A Tire Pressure Monitoring System or TPMS is important for keeping your tires at the right air pressure. This makes sure the vehicle is safe and also improves the fuel efficiency of the vehicle. Just like any other part of a vehicle, or like any other tools used in vehicles, a TPMS can go bad. TPMS sensors and systems can malfunction as time goes on. Faults like a malfunctioning sensor, low battery or system error can happen. Fixing whatever the error faced by your TPMS is important to keeping your tires in the best condition. Sometimes, these faults are caused by fake products. You can check out our page for authentic and the best tools. This article will explain the most common issues with TPMS and how to fix them.

TPMS and Their Issues

The use of a TPMS comes with its own TPMS specific issues. These issues can affect the TPMS systems, the vehicle’s dashboard, the TPMS sensor or the batteries. There are also issues that might arise from how the TPMS was installed or general wear and tear. These issues can be frequent or happen sparsely. Whatever the situation is, dealing with it early on is advised. This will keep your tire in the best shape for as long as possible.

Common TPMS Issues and Causes

Knowing what issues seem to commonly affect a TPMS can help you stay prepared. Being equipped with knowledge like this will also help you diagnose issues faster and more accurately. You will be able to decide how best to deal with the issue and on time too. Below are some of the most common issues with TPMS systems.

TPMS Warning Light Stays On

One of the most popular issues with a TPMS is the system warning light staying on. The warning light on the dashboard can sometimes stay on for longer than it needs to. This can happen due to low air pressure in the tires. It can also be caused by sensor malfunction or an issue with the Tire Pressure Monitoring System control module.

TPMS Sensor Battery Failure

Generally, TPMS operate using batteries that can last for as long as 5 to 10 years. When this battery dies, the TPMS sensor would stop transmitting data. This can lead to a system error. Also, in some cases the battery gets weak. In situations like this, the TPMS sensor might work on and off. It might transmit data at times and not at other times.

Incorrect Pressure Readings

Another common issue that is experienced with TPMS is incorrect reading of the air pressure. When a TPMS sensor is faulty or damaged, the sensor might read inaccurate readings. This can lead to unnecessary alerts. It can also affect the ability to detect underinflated or overinflated tires. When the TPMS reads the air pressure wrongly, it can lead to more problems. Registering the wrong pressure can lead to adjusting the tire unnecessarily. It can also lead to not knowing when the tire is at risk of a blowout.

Communication Issues between Sensors and the Control Unit

In some cases, the issue can be with the onboard system. There is a form of communication between the sensor and the vehicle’s onboard system. Sometimes, the sensor and the onboard system might not be able to communicate effectively. This can be due to the sensor or the dashboard itself.  This can also be caused by a fault in the wiring connecting both devices. Another reason why this might happen is interference. Some other device in the vehicle might be interfering with the communication between the sensor and the on board system.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing TPMS Issues

Fixing whatever issue arises with your TPMS requires following specific steps. They need to be approached in a systematic manner. This includes troubleshooting to find out what the issue is. Then there is fixing the issue or replacing the TPMS or the sensor. These steps have to be followed to fix whatever issue you come across.

Step 1: Check Tire Pressure Manually

Firstly, before coming to the conclusion that your TPMS sensor is faulty, you need to check the tire’s air pressure. To do this, you need to use a very reliable gauge to check the air pressure of the tires. This must be done for each of the tires on your vehicle. When you do this inflate your tire to the recommended PSI level that is stated in your vehicle’s manual if need be. Otherwise, deflate your tires to the recommended PSI level as stated in your vehicle’s manual. Also, if the tire’s air pressure is in the recommended range, leave it as it is.

Step 2: Reset the TPMS System

The second step is resetting the TPMS system. In most vehicles you are allowed to reset the TPMS system. This reset to the TPMS system can be done manually. The reset function is different in different TPMS models. Typically, the reset is done by pressing a reset button. In some vehicles, it is done by driving at a certain speed for a particular duration of time. In some a diagnostic tool will have to be used. If your vehicle doesn’t allow for this feature, skip this step. The reset function is very helpful as in some cases it solves whatever issue is wrong with the TPMS.

