How to get rid of the low tire pressure light


How to Reset Your Tire Pressure Light

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Your tire pressure light provides a critical reminder to restore the pressure in your vehicle's tires when it gets low. You should only attempt to reset the light after first addressing the tire pressure in every tire. Once your tires are at the appropriate pressure, the light may go off on its own. If it doesn't go off right away, driving at 50 mph for about 10 minutes should help the tire pressure sensor reset.

If the tire pressure light is still on, there are a few more tricks you can try:

  • Turn the car key to "on" but don't start the vehicle. Press and hold the TPMS reset button until the tire pressure light blinks three times. Release the button and start the car. The light should go off within 20 minutes.
  • Disconnect the positive battery cable while the vehicle is off. Turn the car on and press the horn for three seconds to discharge the remaining power. When you reconnect the battery the tire pressure light should be off.
  • Overinflate all the tires (including the spare) with 3 PSI, then deflate them completely. Re-inflate the tires to help reset the light.
  • Bring your vehicle to our service center for professional assistance.

IS TPMS the Same as Tire Pressure Light?

Image via Unsplash by introspectivedsgn.

 TPMS stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System. The tire pressure light is one component of this electronic system, providing a visual alert when your tire pressure is low. The TPMS monitors tire pressure using either an indirect or direct method.

An indirect TPMS measures the rate of revolution for each wheel. If a wheel starts spinning faster than anticipated, the system signals to your vehicle's computer that something is amiss with the tire rotation, and your tire pressure light comes on. You must manually reset the monitor in an indirect TPMS system.

A direct TPMS uses pressure monitoring sensors in each tire to monitor tire pressure exactly. This is a more accurate alternative to an indirect TPMS system. The batteries inside these sensors will last for about 10 years. Direct TPMS systems reset automatically after tire inflation or rotation. You do need to have these sensors resynchronized when you get new tires, which requires a special tool.

Can Cold Weather Cause Your Tire Pressure Light to Go On?

Yes, cold weather will affect the air pressure in your tires. Your tires lose one or two pounds per square inch (PSI) for every 10 degrees that the temperature drops. Cold air condenses while warm air expands. Therefore, the colder air in your tires will take up less space in lower temperatures.

You may find that your TPMS light is only illuminated for a short time in the morning on particularly cold days. After about 20 minutes of driving, the air will often warm up and expand, restoring proper pressure in your tires. If the light stays on after 20 minutes on the road, you should add air to your tires as needed to restore the proper pressure. Low tire pressure is hazardous for your vehicle regardless of the cause.

Why Is My Tire Pressure Monitor Light On When My Tires Are Fine?

When the tire pressure monitor light is on, the first thing you should do is check the pressure in each of your tires, including the spare. Check the manufacturer's recommendation to determine the appropriate pressure for each tire. This is typically between 30 and 35 PSI but may vary. You should measure tire pressure when the tires are cold, which means they have not been driven in the last three hours.

To check the pressure, simply unscrew the valve cap and insert a tire gauge into the valve stem. The gauge will provide a clear reading. Replace the valve cap when you're finished. If your tires are all at the appropriate pressure, there's a malfunction with your TPMS. Bring your vehicle to an authorized dealership service center to diagnose and resolve the issue.

Is it OK to Drive With My Tire Pressure Monitor Light On?

If the tire pressure monitor light is on, you should check your tire pressure as soon as possible. Low tire pressure creates a serious hazard on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 738 people died in tire-related crashes in 2017. When tire pressure is low, the tire has more contact with the road. This may cause the tire to overheat, leading to tread separation, excessive tire wear, or a blowout.

Low tire pressure also wreaks havoc on your fuel efficiency. You can save up to 11 cents per gallon simply by keeping your tires properly inflated. You'll also save money on tire replacements with adequate inflation. Keeping your tires properly inflated can add 4,700 miles to the tire's average lifespan.

The tire pressure monitor light gives you valuable information and should not be ignored.

Do I Need to Replace My TPMS When I Get New Tires?

You do not necessarily need to have your TPMS sensors replaced with new tires, but this is a good time to check them and make sure they're still in good condition. If you have an indirect TPMS system, your mechanic will need to manually reset the sensors after changing your tires. If you have a direct TPMS system, no additional maintenance is required to reset the system.

