What is the tyre pressure warning light on a Ford Ecosport?
The tyre pressure warning light on the Ford EcoSport is the vehicle’s TPMS indicator. It alerts you when one or more tyres may be underinflated or when there is a fault in the tyre pressure monitoring system. The quick takeaway is to check and adjust tyre pressures to the recommended levels and monitor the light for any persistent fault.
On EcoSport models, the warning light is typically an amber symbol that looks like a tire with an exclamation point inside or nearby. It can come on for low pressure, but a flashing version can indicate a TPMS fault rather than a simple deflation. In most cases, the light activates when a tire drops below the guideline pressure and should go out after correct pressures are achieved and the system relearns through normal driving.
Understanding the warning light and how TPMS works
The Ford EcoSport uses a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) with sensors in the wheels that report tyre pressure to the vehicle’s computer. If any tire falls significantly below the recommended cold pressure, the TPMS triggers the warning light. The exact threshold is set by Ford for each model and may be influenced by temperature and driving conditions. Temperature drops, especially in cold weather, can cause pressures to fall and trigger the light even if a tire was recently serviced.
What the light signals regarding conditions
A steady amber TPMS light usually indicates underinflation in one or more tyres. A flashing light or a light that remains on after inflation can indicate a TPMS fault, a sensor issue, or a relearn requirement after tire service or rotation. If the light behaves unusually, it may require professional diagnostics.
What to do when the tyre pressure warning light comes on
If the warning light appears, follow these steps to address the issue and reduce the risk of tyre-related problems.
- Check all four tyres (and the spare, if your model supports monitoring it) for correct cold pressures using an accurate gauge.
- Inflate each tyre to the manufacturer’s recommended cold pressure, which is usually shown on the door placard near the driver’s door or in the owner’s manual. Do not rely on the tire’s appearance to judge inflation.
- Recheck pressures after inflating and remove any over-inflation by releasing air if necessary to reach the specified values.
- Drive the vehicle for a short distance at a moderate speed to allow the TPMS to relearn the new pressures. In many cases, the light will turn off automatically after several driving cycles when the pressures remain correct.
After inflating to the recommended levels, the light should normally turn off on its own after a few driving cycles. If the light stays on despite correct pressures, or if it begins flashing, there may be a TPMS sensor fault or battery issue in one of the wheel sensors. In that case, have the system inspected by a Ford dealer or a qualified tire shop.
When to seek professional help
If the TPMS warning light is flashing or remains on after you have verified and adjusted tyre pressures, or if you notice a tire leak or rapid pressure loss, contact a professional. A technician can check for sensor faults, damaged valves, or calibration issues and can perform a TPMS relearn or replacement of faulty sensors if needed.
Additional tips for EcoSport tyre care
Regularly inspecting tyres, rotating them according to Ford’s schedule, and keeping a consistent maintenance routine helps prevent unnecessary TPMS activations. Always replace damaged tyres promptly and ensure the replacement tyres are compatible with the vehicle’s TPMS system.
Summary
The Ford EcoSport’s tyre pressure warning light is a TPMS indicator that signals underinflated tyres or a system fault. To resolve it, check and inflate tyres to the door placard pressures, drive to allow relearn, and seek professional help if the light remains on or is flashing. Maintaining correct tyre pressures and a healthy TPMS system enhances safety, fuel efficiency, and tyre longevity.
Can I drive with the tyre pressure warning light on?
You should not drive for long with the low tire pressure light on, as it compromises safety, handling, and fuel efficiency. Pull over to a safe location as soon as possible to check your tire pressure and add air if needed. If the light stays on after adding air, or if a tire is severely underinflated, drive slowly and get to a mechanic to have it inspected, as you could have a slow leak or another issue.
What to do immediately
- Find a safe place to stop: Pull over to the side of the road or a parking lot as soon as you can do so safely.
- Check the tire pressure: Use a tire pressure gauge to check all four tires, as the TPMS light doesn't always identify the specific tire.
- Add air: If the pressure is low, add air to reach the recommended level, which can be found on a sticker in the driver's side doorjamb.
- Drive a short distance: After adding air, drive for about 20 minutes. The air will warm up and expand, and the light may turn off.
When to get professional help
- If the light stays on: If the light remains on after adding air, take your car to a mechanic to have the system inspected.
- If you have a slow leak: If you have to repeatedly add air to a tire, you may have a slow leak, and a professional should check for damage.
- For immediate safety concerns: If the light comes on suddenly while you're driving, it could be a sign of a dangerous situation like a flat tire. Drive slowly and have it checked immediately.
Dangers of ignoring the light
- Reduced control: Low tire pressure can negatively affect your car's handling, braking, and steering.
- Tire damage: Driving on underinflated tires can lead to uneven wear, and in extreme cases, a blowout.
- Decreased fuel efficiency: Your vehicle will use more gas when your tires are not properly inflated.
- Increased risk of accidents: Poor traction and handling can make you more susceptible to accidents, especially in wet conditions.
Why is my tire pressure light on when my tires are fine on my Ford?
Your Ford's tire pressure light might be on even with fine tires due to factors like a recent temperature drop, a sensor malfunction, or a system that needs to be reset or recalibrated. You can try a manual reset by locating the TPMS reset button and holding it down after turning the ignition on, or a more advanced reset that involves using the turn signal switch after starting the engine, depending on your specific model. If the light stays on after these steps, a professional may need to inspect the sensors for damage or low battery, especially if the tires have been recently rotated.
You can watch this video to learn how to reset the TPMS on certain Ford models: 58sProTreeVideosYouTube · Nov 5, 2020
Potential reasons for the light
- Temperature changes: Cold weather can cause the air in tires to contract, lowering pressure and triggering the light.
- Sensor malfunction: A TPMS sensor can become damaged or have a failing battery, leading to inaccurate readings and a false warning.
- After a tire rotation: The system may need to be recalibrated after a tire rotation, especially if it was done manually.
- System needs a reset: The system may require a manual reset to recognize the new tire pressure readings.
What to do
This video demonstrates the process of resetting the tire pressure warning light in a Ford: 55sThe OCD RepairmanYouTube · Aug 13, 2023
- Check and correct tire pressure: Ensure all tires (including the spare) are inflated to the correct PSI, found on the sticker inside the driver's side doorjamb or in the owner's manual.
- Perform a reset:
- Simple reset: Locate the TPMS reset button (often under the steering wheel or in the glove compartment), turn the ignition to the "on" position, and press and hold the button until the light flashes three times.
- Advanced reset (for some models): Park on a flat surface, turn the ignition to "run," turn the hazard lights on and off three times until the horn beeps, then let air out of each tire until the horn beeps again.
- Visit a professional: If the light remains on after a reset and the pressures are correct, have a dealership or mechanic check the TPMS sensors. They can diagnose and fix sensor malfunctions or other system faults.
Where is the tyre pressure sensor on a Ford EcoSport?
Each road wheel and tire is fitted with a tire pressure sensor located inside the wheel and tire assembly cavity. The pressure sensor attaches to the valve stem. The tire covers the pressure sensor and it is not visible unless the tire is removed. Take care when changing the tire to avoid damaging the sensor.
How to reset Ford EcoSport tire pressure sensor?
Start the battery on your car, but not the ignition. Locate the TPMS reset button (usually beneath or near the steering wheel), and hold it until the light on the dashboard blinks three times. Release the button, start the ignition, and the light should be off.