Step 3: Inspect and Replace TPMS Sensor Batteries

Now, if the issue isn’t solved at this point you check the batteries. If your TPMS sensor has been used for years, it might be a battery issue. A dead battery or depleted one can cause malfunctions in the TPMS. So, you should inspect the batteries first then replace them if they’re bad, damaged, depleted or dead. Some vehicles allow you to change the batteries for your sensors. In other vehicles, you have to change the whole sensor unit.

Step 4: Reprogram or Relearn the TPMS Sensors

When you change the sensor of the TPMS in your vehicle, you might need to reprogram or relearn them. New replacement sensors might have a need to be reprogrammed to sync with the vehicles TPMS system and the dashboard. The process of reprogramming or relearning the new sensor with the TPMS and vehicle makes use of a tool. This tool scans the sensors, registers them and resets the system. This would help the new sensors work smoothly with the TPMS and the vehicle without any issues. It also allows for better communication between the sensors and the vehicle’s onboard system.

Step 5: Replace Faulty TPMS Sensors

The next step to take if your TPMS sensor is being unresponsive or malfunctioning is changing them. When the sensors are utterly nonfunctional, replacing them is the best option. You should make sure to get the best sensor. This sensor also has to be compatible with the year make and model of your vehicle. To get the best quality products, you can check out our store. After getting a replacement, you would then remove the old TPMS sensor. Dispose of this and fix it in the new one. You then go back to step 4 and relearn and reprogram the new TPMS sensor. You should be set to go after this as the reprogramming should have the sensors working just fine.

Step 6: Address Wiring and Module Issues

Now, if your TPMS sensors are functioning but not working correctly, you have to check other parts. Things like the control module and the wiring could also be the cause. In situations like this, the need for a professional mechanic is important. Electrical and connectivity issues can’t be diagnosed and fixed easily. A professional to help you check the electrical unit would be advised. They would also go ahead to fix whatever the issue might be.

Preventive Maintenance for TPMS

Asides from fixing issues that come up when you use a TPMS, it is important to also know how to maintain your TPMS. This would help to actually prevent most of these issues from arising. This in turn would help you save cost, time and energy. It would also help keep your vehicle and tires in the best condition. No matter the device, maintenance is a very important part. Preventive maintenance is even more important and this section would give some tips on preventive maintenance.

Regular Tire Pressure Checks

One of the most important maintenance acts is checking the tires periodically. Even if your TPMS is functioning properly, you should check your tire air pressure regularly. At least once a month is advisable and it should be done manually with a reliable gauge. This would help catch any issues early on.

Routine TPMS Inspections

Secondly, inspect your TPMS from time to time. Whenever you rotate your tires or change them, also inspect your TPMS alongside. Make sure they’re functioning properly and do not have any underlying issues. Doing this while changing your tires would help save cost as no extra cost is incurred. This also prevents any unnecessary issues that would lead to having to lose the tires again. Confirming the TPMS are functioning before fixing the new tire would help avoid having to check again after fixing the tire. Read our article to learn more about TPMS themselves.

Keep Sensors Clean and Protected

Another preventive maintenance measure is keeping your TPMS sensors clean and protected. Dirt and debris can affect the state of your TPMS sensor. Keeping them clean would prevent any form of malfunction due to dirt and debris. You should clean them periodically and also use gentle cleaners. Avoid applying any harsh chemicals to the TPMS sensor when cleaning. These harsh chemicals can cause damages of their own.

Replace Sensors before Battery Failure

Finally, change your TPMS sensors in time. If you know your TPMS sensors are nearing the end of their lifespan, change them. This would help prevent additional issues as time goes on. You don’t have to wait until the sensor experiences battery failure before you replace them. You should aim to replace them before battery failure happens. Doing this would help prevent unexpected failures when using the vehicle.

Conclusion

Fixing any issue with your TPMS can be very simple at times. It can be as simple as inflating your tires to the right air pressure as recommended. It can also be very complex in some cases. It can be as complex as replacing and relearning the sensors. Being able to understand the common problems is very helpful. Also knowing the right procedures to follow whenever these issues arise is to your advantage. It helps you keep your TPMS functioning properly. This in turn keeps your vehicle safe and boosts fuel efficiency.

If you seem to keep encountering problems and these steps can’t fix them, seek the help of a professional. They would be able to efficiently diagnose the issue and fix it up in time.