A new TPMS system will typically last for about 10 years before the batteries run out. If you have an older vehicle, you may need new sensors every five or six years. Your mechanic can advise you on the best time to replace TPMS sensors for your vehicle. When new sensors are installed, the system must relearn the location of each tire, which requires a detailed series of technical procedures. You should leave this task to a professional. 

If you need tire service for your Toyota, come to Kings Toyota for prompt, reliable service. Our highly-trained technicians are equipped to assist with any type of tire issue, whether you need new tires or have a malfunctioning tire pressure sensor light. Make your appointment today.

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How Do I Get My Low Tire Pressure Warning Light to Turn Off?

171 Washington Street, Morristown, NJ | 973-540-9880

by alazo@eaglesoars. com

Another pesky light is illuminated on your dashboard. This time it’s the low tire pressure warning light. Fixing the problem could be as simple as adding air to your tires. What do you do if you’ve checked the tire pressure and it’s fine? Read on to find out about your vehicle’s Low Tire Pressure Monitoring System – why you need it, how it works, and what you should do when this warning light comes on.

Why Does My Car Need a Low Tire Pressure Monitoring System?

Your vehicle is equipped with a Low Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) to help you make sure your tires are inflated to the correct air pressure. Almost 200 deaths occur each year because of tire-related crashes and a good number of them happen because tires are underinflated. Think about this for a moment. When was the last time you checked the air pressure in your tires? Do you check your tire air pressure once a month, as is recommended? The TPMS makes the job a little easier for you.

Ok, So I Need a Low Tire Pressure Monitoring System, but How Does it Work?

Your car is either equipped with a direct or indirect TPMS. The sensors in a direct TPMS monitor the air pressure within each of your tires. If the tire pressure in one or more of your tires drops 25% or more, the computer module in your vehicle will trigger the tire pressure warning light on your dashboard. With an indirect TPMS, wheel speed sensors are used to determine how fast your tires are rotating in comparison to the relative size of your tires. If a wheel starts to spin faster than it should, your car’s computer assumes the tire is underinflated and it tells the TPMS warning light to illuminate.

The Tire Air Pressure Warning Light is On. Now What?

  • If it Comes on While You’re Driving: If you’re driving and the TPMS comes on, pull over to a safe place and stop to check your tires. Unless your tire is completely flat, you’ll want to use a tire gauge to check the tire air pressure in each tire. You can find the correct tire air pressure on the label found inside the driver’s side door panel or in your vehicle owner’s manual (do not use the air pressure identified on the sidewall of your vehicle’s tires). If one or more tires is low, re-inflate them. (Click here for information on how to care for your car tires.)

Quick Tip: Always carry a tire gauge in the glove compartment so you can quickly check the air pressure once a month. Remember, to check the tires when they are cold – first thing in the morning is best.

  • If it Comes on In Cold Weather (in the morning or before you start driving): The air pressure in your tires will drop when the temperatures are colder. In fact, the colder the temperature, the more the pressure will drop. If the tire air pressure falls 25% or more, the TPMS dashboard warning light will come on. You’ll need to add air to your tires, but be careful not to fill them too much as the air in them will expand once the tires warm up.

Quick Tip: Some vehicles are equipped with a reset button for the TPMS Warning Light. Once you’ve filled the tires to the correct pressure, reset the warning light on your instrument panel.

Why Does the TPMS Warning Light Stay On or Come Back On After It’s Been Reset?

If you’ve added air but the air pressure warning light stays on, there’s a problem with your Tire Pressure Monitoring System or you have a slow leak. Assuming there is no leak in your tire, a lit TPMS warning light indicates a problem with a tire pressure sensor. One of them may be bad, the lithium-ion battery may be dead or there could be an internal fault within the TPMS. In any of these cases, you’ll need to have repair work performed on your Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

Quick Tip: If the TPMS warning light comes back on after you’ve filled the tire with air, recheck the tire to make sure it is inflated to the proper air pressure. If the tire air pressure is low, you have an air leak and should have the tire fixed or replaced.

Call Shade Tree Garage in Morristown, NJ, When You Have a Problem with Your Tire Pressure Monitoring System

If that pesky Tire Pressure Monitoring System light won’t turn off, give us a call. The ASE-certified mechanics at Shade Tree Garage can diagnose and correct whatever is causing the problem. Click here to make an appointment to have your low tire pressure monitoring system fixed at our auto repair shop in Morristown, New Jersey.

