perform safely on the road.

Can AutoZone fix TPMS sensors?

At AutoZone, we carry replacement TPMS sensors for most makes and models. And if you need help resetting the TPMS light, we can offer helpful advice or refer you to a shop in our professional network.

How do you fix TPMS malfunction?

To fix a TPMS malfunction, first check and correct tire pressure; if the light persists, reset the system using the dashboard button or infotainment menu, followed by a drive. If the issue continues, the most likely cause is a faulty or dead sensor, which requires replacement by a professional, or a problem with the TPMS control module that needs professional diagnosis. 
1. Initial checks and reset

• Check and inflate tires: Use a tire gauge to check all four tires, plus the spare, and inflate them to the pressure listed on the driver's side door jamb. Sometimes correcting tire pressure is all that is needed. 
• Reset the system: 
  • Turn the ignition on but do not start the engine. 
  • Find the TPMS reset button, which is often under the steering wheel or in the glove box. Some vehicles use the infotainment system menu. 
  • Press and hold the reset button until the TPMS light blinks three times. 
  • Start the vehicle and drive for at least 5-10 minutes at speeds of 50 mph or more to allow the system to recalibrate. 

You can watch this video to learn how to reset your car's TPMS: 56sChrisFixYouTube · Nov 17, 2014
2. When the light stays on

• Inspect sensors: Look for any visible damage to the sensors or valve stems. A failing sensor is a very common reason for the light to come on. 
• Replace faulty sensors: If a sensor is bad, it must be replaced. This requires a professional to remove the tire from the wheel to access the sensor. 
  • Since sensors have a limited lifespan (5-10 years), it may be wise to replace all of them at the same time, especially on an older vehicle. 
• Address other issues: A mechanic can also diagnose and fix other potential problems, such as a faulty TPMS control module or electrical interference. 

How serious is a tire pressure sensor fault?

Yes, a tire pressure sensor fault can be dangerous because it means you won't be alerted to a real issue, like a tire that is dangerously low on air. Driving with a faulty sensor increases the risk of poor handling, reduced fuel efficiency, uneven tire wear, and potentially catastrophic tire blowouts, especially if the underlying problem is an underinflated tire. While it may be safe to drive short distances to get the issue checked, a TPMS fault should not be ignored.
 
Risks of a faulty TPMS sensor

• Tire blowout: The most significant danger is that the system won't warn you if a tire is severely underinflated, which can lead to a dangerous blowout, particularly at high speeds. 
• Poor handling: Low tire pressure negatively affects your vehicle's handling, making it less responsive and stable, especially during sudden stops or turns. 
• Decreased fuel efficiency: Underinflated tires have higher rolling resistance, forcing your engine to work harder and consume more fuel. 
• Increased tire wear: Driving with improper tire pressure can cause your tires to wear unevenly and prematurely. 

What to do

• Inspect your tires visually: Check your tires for any visible signs of underinflation, such as a sagging or bulging appearance. If they look low, do not drive further than necessary. 
• Get a manual pressure check: Use a tire pressure gauge to manually check all your tires to see if they are properly inflated. The TPMS light can sometimes come on for a simple low-pressure issue, but a faulty sensor may not be able to provide that information. 
• Take it to a professional: A faulty TPMS sensor needs to be diagnosed and replaced by a professional to ensure your safety. Ignoring the issue can lead to more costly repairs down the line. 

Can I still drive if my TPMS sensor is bad?

You can drive with a bad tire pressure sensor, but it is not recommended because the system won't be able to alert you to a dangerous low-pressure situation. You should have the sensor replaced as soon as possible to avoid potential safety issues like tire failure, reduced fuel economy, and uneven tire wear. While you're waiting for a repair, manually check your tire pressure with a gauge to ensure they are properly inflated.
 
Risks of driving with a bad TPMS sensor

• Compromised safety: The primary risk is not being alerted to a flat tire, which can lead to a blowout and serious accidents. 
• Tire damage: Driving on a flat tire can cause significant damage to the wheel, brakes, and other components. 
• Reduced fuel efficiency: Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which can decrease your gas mileage. 
• Uneven tire wear: Poor tire pressure can cause your tires to wear out unevenly and prematurely. 

What to do

1. Manually check your tires: Use a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure in all four tires immediately and inflate them to the manufacturer's recommended level. 
2. Schedule a replacement: Book an appointment with a qualified technician to diagnose the faulty sensor and replace it. 
3. Consider replacing all sensors: If one sensor has failed (often due to a dead battery), the others may be close to failing as well. Replacing them all at once can save you future visits and costs. 

This video explains how TPMS sensors can fail and what to do: 55sMechanical SpecialYouTube · Oct 23, 2024