What is the TPMS on my Acura MDX?
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is an essential feature in modern vehicles, including the Acura MDX. This system plays a crucial role in ensuring your safety and the longevity of your tires. In this article, we will explore what TPMS is, how it works, and why it is important for your Acura MDX.
What is TPMS?
TPMS is a safety feature designed to monitor the air pressure in your vehicle's tires. It alerts you when tire pressure falls below a certain threshold, which can help prevent tire blowouts and improve fuel efficiency. There are two types of TPMS: direct and indirect.
- Direct TPMS: This system uses sensors located inside each tire to measure the air pressure directly. If the pressure drops, the sensor sends a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer, which triggers a warning light on the dashboard.
- Indirect TPMS: Instead of using sensors, this system relies on the vehicle's ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) to monitor the rotational speed of the tires. If a tire is under-inflated, it will rotate faster than the others, prompting a warning.
Understanding the type of TPMS in your Acura MDX is important for proper maintenance and safety.
Why is TPMS Important?
Maintaining the correct tire pressure is vital for several reasons:
- Safety: Properly inflated tires reduce the risk of blowouts and improve handling, especially in adverse weather conditions.
- Fuel Efficiency: Under-inflated tires can increase rolling resistance, leading to higher fuel consumption.
- Tire Longevity: Maintaining the correct tire pressure can extend the life of your tires, saving you money in the long run.
By keeping an eye on your TPMS alerts, you can ensure that your Acura MDX remains safe and efficient on the road.
How to Respond to TPMS Alerts
If your TPMS warning light comes on, follow these steps:
- Check the tire pressure of all four tires using a reliable tire pressure gauge.
- Inflate any under-inflated tires to the recommended pressure, which can usually be found on a sticker inside the driver's door or in the owner's manual.
- If the light remains on after correcting the tire pressure, there may be a malfunction in the TPMS, and you should consult a professional mechanic.
Taking prompt action when you receive a TPMS alert can help prevent more serious issues down the line.
Conclusion
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System is a vital component of your Acura MDX that enhances safety, efficiency, and tire longevity. By understanding how TPMS works and responding appropriately to alerts, you can ensure a smoother and safer driving experience. Regularly checking your tire pressure and maintaining your TPMS will keep your vehicle in optimal condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Should I be worried if my TPMS light is on?
TPMS LIGHT FLASHES AND THEN STAYS ON
If the light flashes for approximately 60 to 90 seconds every time you start your car and then remains illuminated, this means the TPMS isn't functioning properly and you should take it to an automotive service center for an inspection.
What is the TPMS symbol on my dashboard?
The TPMS low tire pressure indicator is a yellow symbol that illuminates on the dashboard instrument panel in the shape of a tire cross-section (that resembles a horseshoe) with an exclamation point. That indicator light in your vehicle has a history.
How do I clear the TPMS warning?
On press the home button on the touch. Screen then touch vehicle settings touch tpms calibration then select calibrate if calibration failed to start appears repeat the previous. Step the calibration.
How do I tell which tire pressure sensor is bad?
Air Filling and Releasing. Fill each tire until it reaches its recommended tire pressure. Then, gently release air from each tire and monitor the car display panel. If you release pressure from one tire and it doesn't trigger the system, it might mean that the sensor is defective.
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.
Where is my 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.
How to fix TPMS sensor light on?
Drive at or above 50 mph to reset the sensor for 10 minutes. This causes your sensor to reset the next time you turn on your car. With the vehicle off, turn the key to the “On” position, but do not start the car. Hold the TPMS reset button until the tire pressure light blinks three times, then release it.
How can you tell which TPMS 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.
How do I fix the TPMS on my Acura MDX?
Turn the key to “On” (one position to the right), but don't start the car. Now hold down the “TPMS Reset” button until the flashing tire pressure light blinks three times. Start the engine and wait 20 minutes. Check your owner's manual if you have trouble finding the reset button.
