Why is my TPMS light on but my tires are fine?
If your tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) light is illuminated on your dashboard, but your tires appear to be properly inflated, there could be a few potential reasons. The TPMS light is designed to alert you when one or more of your tires is underinflated, but it can also turn on for other issues not directly related to tire pressure.
Potential Reasons for TPMS Light Being On
- Tire Pressure Fluctuations: The TPMS monitors tire pressure constantly, and small fluctuations in pressure due to temperature changes or other factors can sometimes trigger the warning light, even if the tires are still within the proper inflation range.
- Faulty TPMS Sensor: Each tire has a TPMS sensor that monitors the pressure and transmits the data to the vehicle's computer. If one of these sensors is malfunctioning, it can cause the TPMS light to illuminate.
- Low Battery in TPMS Sensor: TPMS sensors have small batteries that power the sensor. If the battery is running low, it can trigger the warning light.
- Damaged TPMS Sensor: The TPMS sensors can become damaged from road debris, improper tire mounting, or other physical impacts, which can also cause the light to turn on.
- Incorrect Tire Size or Replacement: If you've replaced your tires with a size that doesn't match the TPMS sensors, the system may not be able to properly monitor the pressure, leading to the warning light.
If your tires are properly inflated, the first step is to have a mechanic diagnose the specific issue causing the TPMS light to illuminate. They can use a diagnostic tool to check for any sensor or system errors and determine the appropriate repair.
