How do you fix a TPMS fault?
The quickest path to a TPMS fault is to verify tire pressures, perform a relearn if your vehicle supports it, and if the warning persists, inspect or replace wheel sensors or seek professional help.
Understanding TPMS faults and their causes
A TPMS fault appears when the system cannot read one or more wheel sensors, or when a sensor reports a pressure that's out of range. Faults can stem from underinflated tires, a dead or damaged wheel sensor battery, leaking valves, corroded connections, or a software/ECU issue. Distinguishing between a simple pressure problem and a sensor fault is the first step in deciding next actions.
Direct vs indirect TPMS
Direct TPMS uses in-wheel sensors that transmit real-time pressure data to the car’s computer, while indirect TPMS estimates pressure based on ABS wheel-speed data. Direct systems are more precise but rely on functioning sensors and batteries; indirect systems depend on wheel speed data and calibration. Understanding which type your vehicle uses helps determine the correct fix path.
Do-it-yourself checks you can perform at home
These checks cover the most common, low-cost fixes you can do without special tools. They help confirm whether the fault is simply a pressure issue or something more complex.
- Check and inflate all tires to the recommended pressure listed on the driver's door jamb or in the owner's manual, including the spare if your car uses a full-size spare with TPMS.
- Inspect tires for leaks, punctures, or obvious damage that could cause loss of pressure in one or more tires.
- Inspect valve stems and caps for cracks, corrosion, or leaks; screw on a new cap if the current one is damaged.
- Look for a specific warning message or icon on the dash that indicates which tire has an issue, if your vehicle provides that detail.
- If the tires now read at the correct pressure but the light stays on, try a TPMS relearn/reset procedure for your vehicle model (see below).
After completing these checks, re-check the dashboard light. If it remains illuminated or reappears after a drive, the fault may be sensor-related or a software issue that requires further steps or professional help.
Resetting or relearning the TPMS
Many vehicles require a relearn or reset after inflating tires, changing tires, or when sensors have been replaced. The exact method varies by make and model, so consult your owner’s manual for model-specific steps. Below are common approaches you might encounter.
- Use the vehicle’s TPMS menu or dedicated button to initiate a relearn, then drive as instructed by the on-screen prompts.
- If no on-screen option is available, perform a drive relearn by driving at a steady speed (often around 50 mph or higher) for 10–20 minutes to allow the system to detect the current sensor pressures.
- Some brands require a sequence of button presses or a specific key combination in the ignition cycle to begin the relearn process.
- In certain cases, a professional scan tool at a tire shop or dealer is needed to complete the relearn, especially after sensor replacement.
Successfully completed relearn typically results in the TPMS light going out or a confirmation message on the dash. If the light remains after following the relearn procedure, proceed to sensor inspection or professional diagnosis.
Replacing or repairing TPMS sensors
If home checks and relearns do not resolve the fault, the issue often lies with the wheel sensors themselves or related hardware. Replacement is common when sensors are old or damaged.
- Direct TPMS sensors in the wheels have a battery life of roughly 5–10 years and may fail with age or exposure to harsh conditions; replacement is often required.
- A damaged valve stem or leaking sensor can cause inaccurate readings or a failed relearn; replacement of the stem or entire sensor may be necessary.
- Corroded or damaged sensor mounting points or electrical connections can produce intermittent faults and require repair or sensor replacement.
- After installing new sensors, a relearn or reprogramming step is almost always required to synchronize the sensors with the vehicle’s ECU.
Costs vary by vehicle and location, but you should expect sensor parts to be in the range of tens to a couple of hundred dollars per wheel, plus labor. Indirect TPMS issues may not involve sensor replacements but still require calibration or software updates from a dealership or tire shop.
When to seek professional diagnosis and repair
Professional help is recommended if:
- The TPMS light remains on after inflating tires and attempting a relearn.
- You observe a tire that visually appears to be at correct pressure but the light persists or a specific wheel is indicated as faulty.
- You suspect sensor damage, battery failure, or wiring issues that require specialized diagnostic tools.
- You need sensor replacement or a complex relearn that your vehicle manual does not clearly cover.
A tire shop or dealership can quickly diagnose the fault using a TPMS diagnostic tool, confirm whether the issue is a sensor, a control-module problem, or a software fault, and perform sensor replacement and relearning as needed.
Safety considerations and maintenance tips
Never ignore a TPMS warning, especially if it indicates low tire pressure. Driving on underinflated tires can compromise handling and fuel economy and increase the risk of tire failure. Regular tire maintenance, including monthly pressure checks, proper rotation, and timely tire replacement, helps keep TPMS functioning reliably.
Summary
A TPMS fault usually starts with a simple pressure issue that you can verify at home. If inflating tires to the recommended pressure does not clear the warning, perform or initiate a relearn, and inspect or replace faulty sensors if necessary. Direct TPMS sensors wear out with age, while indirect systems rely on calibration and software; both may require professional diagnosis or replacement. Keeping tires properly inflated and maintaining sensors will help prevent future TPMS faults and ensure safer driving.
