What does TPMS system error mean?

A TPMS system error means the vehicle’s Tire Pressure Monitoring System cannot reliably read tire pressures or there is a fault in the system. The warning light or message you're seeing is an alert that requires attention.

What TPMS is and how it works

TPMS stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System. There are two main types in use today:

Direct TPMS (D-TPMS)

Direct TPMS uses sensors inside each tire that measure actual air pressure and wirelessly transmit the data to the vehicle’s computer. If a sensor fails or the battery inside a sensor dies, the system may flag a fault or stop reporting accurate readings.

Indirect TPMS (I-TPMS)

Indirect TPMS does not monitor pressure with individual sensors. Instead it compares wheel speeds and rotation patterns from the ABS system to infer underinflation. This method can be less precise and may produce faults if there is a calibration issue or a sensor fault in the ABS system.

Why you might see a TPMS error

There are several common reasons a TPMS warning appears, spanning worn or faulty sensors, calibration needs, and actual tire conditions.

Common causes of a TPMS error

• Dead or weak battery in a wheel sensor (especially in D-TPMS).


• Faulty or damaged TPMS sensor or receiver/module.


• Sensor signal interference or communication problems within the system.


• Tire rotation, replacement, or wheel changes that require a relearn/calibration.


• Underinflated tires or a tire with a slow leak.


• Software or ECU glitches that temporarily disrupt readings.


• Contextual factors such as a recently replaced tire or wheel alignment that affected the system.

In short, a TPMS error can have multiple roots, ranging from hardware failures in the sensors to calibration needs after tire work, to genuine changes in tire pressure.

What to do if you see a TPMS error

If a TPMS warning appears, use these steps to diagnose and address the issue safely and effectively.

Steps you should take when a TPMS error is displayed

• Safely pull over if you are driving; check all tires with a reliable gauge and inflate to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure (found on the door jamb placard or in the owner’s manual).


• Inspect tires for obvious signs of damage, punctures, or slow leaks that could explain low pressure.


• After adjusting pressures, drive the vehicle for a short distance to see if the warning clears on its own (many systems recalibrate after a drive).


• If tires are properly inflated and the warning persists, consider performing a TPMS relearn or reset procedure as described in the owner’s manual or by a dealership/mechanic.


• For tire changes, rotations, or replacements, ensure the system is relearned so sensors and ECU are synchronized.


• If the warning remains after relearn or after a few driving cycles, the sensor battery or one of the sensors may be failing and requires professional inspection or replacement.


• When in doubt, visit a qualified technician or dealer. Persistent TPMS faults can indicate a hardware issue that needs formal diagnosis with specialized tools.

Concluding: Most TPMS errors are resolvable through basic tire pressure checks or a calibration/relearn procedure, but persistent faults may point to a faulty sensor or control module that needs professional service.

Summary

A TPMS system error signals trouble with reading tire pressures or a fault within the monitoring system, rather than a single tire being low. It can arise from sensor battery failure, damaged sensors, calibration needs after tire work, or software glitches. Start with checking all tires’ pressures and ensuring proper inflation, then proceed to relearn or professional diagnostics if the warning persists. Regular maintenance and timely tire care help keep TPMS accurate and reduce the chance of unexpected alerts on the road.

How much does it cost to repair a TPMS sensor?

The average cost to repair a TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) is between $70 and $250 per sensor, including parts and labor. Costs can vary depending on the vehicle, the type of sensor, and whether you choose a dealership, an independent mechanic, or a DIY approach. The total price depends on the number of sensors that need replacement, as it's common for other sensors to fail around the same time. 
Professional replacement

• Average cost: $70 to $250 per sensor 
• Dealership: Often more expensive due to higher labor rates, but uses certified technicians and OEM parts 
• Independent mechanic: Generally lower labor rates but ensure they have experience with TPMS systems 
• Other options: Some tire retailers like Costco or Sam's Club may offer lower prices, but costs can vary 

DIY replacement

• Cost: Significantly lower, only paying for the cost of the sensors 
• Sensor cost: Varies from $20 to $150 or more depending on the brand 
• Additional costs: May include the cost of tools, potting compound, valve stem mounting kits, and other parts 

Factors that affect the cost

• Vehicle make and model: Luxury or newer models may have more sophisticated and expensive sensors
• Type of sensor: Direct TPMS sensors are more expensive than indirect ones
• Number of sensors: Replacing multiple sensors can be cheaper per-sensor if you can get a package deal 

Can I still drive my car if the TPMS light is on?

You can drive short distances with a TPMS light on, but you should not continue driving without addressing the issue, as it indicates low tire pressure which can be a safety risk. Driving with underinflated tires can lead to poor handling, reduced braking, uneven tire wear, decreased fuel efficiency, and in the worst case, a tire blowout. 
This video explains why it's dangerous to drive with the TPMS light on: 1mABC11YouTube · Dec 13, 2017
What to do when the TPMS light is on

• Reduce speed and pull over: As soon as it's safe, pull over to check your tires. 
• Check tire pressure: Use a reliable tire gauge to check the pressure in all four tires and compare it to the recommended pressure on the sticker on your driver's side doorframe or in your owner's manual. 
• Inflate tires: Add air to any tires that are low. The light should turn off after driving a short distance as the system resets. 
• If the light is blinking: A blinking light often means there is a malfunction with the TPMS system itself, not just low pressure. You should have the system inspected and repaired by a professional as soon as possible. 

Why you shouldn't ignore the TPMS light

• Safety: Low tire pressure affects your vehicle's handling and braking, making it more difficult to control, especially in emergencies. 
• Tire damage: Driving on underinflated tires can cause them to overheat and wear down unevenly and prematurely. 
• Fuel efficiency: Your car's fuel efficiency decreases when tires are not properly inflated. 
• Blowout risk: In severe cases, the stress and heat from driving on severely underinflated tires can lead to a catastrophic tire failure. 

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 I fix my TPMS sensor error?

To fix a tire pressure sensor fault, first check and inflate all tires to the correct pressure, then attempt a manual reset using the button or infotainment system, or by driving for 10-15 minutes at a consistent speed like 50 mph. If the light persists, the sensor is likely faulty and needs replacement, which involves a professional mechanic dismounting the tire to access and replace the sensor, a process similar to the one described in this YouTube video.
 
1. Inflate your tires to the correct pressure 

• Check the recommended pressure on the sticker inside the driver's side door jamb or in your owner's manual. 
• Inflate all tires, including the spare if it has a sensor, to the correct pressure, ideally when the tires are cold. 

2. Attempt a TPMS reset 

• Manual reset: Turn the ignition to the 'ON' position without starting the engine. Press and hold the TPMS reset button (usually under the steering wheel or in the glove box) until the light blinks three times. Some vehicles may require navigating through the infotainment system to a "TPMS calibration" or "reset" option.
• Automatic reset: Drive the vehicle for at least 5-15 minutes at a consistent speed of 50 mph to allow the system to self-calibrate. 

3. Address a persistent fault 

• If the warning light remains on after resetting and driving, the sensor is likely faulty and needs to be replaced. 
• Faulty sensors are often due to a dead battery, which has a lifespan of about 7–10 years. 
• Replacing a TPMS sensor requires a professional to dismount the tire from the wheel, replace the sensor, and then likely use a specialized tool to program or relearn the new sensor to the vehicle's system. 
• A professional can also use a TPMS reset tool to diagnose the exact issue, which may be due to a faulty sensor or external interference. 

This video explains how to replace a TPMS sensor: 48sRepair GeekYouTube · Dec 25, 2020