How To Fix Tire Pressure Sensor Fault?
It’s common to see the “Tire Pressure Sensor Error” message appear on your instrument cluster while driving. Do you know how serious this problem is and how much it costs to replace your tire pressure sensor?
All cars manufactured after 2007 are required to have a TPMS or Tire Pressure Monitoring System. This system is equipped with sensors that monitor the pressure in your tires. The sensors provide real-time information about tire pressure.
What does a tire pressure sensor error mean?
A pressure sensor error message indicates that there is a problem with one or more of the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensors in your vehicle. TPMS sensors are built into your tires and monitor their air pressure. A signal is sent to your vehicle’s computer system, which displays tire pressure readings on your dashboard.
How do I reset the pressure sensor?
The error code indicates that the pressure sensor is defective or that the tire pressure is too high or too low. A poor tire pressure sensor function will give you inaccurate readings. It could also be due to a defective TPMS control unit or frayed wiring. You may be able to solve the problem yourself
Symptoms of a faulty pressure sensor
The sensor is an electrical component, so it can be damaged for a variety of reasons, including aging, dirty heat, and abnormal power supply. Symptoms of a faulty tire pressure sensor when tire pressure is too high or too low include:
1) Inaccurate readings
One of the main signs of a faulty pressure sensor is incorrect or inconsistent pressure readings. The sensor may provide readings that are significantly higher or lower than the actual tire pressure. This can be observed via the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) display on the dashboard or by using a separate tire pressure gauge.
2) Dashboard warning light
A faulty pressure sensor may cause the TPMS warning light on the dashboard to come on. The warning light may appear as a symbol that resembles a tire with an exclamation mark or the letters “TPMS.” This light typically indicates a failure of the tire pressure monitoring system.
3) False alarms
The car dashboard constantly displays a warning message (indicating low tire pressure, even though the tire is actually properly inflated), but the tire is still in a normal condition. Also, the parameters displayed on the screen may not change depending on the tire pressure or temperature changes.
4) Inconsistent behavior
A defective pressure sensor can cause the TPMS to behave erratically. For example, the readings may fluctuate frequently or show different values ​​every time the vehicle is started and while driving.
- If the tire pressure sensor is defective, the driver can solve this problem by resetting or replacing the sensor.
- If the sensor does not receive a signal, you need to replace the sensor bulb with a new one.
- If you want to know more about the detailed steps, go to the next part.
How do I fix the tire pressure sensor error?
Before starting any repairs, you need to make sure that all tires have the correct pressure. There is a label on the back of the driver’s door that shows the correct tire pressure for your car. You can also find similar information in your repair manual. Check your tire for proper level and pressure with a pressure gauge.
If the pressure is too high, release air until the correct pressure is reached. If the tire is underinflated, add air. High temperatures will reduce the pressure on the label, so inflate your tire to a pressure slightly higher than indicated on the label when the tire is warm.
For example, if your tire pressure label says 240 kPa, the TPMS will display an error code if the pressure falls below this value. If you inflate your tires to 240 kPa when they are hot, the pressure may drop to 220 kPa when the tires are cold.
Consult your repair manual for instructions on how to reset your car’s TPMS. Some models have a reset button; simply press this after you have inflated your tires to the correct pressure. Depending on your car, you may need to drive for at least 15 minutes before the warning light goes off. How to fix tire pressure sensor errors
Check tire pressure before resetting TPMS (Photo courtesy of bolt-ua)
Visually inspect the tire pressure sensor for visible damage, such as: B. Physical impact, corrosion, loose connections. Make sure the sensor is securely attached to the tire valve stem.
If the tire pressure sensor is found to be defective and cannot be repaired, it may need to be replaced. If the sensor is defective, professional assistance is usually required to ensure proper installation and calibration. A qualified technician can diagnose a faulty sensor using special diagnostic tools and replace it with a new sensor if necessary. Replace the sensor battery.
The average life of a sensor battery is typically 2-6 years, depending on the position of the sensor valve. If the sensor valve does not send data to the vehicle’s dashboard after this time, the sensor battery may be dead.
When the sensor valve battery is dead, the letter “L0” appears in the parameter display position that corresponds to the sensor valve position. An indication that the tire pressure sensor battery is dead is that one or more sensors are not sending a signal to the controller. Therefore, if your tire pressure sensor uses a replaceable battery, you may need to replace the battery.
