How to fix TPMS issue?
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is a critical safety feature in modern vehicles, designed to alert you when your tire pressure is too low. However, like any other system in your car, it can sometimes malfunction. At Kevin's Autos, with years of experience in car maintenance and repair, we’ve seen and resolved countless TPMS issues. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to diagnose and fix common TPMS problems.
What is TPMS and Why is it Important?
TPMS is a system that monitors the air pressure in your tires and alerts you if it drops below the recommended level. Proper tire pressure is essential for safe driving, fuel efficiency, and prolonging the life of your tires. A malfunctioning TPMS can lead to inaccurate readings, leaving you unaware of potential tire issues.
Common Causes of TPMS Issues
Before diving into the fixes, it’s important to understand what might be causing the problem. Here are some common reasons for TPMS malfunctions:
- Dead or Weak Sensor Batteries: TPMS sensors are powered by small batteries that can wear out over time.
- Damaged Sensors: Sensors can be damaged during tire changes or by road debris.
- Incorrect Tire Pressure: If the tires are overinflated or underinflated, the system may not function properly.
- System Reset Needed: After tire rotation or replacement, the TPMS may need to be recalibrated.
- Faulty TPMS Module: In rare cases, the TPMS control module itself may fail.
Steps to Fix a TPMS Issue
Follow these steps to troubleshoot and resolve TPMS problems:
- Check Tire Pressure:As the owner of Kevin's Autos, I've seen my fair share of tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) problems over the years. TPMS is a crucial safety feature in modern vehicles, alerting drivers when tire pressure drops below a safe level. However, TPMS issues can be frustrating to diagnose and repair. In this article, I'll walk you through the common causes of TPMS problems and the steps to fix them.
What is TPMS and How Does it Work?
TPMS is a system that monitors the air pressure in a vehicle's tires and alerts the driver when the pressure drops below a certain threshold. Most TPMS systems use sensors installed in each wheel that transmit tire pressure data to a central control module. When the pressure in one or more tires falls below the recommended level, the TPMS warning light on the dashboard illuminates, prompting the driver to check and inflate the affected tire(s).
Common TPMS Issues and Causes
TPMS problems can arise from a variety of sources, including:
- Faulty TPMS sensors: The sensors themselves can fail over time due to wear and tear, battery depletion, or physical damage.
- Incorrect tire pressure: If the tire pressure in one or more tires is not properly maintained, the TPMS system will detect the issue and trigger the warning light.
- Damaged or leaking tires: Punctures, cracks, or other tire damage can cause air leaks, leading to low tire pressure and TPMS alerts.
- Wheel/tire replacement: When you replace your wheels or tires, the TPMS sensors may need to be reset or recalibrated to work with the new components.
- Electrical system issues: Problems with the vehicle's electrical system, such as a faulty control module or wiring, can also cause TPMS malfunctions.
Diagnosing and Fixing TPMS Problems
If you're experiencing TPMS issues, follow these steps to diagnose and resolve the problem:
- Check the tire pressure: Use a tire pressure gauge to verify that the pressure in each tire matches the recommended levels specified by the vehicle manufacturer. Adjust the pressure as needed.
- Inspect the tires: Look for any visible signs of damage, such as punctures, cracks, or bulges, that could be causing air leaks.
- Scan for TPMS-related trouble codes: Use a diagnostic tool to check for any trouble codes related to the TPMS system. This can help identify the specific issue, such as a faulty sensor or wiring problem.
- Replace TPMS sensors, if necessary: If the sensors are malfunctioning, they will need to be replaced. This may require programming the new sensors to work with your vehicle's TPMS system.
- Recalibrate the TPMS system: After making any changes to the tires or wheels, you may need to recalibrate the TPMS system to ensure it's properly detecting and reporting tire pressure.
Remember, addressing TPMS issues promptly is important for maintaining the safety and performance of your vehicle. If you're unsure about how to diagnose or repair TPMS problems, don't hesitate to bring your car to the experts at Kevin's Autos. We have the knowledge and tools to get your TPMS system back in working order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reset my TPMS myself?
Hold the TPMS reset button until the tire pressure light blinks three times, then release it. Start the car and wait about 20 minutes for the sensor to refresh. You will find the tire pressure monitor reset button under the steering wheel. Refer to your vehicle's owner's manual if you can't find it.
Can I replace TPMS myself?
There are two types of TPMS sensors. One of them uses a software-based system (indirect). The second type uses sensors built into the valve stem caps (direct). The latter is the type you can install by yourself.
Why is my TPMS light on but tires are fine?
Either the TPMS units or system are defective, need new batteries, or the tire pressure is too high or too low.
Where is the TPMS reset button?
Set the parking brake. Look for a button to the left of the steering column labeled with the TPMS icon if it's there push and hold it until the TPMS indicator in the instrument panel blinks twice.
Can I still drive with the TPMS light on?
This is why you should maintain proper inflation pressure and try to avoid driving when the TPMS light is on. If you absolutely must drive a short distance on a tire with severely low pressure, drive very slowly and use extreme caution. The tire should be inflated or changed before driving anywhere.
How do you fix a TPMS sensor?
- Step 1: Preparation.
- Step 2: Remove the Tire From the Wheel.
- Step 3: Demount the Tire.
- Step 4: Replace the Tire Pressure Sensor.
- Step 5: Remount the Tire to the Wheel.
- Step 6: Reinstall the Wheel on the Vehicle.
- Step 7: Reset the Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
- Step 8: Conclusion.
How do I fix malfunctioning TPMS?
Steps to fix a bad TPMS sensor include checking the battery voltage, reprogramming or resetting the sensor, and replacing the sensor if necessary. Using a TPMS bypass emulator can eliminate the hassle of dealing with TPMS sensor faults and save on costly repairs.
How to find out which tire sensor is bad?
Measure the air pressure of each tire and record them. Then, compare the data with the one displayed in your car display panel. If the reading in one tire is different from the one displayed, it might mean that there's a problem with the TPMS sensor in that tire.
Is TPMS easy to fix?
Replacing or removing the direct TPMS sensor isn't as easy, because it's part of the tyre's valve stem – so you'd need to actually remove the tyre from the wheel to access it.
Is TPMS expensive to fix?
The average cost to replace the TPMS Sensor is between $314 and $368. Find out TPMS Sensor replacement pricing for your vehicle.
