Is it safe to drive with a tire pressure sensor fault light on?

A tire pressure sensor fault light is a warning that the TPMS system cannot read or report tire pressures. You can usually drive for a short period, but you should not rely on the system and should have the vehicle inspected and the tires checked as soon as possible.

What a TPMS fault light means

The following points explain why the TPMS fault light may appear and what it signals about your tires and the system itself.

• The TPMS fault light indicates the system cannot read or transmit tire pressures from one or more sensors.


• Common causes include a dead or dying sensor battery, damaged or unpaired sensors, wiring or connector faults, or a faulty TPMS control module.


• Some situations occur after tire changes or wheel work if sensors aren’t programmed or mounted correctly.


• Indirect TPMS (which relies on ABS wheel-speed data rather than direct sensor readings) can fault if calibration is lost or the system can't interpret data properly.


• Even with a TPMS fault, tires may still be at or near the correct pressures; a manual check is essential to confirm safe inflation levels.

Understanding the light helps you prioritize a proactive check: manual tire pressure verification and a visit to a shop for diagnosis or sensor replacement if needed.

Safety implications of a TPMS fault

Knowing how a TPMS fault affects safety can guide decisions about whether to drive, how far, and how to prepare for repairs.

• You lose automatic alerts for low tire pressure, so you must monitor tire condition yourself.


• Underinflated tires can degrade handling, increase wear, reduce fuel economy, and raise the risk of a tire failure.


• Extreme weather or heavy loads can magnify the consequences of an undetected pressure issue.


• Some vehicles may still display a low-pressure warning even if the TPMS is faulting, but the system cannot reliably warn you in real time.


• Spare tires and certain wheel configurations may not be monitored by TPMS, so you should inspect unfamiliar or spare setups as well.

In short, a TPMS fault light does not mean an immediate danger, but it does mean you should slow down, recheck pressures manually, and arrange maintenance promptly.

What to do if the light is on

Follow these steps to assess and address a TPMS fault light without overreacting, while keeping safety in mind.

1. Manually check the pressure in every tire using a reliable gauge. Compare readings to the recommended pressures listed on the driver’s door placard or in the owner's manual.


2. Inspect tires for obvious issues such as nails, cuts, bulges, or unusual wear that could indicate damage beyond inflation concerns.


3. If a tire is underinflated, inflate it to the recommended level and recheck to ensure it holds pressure. Do not overinflate.


4. Check the spare tire as well, noting that many spares do not have TPMS sensors.


5. Even if all tires read as normal, the TPMS fault may be sensor- or software-related. Schedule a diagnostic with a qualified technician to read trouble codes and inspect sensors, wiring, and the control module.


6. If you must drive long distances, reduce speed and load and monitor tires closely, stopping to recheck pressures if weather or road conditions change.

After following these steps, you should plan a service visit to diagnose and repair the TPMS fault, which may involve sensor replacement, sensor programming, or system recalibration.

Temporary driving considerations

Until the fault is resolved, treat every tire as potentially underinflated and proceed with caution. Avoid aggressive driving, high-speed lanes, and heavy loads that stress tires unnecessarily.

Sensor and service options

Repair options vary by vehicle: direct TPMS sensors in each wheel may need battery replacement or sensor replacement, while indirect TPMS issues may require software updates or recalibration. A professional technician can confirm whether sensors, wiring, or the control module is at fault and perform the necessary reprogramming or replacement.

Maintenance tips to keep TPMS healthy

Routine checks can reduce the likelihood of future faults and keep the system reliable between services.

• Regularly check and adjust tire pressures to the recommended specification, especially with temperature changes or seasonal shifts.


• Avoid frequent tire mounting/demounting and align tire replacements with TPMS sensor service if needed.


• Have TPMS sensors inspected or replaced as part of tire maintenance, typically every 5–10 years depending on the sensor type and driving conditions.


• Ask your mechanic to reset or recalibrate the TPMS after tire rotation, replacement, or sensor work.

Proactive maintenance helps ensure that the TPMS can reliably alert you to real pressure changes, supporting safer driving conditions.

Summary

A tire pressure sensor fault light means the TPMS cannot read tire pressures at the moment. While you can usually drive for a short period, you should manually verify tire pressures immediately and schedule service to diagnose sensor or system problems. Safety hinges on maintaining correct tire pressure, since underinflation raises risk, and a malfunctioning TPMS removes a key automatic safety feature. Address the fault promptly to restore full monitoring and safe driving conditions.

