Tire pressure sensor fault error message is mostly a headache for Ford owners and it indicates the tire pressure monitoring system needs your attention. This error message may come on due to replacing tires, using an old sensor, or wiring issues.
Though you can continue driving with this error message, you should determine the faulty sensor, fix the underlying issue, and reset the system to clear the message.
Article Summary
What Does Tire Pressure Sensor Fault Mean?
The tire pressure sensor is a common warning message for most modern vehicles. Some mechanics believe that this error message indicates low tire pressure. However, the tire pressure sensor fault warning message indicates an issue with tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). The tire pressure sensor is placed near the wheel of a vehicle and it monitors the tire pressure and delivers it to the computer.
However, the sensor can malfunction or get damaged due to rotating the tires, dead battery, corrosion, or extreme temperature and trigger the warning message. This warning message isn’t an emergency like other messages on the dashboard and you can continue driving your car. However, you should fix the issue that triggered the warning message and reset the system to make driving more efficient.
How To Fix Tire Pressure Sensor Fault Warning Message?
Below are some most potential causes that can damage the tire pressure sensor and trigger the warning light:
Rotate Or Replace The Tires
If you rotate, replace, or mount spare tires on the vehicle, it will confuse the system that records each tire in a certain location. Hence the system can trigger tire pressure sensor fault warning light.
To fix this issue, you will need to make sure that tires are not flat and has recommended pressure. Then reset the tire pressure sensor.
Replace Old Sensor
A tire pressure sensor usually lasts around 80000 miles. If you use a tire pressure sensor for too long or it passes the longevity, the sensor may malfunction due to wear and tear. So the aging sensor can cause signal delays or struggle to communicate with the TPMS system.
Hence the system can activate the warning light. If so, you will need to replace the tire pressure sensor between recommended intervals.
TPMS Error Reset
Tire pressure monitor sensors are usually made of aluminum and rubber that can get corroded due to dirt and dust in the inner lining of the valve stem. A corroded tire pressure sensor won’t be able to measure air pressure accurately and can deliver false signals.
It can also cause the failure of the tire pressure sensor system and trigger a warning light. In this case, you will need to clean the tire pressure sensor and then reset it to remove the warning light. You should also inspect the sensor regularly to prevent corrosion-related problems and prolong the longevity of the sensor.
Change Dead Battery
The lithium battery of the tire pressure sensor lasts around 5 to 7 years. However, the battery can die earlier due to using more frequently or driving cars on rough roads. A damaged or dead sensor battery can prevent the device from working properly and trigger the error light.
A low or dead battery can also shut down the whole electrical system. If so, you will need to replace the battery and the tire pressure sensor.
Avoid Rough Driving
The tire pressure sensor is usually located inside the tire or connected to the valve stem and can easily get damaged due to sharp objects on the road. Nails, rocks, or other debris can damage the sensor and puncture the tire.
In this case, you will need to replace the damaged sensor to deactivate the warning light. You can also avoid driving over rough roads, install protective covers, or use the more durable sensor to avoid the tire pressure sensor warning light.
Cool Down TPMS Sensor
High temperatures can increase the sensor’s battery depletion and cause erratic readings. Extremely cold temperatures can also drop down the tire pressure and cause false alerts. The tire pressure sensor can also fail due to extreme temperature stress.
To avoid this problem, park your vehicle in shaded places using hot weather and use proper insulation during freezing conditions.
How To Reset Tire Pressure Sensor Fault Warning Message?
You have to solve the underlying issue that triggered the warning message on the dashboard. Then follow these methods to reset the error message:
Drive And Restart The Car
A tire pressure sensor usually requires some time to receive fresh readings and understand that the tire pressure issue has been solved. To reset the tire pressure sensor fault light after fixing the underlying issue, drive your car on the highway at 50 mph for around 10 minutes. The warning light should disappear.
Use The TMPS Reset Button
Some modern vehicle including Nissan has TMPS reset buttons. This button is usually located near the steering wheel on the dashboard. If your vehicle has the dedicated button, turn the ignition key to the on position but don’t start the engine.
Then push and hold the TMPS button until the error light blinks three times on the dashboard. Then release the button and turn on your car. The warning light should turn off.
Disconnect And Reconnect The Battery
You can also reset the car’s entire electrical system including the tire pressure sensor fault warning light by disconnecting and reconnecting the battery. Open the hood and disconnect the battery’s negative terminal using a wrench. Then wait for around 15 minutes and reconnect the battery.
You won’t see the warning light the next time you start the vehicle. If the error light still comes back, inspect the whole sensor battery, ECM, or ICM with the aid of a professional mechanic.
How To Determine Which One Of The Tire Pressure Sensors is Faulty?
Apply these tricks to find out the faulty tire pressure sensor on your car wheel:
Check To Relearn Mode
Some vehicles come with tire pressure sensor retrain or relearn mode. If air is released or added to the tire, the sensor sends a signal to this mode. The relearn mode then makes the horn chirp. So you can check all the sensors for horn chirp. If you notice any of the sensors produce a response, this is the faulty one.
Fill Up And Release Air
Fill up the air in all types based on recommended pressure. Then release air from every tire one by one and monitor their pressure. The tire that doesn’t send the correct pressure or shows a different range message on the dashboard has a faulty sensor.
If you find the tire with a faulty sensor, refill it with the correct pressure, mark the wheel, and replace its sensor. The electric wire of the receiver sensor can get damaged due to rock or debris on the road.
Use A Digital Pressure Gauge
Measure the air pressure of every tire using a digital pressure gauge and note them. Compare the measured data of each tire with the displayed data on the dashboard. If you notice a different reading of any of the tires, it has a faulty pressure sensor.
What Happens if A Tire Pressure Sensor Goes Bad?
If the tire pressure sensor gets damaged, it can bring the following consequences:
Reduced Fuel Efficiency
The tire pressure sensor is a vital component of a tire pressure monitoring system. It helps make sure that every tire is inflated properly. If the pressure sensor goes bad, the system won’t detect low tire pressure. If you continue driving with this condition, it will cause increased tire wear and reduced fuel efficiency.
Decreased Safety
Low tire pressure affects the stability and handling of the car. So, faulty tire pressure sensors can increase the chance of accidents, particularly at high speeds. The tire pressure sensor fault warning light can also distract you while driving.
Difficult To Diagnose Other Problems
The tire pressure sensor fault warning light may also come out due to a damaged sensor module, low battery, or wiring problem. You will also struggle to diagnose these components with a damaged tire pressure sensor.
FAQs
Can You Drive With A Tire Pressure Sensor Fault Warning Message?
It isn’t safe to drive with a tire pressure sensor fault warning. This warning message indicates underinflated tires which can cause you to get stuck on the roadside.
Is it Expensive To Fix A Tire Pressure Sensor Fault?
On average, tire pressure sensor faults can cost between $200 and $440. The price of the replacement part is around $150 to $270 while the mechanic can charge around $75 to $150. However, the exact cost varies depending on the make and model of a car.
Why Does The Tire Pressure Sensor Warning Light illuminate or Flash?
The tire pressure sensor light illuminates or flashes when detecting any faults in the system like a dead battery, loose wire, or damaged sensor. The flashing light also indicates it is time to reset the system.
Final Words
You should ignore the tire pressure sensor fault warning message even if it causes a drivable issue. When this error message occurs, you won’t be able to get the right information about tire pressure. So if you drive with a flat or underinflated tire, it can cause severe accidents.
So, if you notice this error message, bring your car to a mechanic, check the whole TPMS system, and reset it to clear the message and make the driving safe.