Categories Everyday Car Care

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Why does the tire pressure sensor light stay on

Why does the TPMS light stay on on the dashboard?

When the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) light comes on on your car's dashboard, it usually means that the air pressure in one or more tires has dropped below the expected level. But, unfortunately, due to the peculiarities of the operation of this system, very often the low tire pressure icon lights up on the tidy by mistake.

First, if your car is equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system, it is important to remember that it does not relieve you of regularly checking tire pressure, as well as inspecting the condition of the tires. Although turning on the TPMS light can be a great puncture warning (a tire pressure monitoring system cannot replace physical inspection of the wheels for damage), and also free you from checking tire pressure with a pressure gauge.

What does the tire pressure monitoring system actually mean?

If you have a car with TPMS, that means there is a wireless sensor in every tire. Each sensor transmits data to a computer, which in turn analyzes the data with reference values ​​and, in the event of a data discrepancy for any wheel, turns on an icon on the tidy to warn the driver about low tire pressure. Moreover, the indicator can light up both with insufficient pressure in one or more wheels, and with its excessive value.

See also How to prolong the life of car tires: The most important tips

But why do we need this system, if quite often it misleads drivers? In fact, the appearance of a low tire pressure icon on the tidy is the best reason to stop the car, take the pump with a pressure gauge and check the tire pressure. The tire pressure monitoring system still most often transmits important information for the driver. In 75% of cases, the warning of the tire pressure monitoring system really indicates problems in the wheels.

Tire pressure light comes on while driving and does not go out

  • What is happening on the dashboard : The icon on the dash turns on and stays on.
  • What it means : Air pressure is low in at least one tire.
  • What you should do : Check the tire pressure with a pressure gauge as soon as possible.
  • Can I continue driving with the TPMS light on : Although you can drive with the tire pressure warning light on, be aware that one or more tires may have low air pressure. Your car may not perform as you expect, and driving with a flat tire can not only damage your tyre, rim, but also cause an accident.

Low Tire Pressure Icon Lights On and Off

  • What's Happening on the Dashboard : The indicator lights up and then turns off.
  • What means: The tire pressure in at least one tire is probably very close to the minimum or maximum rated inflation. When the air is compressed due to cold weather or heats up, the tire pressure sensor is triggered.
  • What you should do : Check the tire pressure and adjust if necessary.
  • Can you continue driving : The air pressure is probably close to where it could be unsafe. Be aware that a vehicle with low tire pressure may be less drivable and generally behave differently than you would expect.

Tire pressure indicator light flashes before turning on the engine

  • What happens on the dashboard .
  • What does it mean : The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) may be faulty and you cannot fix the problem yourself. In this case, you need electronic diagnostics of the car in a specialized technical center.
  • What you should do : Show your vehicle to a qualified technician as soon as possible. Also be sure to check the tire pressure with a pressure gauge.
  • Can you keep driving : if you check the air pressure in your tires and it is ok, you are safe. Only in this case, do not rely on the TPMS system to warn you about a problem in the wheels.

Tire pressure and temperature change

In most cases, your car's tires are filled with air that is identical to the air in the atmosphere. But sometimes tires are filled with nitrogen instead of air. However, the same rules of thermodynamics apply to nitrogen that apply to the mixture of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and oxygen, as well as other elements that make up the air we breathe and that we typically fill car tires with.

According to the laws of physics, if the temperature of a gas decreases, the pressure also decreases. Since the tires in a car are more and less a closed system, this essentially means that when the temperature of the air in the tire goes down, the air pressure in the tire goes down as well.

This is also true when the pressure rises due to an increase in temperature. As the gas expands as it heats up, it has nowhere to go because it is in the confined space of the tire, and the pressure increases as a result.

See also What is the correct tire pressure for various off-road conditions

The exact increase or decrease in tire pressure depends on a number of factors. But on average, it is believed that when the ambient temperature drops by 10 degrees Celsius, the tire loses about 0.07 bar and, conversely, when the temperature rises by 10 degrees, the tire pressure increases by about 0.07 bar.

Cold winter weather and tire pressure monitoring system

Tire pressure problems are most common in winter. And this is logical, since in winter there are sharp temperature drops. This is especially true for the northern regions of the country, where the winter is very cold.

For example, if you inflated your car tires in August according to the factory specification, when the ambient temperature was 26 degrees, then with the onset of cold weather in late autumn, when the temperature outside dropped to -17 degrees, the pressure in the tires of your car will fall by about 0. 34 bar.