How much does it cost to fix a tire pressure sensor fault?

Fixing a tire pressure sensor fault typically costs between $50 and $250 per sensor, depending on parts and labor costs, but the total can be higher. The final price depends on the type of vehicle, the specific sensor required, and where you have the work done. It's often best to replace all four sensors at once, especially if their batteries are old, which could add to the overall cost but prevent future replacements. 
Cost breakdown

• Part cost: A single TPMS sensor can range from about $20$ 20$20 to $150$ 150$150 or more, with options available from auto parts stores or dealerships. Dealership parts are often more expensive but may be of higher quality. 
• Labor cost: Professional installation typically costs between $50$ 50$50 and $150$ 150$150 for labor. This cost includes the work of removing the tire, replacing the sensor, and rebalancing the tire. 
• Total cost:
  • Single sensor: Expect to pay anywhere from $50$ 50$50 to $250$ 250$250. 
  • Four sensors: Replacing all four can cost between $100$ 100$100 and $200$ 200$200 in labor alone, plus the cost of the new sensors. 

Tips to save money

• Replace when getting new tires: If you are due for new tires, replace the TPMS sensors at the same time. This can save you a future labor charge since the tires will already be off the wheels. 
• Consider a full set: Since the sensors' batteries tend to die around the same time, replacing all four at once is often a cost-effective long-term solution. 

Can AutoZone reset my TPMS sensor?

Yes, AutoZone can help you with TPMS issues. While they sell the necessary tools for you to reset the system yourself, they may not be able to perform the reset for you on the spot. You can visit an AutoZone store to get advice, purchase a TPMS tool, or have a technician look at it. 
This video demonstrates how to reset the TPMS sensor without a tool: 58sAuto Repair GuysYouTube · Apr 12, 2020
How AutoZone can help with TPMS

• They sell the tools: AutoZone has TPMS scan and programming tools, including those that can read and clear codes, and relearn sensor information, which you can use to reset the system yourself. 
• They offer advice: AutoZone staff can provide advice on how to troubleshoot and reset the TPMS light yourself. 
• They sell replacement parts: If you have a faulty sensor, AutoZone carries a wide variety of replacement TPMS sensors for different makes and models. 
• They can perform a professional reset: Some AutoZone locations or their professional network may offer services to diagnose and reset the TPMS system if you are unable to do it yourself. 

You can watch this video to learn how to program a TPMS sensor using a tool: 59sAuto Repair GuysYouTube · Jun 7, 2022
What to do at AutoZone

• If the light is still on after you have added air, the sensors may need to be reset or replaced. 
• Visit your local AutoZone to get a TPMS tool and follow the instructions to reset the system. 
• If you are unable to reset the light with a tool, you may have a faulty sensor that needs to be replaced. 
• Ask the AutoZone staff for assistance or advice, or ask if they can recommend a professional shop in their network that can perform the service for you. 

How long can you drive with a tire pressure sensor fault?

You can drive a short distance to find a safe place to check your tires, but you should not drive for an extended period with a tire pressure sensor fault warning. Ignoring the light risks premature tire wear, poor handling, and potential tire blowouts, so it's important to check the pressure and inflate as needed as soon as safely possible. If the light flashes for a minute or two and then stays on, it indicates the TPMS system itself is not working, and you should have it checked at a shop to ensure the system is functioning correctly for future safety alerts. 
If the light means low tire pressure:

• Pull over when it is safe to do so. Find a safe spot to stop and check the pressure in all four tires. 
• Add air to the low tire. If the pressure is low, inflate it to the recommended PSI. 
• Consider the cause. If the light comes back on, there may be a slow leak that requires repair. 
• If the light stays on after filling. You may need to drive for a short distance for the sensor to recalibrate, or the system may need to be reset. 

If the light means the TPMS sensor has a fault:

• Check tire pressure manually. Since the system isn't working, you must manually check the pressure in each tire to ensure they are at the correct PSI. 
• Get the system serviced. A fault light means the system isn't functioning properly, so it is best to have the sensors checked and replaced by a professional as soon as possible. 
• Drive carefully. Without the system to warn you of low pressure, you risk driving on an underinflated or flat tire, so drive with extra caution and check tire pressure manually and frequently. 

Can you drive with a TPMS fault?

In conclusion, driving a car with a bad TPMS sensor is not advisable due to the associated safety risks, reduced fuel efficiency, accelerated tyre wear and potential legal consequences.