You’re driving your car and a message pops up on the dashboard that says “Tire Pressure Sensor Fault.” What does it mean and how much will it cost to fix? Will it go away when the tires are inflated to the correct tire pressure?
Tire pressure sensors are among those things you hope won’t become visible. When they are working right, you don’t even know they are there. When they malfunction, it is very frustrating to figure out what is going on.
Here, we will provide some explanation about the tire pressure sensor fault message and we will walk you through the fix. So keep reading for more information!
What does the Tire Pressure Sensor Fault mean?
“Tire Pressure Sensor Fault” is a notification that there is a problem with the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). This would usually involve a problem with a tire pressure sensor or a connection with the tire pressure sensor.
On the error codes displayed, it may indicate that the pressure of the tires’ air is too low, or too high or that one of the tire pressure sensors is open.
Additionally, it may be a faulty TPMS control unit, wiring problem, or TPMS reset that caused the issue. The quickest way to diagnose is to check for error codes from the TPMS control unit with an OBD2 scanner.
How does a TPMS system work?
TPMS systems function in two main ways. If your vehicle is from after 2007, you probably have TPMS. Some have sensors in each tire that read your tire pressure and send that information to your TPMS control unit.
If the tire pressure is too high, too low, or the control module cannot talk to your sensors, a Tire Pressure Sensor Fault message will come up on your dash.
Others do not have any sensors in the tires and only use the ABS sensors to initiate your wheel rotation. If you have a low tire, the wheel diameter is more compressed and has to rotate faster compared to the other tires rotating at the same speed as the car.
Once you get a different speed at one wheel compared to every other wheel, your vehicle will store the error code in its TPMS or ABS system.
This is why you need to drive a distance before the car can read the tire pressure. This is only a simple estimate and not the accurate reading of tire pressure.
4 Causes of the Tire Pressure Sensor Fault Message
The tire pressure sensor fault message can appear on your dashboard for several reasons. Always check the trouble codes before reaching a conclusion. Here are the 4 most common causes of the tire pressure sensor fault message:
#1. Bad Tire Pressure Sensor.
Bad tire pressure sensors would have to be the worst cause you can get. The tire pressure sensors are located in the tires and have batteries inside of them. After some years the batteries run out, and you have to replace the entire sensor.
#2. Tire pressure sensor lost memory.
Sometimes it happens that the tire pressure control module and tire pressure sensors lose communication from each other, and in these cases, it can work to reprogram the sensors. The TPMS reset tool is needed to reprogram the sensors.
#3. You changed wheels.
If you live in a cold country with cold winters, you will most likely change your tires for the winter/summer tires.
You probably don’t know that you have to reset the TPMS after changing wheels, and if your car didn’t have the tires on before, you need to program the sensors to your car.
If you get the tire pressure sensor fault message after the tire change – you might need to program the sensors.
#4. Low tire pressure.
On some car models, the tire pressure sensor fault light can also be low tire pressure in your car. Putting air in your tires is easy, but if you don’t know how to do it, you can go to any workshop or any fuel station and let them do it.
Don’t forget that you can also activate the tire pressure fault light when your air pressure in the tire is too high. So make sure the pressure is exactly correct.
How to Repair the “Tire Pressure Sensor Fault” Message?
Here is how to fix it.
#1. Tire Pressure Check.
First, make sure you have the correct tire pressure in all tires. Use a tire pressure gauge to do it or you should check the tire pressure label. You can usually find it in the panel behind the driver’s door or in your repair manual.
#2. Reset with a Tire Pressure Button or with a Scanner.
Once you have inflated the tires to the correct pressure, you usually have to reset the system. Some cars have a reset button for this, and some you just have to drive for approximately 15 minutes until the lights go off.
You should refer to your repair manual to reset the TPMS system on your vehicle. Some vehicles require a diagnostic tool to reset the system.
#3. Read Trouble Codes.
If the error light still occurs, you would need to read the TPMS system error codes to see the error codes. It might as well be possible for the diagnostic tool to give a communication error to one of your tire pressure sensor or a damaged tire pressure sensor to one of the sensors (or possibly all).
Remember you will need the diagnostic scanner to read your enhanced trouble codes with that tool in order to read some of the TPMS etc, trouble codes and be able to analyze those codes.
#4. Reprogram Tire Pressure Sensors.
Sometimes tire pressure sensors can lose communication or lose some programming values to the TPMS control module. When that occurs you will have to reprogram all sensors for communication to the control module. Usually that can be achieved with a good TPMS reset tool.
#5. Replace faulty tire pressure sensor.
If after all of that, you still have the light you most likely have a faulty tire pressure sensor. You can then refer to the trouble codes to see which sensor is implicated and replace the sensor. You should always remember to reprogram the sensors after replacing one.
FAQs.
Where is the tire pressure sensor located?
Tire pressure sensors are generally inside the tire, typically visible around the air valve, sometimes with nut fastening around valve.
There’s no other way to find out than to remove the tire off of the rim or ask the dealer who installed it.
Is it safe to drive with a tire pressure sensor fault?
Yes, if you check the pressure in the tire to ensure that it is correct, it is fine. Driving with low pressure may lead to ruination and unsafe handling.
How much does a tire sensor cost to replace?
The cost of a new tire pressure sensor is $30 to $80 depending on the type of sensor. However, if you don’t know how to install and program the sensor, it will generally cost an additional $30 to $50 to get it done by a mechanic.
Can I replace tire sensors myself?
You can replace a tire pressure sensor yourself, but it is not easy. The sensor is in the tire, so you have to take off the tire to get to it, and if you do not know to do it properly, you will ruin another part of your car, or the tire itself.
How much does it cost to request a tire pressure sensor fault fix?
A tire pressure sensor fault message can cost anywhere from $0 to $500 dollars to fix. If the only reason for the alert is low pressure, it will not cost you. If it is an electrical fault or tire sensor fault, however, it can cost you hundreds.
Summary
The tire pressure sensor fault message indicates that the TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) is not working properly. This system involves both the TPMS sensors and the TPMS signal receiver.
When the TPMS system is malfunctioning, it is most likely due to either an improper tire inflation on one of your tires or because of an improper reset of the TPMS system. However, a TPMS signal may lose memory or have a damaged part as well.
A tire pressure sensor fault is a common, easily resolved problem involving your tires, especially if you frequently check your tires and keep them inflated and well-maintained.
If you experience a tire pressure sensor fault and you feel you are not knowledgeable enough or confident enough, then please take your vehicle to a vending mechanic to diagnose the problem and have it fixed quickly enough!