TPMS Warning Dashboard Light

TPMS Tire Pressure Monitoring System Car Dashboard Light

The TPMS Light indicates that the tire pressure monitoring system has detected a low air pressure tire or that a sensor has failed. Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Some cars allow for manual TPMS warning light reset, while others need expert diagnosis. Consult the owner’s handbook.

Malfunction Indicator for TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System): Certain cars are equipped with a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), which lights a low tyre pressure warning when one or more of the tyres is severely under-inflated as an additional safety feature and to help the driver. As a result, as soon as the low tyre pressure warning light flashes, stop and check your tyre pressure, then inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a tyre that is substantially under-inflated may cause the tyre to overheat and fail. Under-inflated tyres may also impair the vehicle’s handling and stopping abilities, as well as decrease fuel economy and tyre tread life.

The low tyre pressure warning is coupled with the TPMS failure indication. When the system senses a problem, the telltale will flash for around one minute before being lit constantly. As long as the problem persists, this process will repeat itself on future vehicle starts. The system may not be able to detect or communicate low tyre pressure as intended when the malfunction indication is lit. The installation of replacement or alternative tyres or wheels may cause TPMS failures for a number of reasons.

WHAT DOES A WARNING LIGHT ON A TPMS MEAN?

Do you know what to do if the TPMS sign flashes due to low tire pressure? The first step is to physically check your tire pressures using a gauge and add air until they reach the manufacturer’s recommended levels. (The proper pressure may be found on the driver’s door jamb or in the owner’s handbook, not on the tire’s sidewall, which is the tire’s maximum pressure.) Keep in mind that your TPMS does not take the place of regular tire pressure checks. It’s a gadget that can let you know when your tire’s pressure is low, but a tire may be underinflated for a long time before the TPMS warning light illuminates. When the tire pressure is too low or too high, the TPMS light illuminates.

WHILE DRIVING, THE TPMS LIGHT ILLUMINATES

When the TPMS indicator illuminates – and remains illuminated — at least one of your tires is underinflated. With a gauge, check the pressure in all of the tires, identify the source of the pressure drop, and supply air or repair the tire(s) as needed.

THE TPMS LIGHT ON AND OFF

Variable temperatures may cause your TPMS light to switch on and off when your tire pressure(s) are approaching the threshold that prompts an alarm. This usually happens at night when pressure drops owing to a reduction in ambient temperature, causing the light to come on; the light may switch off during the day when pressure rises due to increasing ambient temperature and/or heat produced by driving the vehicle. Check the pressure in all of the tires using a gauge, and add air to those that are underinflated.

THE TPMS LIGHT FLASHES FOR A SECOND AND THEN STAYS ON

When you start your vehicle, the light flashes for 60 to 90 seconds before becoming lit, which indicates the TPMS isn’t working correctly and you should take it to an automobile repair shop for an examination. The TPMS is out of commission until it is fixed, and it will not be able to notify you of low tire pressure. With a gauge, check the air pressure in all of the tires and add air to the ones that require it.

DO REGULAR TIRE PRESSURE CHECKS NEED TO BE REPLACED BY A TPMS?

No! Understanding what a TPMS warning light signifies and what to do if it comes on is an essential aspect of a driver’s job. However, it should not be used in lieu of routine tire pressure checks. Why? The TPMS may have restrictions depending on the circumstance, such as:

• The TPMS warning light may be set to illuminate below the tire pressure required to carry the vehicle’s load.

• The sensor(s) transmitting tire pressure data to the on-board computer may not be accurate.

• The system may not be able to accurately determine if a tire is too low if other tires are losing pressure at the same rate.

As a result, even if you have a tire pressure monitoring system, you should check tire pressure once a month, as well as before a long journey or while carrying a heavy load.

Common Location of TPMS Sensors?

The TPMS sensor is usually found in the tire as a valve stem. Band-mounted sensors are also connected to the wheels themselves.

TPMS sensor Location

HOW TO RESET THE TPMS LIGHT?

For TPMS Reset Procedure. Please click this link https://www.letsfixthatcar.com/all-cars-tpms-reset/

 

Courtesy: Some information on this page is from: bridgestonetire.com

 

Thank you -Erwin