Why is my svc tire monitor light on?
If your SVC (Supplemental Vehicle Computer) tire monitor light is illuminated on your dashboard, it typically indicates an issue with your vehicle's tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). The TPMS is designed to alert you when one or more of your tires is underinflated, which can affect your vehicle's handling, fuel efficiency, and tire wear.
Potential Causes of the SVC Tire Monitor Light
- Low Tire Pressure: The most common reason for the SVC tire monitor light to turn on is that one or more of your tires has low air pressure. This could be due to a slow leak, a puncture, or simply natural air pressure loss over time.
- Faulty TPMS Sensor: Each of your vehicle's tires has a TPMS sensor that monitors the air pressure and transmits the data to your vehicle's computer. If one of these sensors is malfunctioning, it can trigger the SVC tire monitor light.
- Damaged TPMS Components: Other issues, such as a damaged TPMS valve stem or a problem with the TPMS wiring, can also cause the SVC tire monitor light to illuminate.
- Incorrect Tire Pressure Settings: If the TPMS is not properly calibrated to the correct tire pressure for your vehicle, it may trigger the SVC tire monitor light.li>
If the SVC tire monitor light is on, it's important to address the issue as soon as possible to ensure your vehicle's safety and performance. Ignoring the warning light could lead to further damage or even a blowout.
Troubleshooting and Resolving the SVC Tire Monitor Light
- Check Tire Pressure: Use a tire pressure gauge to check the air pressure in each of your tires and inflate them to the recommended PSI level, which can be found in your owner's manual or on the driver's side door jamb sticker.
- Inspect TPMS Sensors: If the tire pressure is correct but the light remains on, the issue may be with one of the TPMS sensors. Have a mechanic inspect the sensors and replace any that are faulty.
- Reset the TPMS System: After addressing any issues with the tires or TPMS components, you may need to reset the TPMS system to clear the SVC tire monitor light. Consult your owner's manual for the proper reset procedure.
By understanding the potential causes and taking the appropriate troubleshooting steps, you can quickly resolve the issue and get your SVC tire monitor light turned off.
How to reset svc tire monitor?
To reset the Service Tire Monitor System, first ensure all tires are inflated to the correct pressure. If the light remains, try driving for 10-15 minutes at over 50 mph to let it recalibrate automatically. If it still doesn't reset, locate and press the TPMS reset button (often found under the steering wheel) until the light flashes, then drive to recalibrate.
Method 1: Auto-recalibration
- Properly inflate all tires: to the pressure recommended in your owner's manual. Remember to include the spare, as it may also have a sensor.
- Drive the vehicle: at a steady speed of 50 mph or higher for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Turn the car off: and then restart it to see if the light has cleared.
Method 2: Manual reset using a button
- Inflate all tires: to the correct pressure, including the spare.
- Turn the ignition to the "On" position: without starting the engine.
- Locate the TPMS reset button, which is often marked with "TPMS" and is typically found on the dashboard below the steering wheel or in the owner's manual.
- Press and hold the button: until the tire pressure warning light flashes three times.
- Start the engine: and drive for a few minutes to allow the system to recalibrate.
Method 3: For vehicles with an onboard system (e.g., Chevy Silverado)
- Ensure all tires are at the correct pressure.
- Turn the key to the "On" position, but do not start the engine.
- Navigate the menu: on your driver information center using the vehicle's buttons to find the "Relearn Tire Positions" option (this may be under "Info" or "Tire Pressure").
- Press the appropriate button: (e.g., "Check" or "Set") to initiate the relearn process.
- The system will often guide you through a series of steps, which may include using a special tool on each valve stem or a method of partially deflating each tire, and will honk to confirm when it has successfully learned each sensor.
This video demonstrates how to reset the tire pressure monitoring system on a Chevy Silverado: 57sQuiteAlrightYouTube · Sep 3, 2020
If the light persists
If the light remains on after trying these steps, there is likely an issue with one of the TPMS sensors, and a visit to a tire shop or mechanic may be necessary for diagnostics and replacement.
What does svc tire monitor light mean?
If one or more tires are over- or under-inflated, or if the system itself is malfunctioning, the TPMS system activates your Chevy Service Tire Monitor System light.
What causes the service tire monitor system to come on?
The "Service Tire Monitor System" light comes on due to low tire pressure or a problem with the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) itself, which can include faulty sensors, dead sensor batteries, or a receiver malfunction. The light can be triggered by factors like normal air loss, significant temperature changes, a flat tire, or if a spare tire is installed.
Common causes
- Low tire pressure: The most common reason, often caused by normal air loss over time or small leaks. Temperature drops can also cause pressure to decrease, triggering the light.
- Faulty or damaged TPMS sensor: Sensors can fail due to age, damage from potholes, or hitting curbs. The internal batteries in the sensors can also die after about 5–10 years.
- System malfunction: A problem with the TPMS receiver, a bad battery in a sensor, or new sensors that haven't been programmed correctly can also cause the warning light to appear.
- Spare tire installed: When a spare tire is used, the vehicle's computer can't detect the sensor in the spare, which triggers the light.
What to do
- Check tire pressure: The first step is to check the pressure in all four tires with a reliable gauge and inflate them to the recommended level.
- Drive a short distance: If the light was on due to a temperature drop, it may turn off after driving for a few minutes as the tires warm up.
- Visit a service center: If the light remains on after checking and inflating the tires, or if it flashes before staying on, it indicates a system malfunction and you should have the sensors and system diagnosed and serviced.
This video explains what a TPMS light is and why it might come on: 35sShaners Mechanic LifeYouTube · Apr 7, 2025
Can I drive with the svc tire monitor on?
It is not safe to drive with the "Service Tire Monitor System" light on, as it indicates a potential safety issue like low tire pressure or a system malfunction. While you might be able to drive short distances with caution, it increases the risk of poor handling, reduced fuel efficiency, excessive tire wear, and dangerous blowouts. You should check your tire pressure as soon as possible and, if the pressure is correct, get the system professionally inspected.
Why it's not safe
- Tire pressure problems: The light can mean one or more tires are significantly underinflated, which impacts handling, increases braking distance, and raises the risk of a blowout.
- System malfunctions: The warning can also indicate a problem with the TPMS sensors or batteries, meaning the system may not alert you to actual tire pressure changes in the future.
- Safety risks: Ignoring the light can lead to premature tire wear, poor vehicle control, and a greater risk of hydroplaning on wet roads.
What to do
- Check tire pressure: Use a reliable tire pressure gauge to check the pressure in all four tires as soon as you can. The correct pressure is listed on a sticker in the driver's side doorjamb or in your owner's manual.
- Inflate tires if needed: If a tire is low, inflate it to the recommended pressure. If the light goes off, you can continue driving, but check the pressure again soon to be safe.
- Seek professional service: If the light stays on after inflating the tires, or if it comes on intermittently, schedule a professional inspection to diagnose the problem with the system itself.