By the way, due to sudden changes in temperature at night and during the day in winter, the tire pressure monitoring system can start acting up. For example, if you get into your car early on a frosty morning and notice that the TPMS light comes on, but then goes off after a few hours, this indicates that tire pressure is changing due to temperature changes. In this case, we would advise not to change the tire pressure, as this is fraught with the fact that during the daytime the tire pressure will be excessive, which will lead to premature wear of the rubber tread.

Tire pressure may also change while the vehicle is in motion. The fact is that the friction of the tires causes them to heat up, which in turn causes the air inside the tires to heat up. This is one of the reasons automakers recommend inflating tires when they are cold rather than hot after the car has been driven.

Thus, there is a real possibility that the tire pressure monitoring system will warn you of insufficient tire pressure early in the morning, but after a while the vehicle is moving, the indicator will turn off on the tidy.

Tire pressure check in summer, spring, autumn and winter

If you check your tire pressure in the morning before you set off, you realize that the pressure is not low, but the tire pressure indicator on the tidy is on or flashing , most likely, in one of the wheels there is a malfunction of the pressure sensor. This error is not very common. But still, sometimes it happens. By the way, some fluids and dirt from the brake pads can accelerate the process of wear of tire pressure sensors.

On the other hand, if the tire pressure monitoring system warns you of low pressure when the tires are cold, inflating them while they are cold will save you unnecessary TPMS warnings in cold winter weather.

By the way, this is why it is recommended to check and adjust tire pressure several times a year. Especially when the seasons change. For example, with the onset of the cold season, it is recommended to add tire pressure and, conversely, with the onset of spring, it is recommended to slightly reduce the pressure. Taking into account changes in ambient temperature during the changing seasons in this way can save you problems with the tire pressure monitoring system indicator.

How to reset a tire pressure error: a few easy steps

Save article:

The article says:

  1. Why you need a tire pressure sensor
  2. What are the reasons for triggering the sensor
  3. How can I reset the tire pressure sensor error
  4. How to adjust tire pressure sensors

When the tires are optimally inflated, the low tire pressure indicator (TPMS) does not light up on the vehicle's dashboard. However, in some cases, it lights up even if the pressure is normal. This can't help but be annoying, especially when the tires are inflated normally. In our article today, we will figure out how to reset a tire pressure error.

Why do you need a tire pressure sensor

American and European scientists conducted a study, during which it was found that most drivers do not check whether the wheels are properly inflated before getting behind the wheel of a car. Only 40% of car owners perform such a check - and even then only once every 12 months. This is the reason for a large number of accidents.

The TPMS (Tyre pressure monitoring system) system is designed to monitor tire pressure, as well as warn of a malfunction. If the tires are under-inflated or over-inflated, an error will be displayed on the remote control or an audible signal will appear.

What is dangerous too high or, conversely, low pressure? The risk of an accident increases, the car begins to consume more fuel, in addition, the rubber wears out faster.

Photo: Shutterstock

The above devices operate on the same principle. Let's figure out how information about what tire pressure gets to the control panel.

  • Each wheel is equipped with a controller. It records tire pressure data.
  • Information is transmitted from the sensor to the transceiver with a frequency of 2-3 seconds . The controller transmits data using Bluetooth.
  • The program analyzes the received data, which should correspond to normal values ​​ . Otherwise, when the tires should be lowered a little, the program sends a signal to the car owner. Exactly according to the same principle, a signal is transmitted if the rubber needs to be pumped up.
  • Depending on the device, the error signals are sound, as well as light .
  • The driver can set the operating parameter limit himself . As a standard, the automaker makes it possible to adjust the device from 1.7–3.2 bar.
  • On some car models, the TPMS system sends data to your phone.

Consider how pressure is calculated by measuring instruments. Typically, the sensor performs a comparison of the angular rotation of the wheel. Knowing the value of this parameter, you can calculate the distance that the wheel will travel in one rotation.

Obviously, if the tires are under-inflated or over-inflated, then the outer diameter of the wheel will be different. Visually, a person cannot determine this change. But the sensor notices even such changes. The system fixes non-compliance with the required parameters.

Causes of tire pressure sensor activation

The sensor will still respond, despite the fact that the wheel circumference has changed quite a bit. In this situation, it is necessary to find out what mechanical reason led to this. Only in this way can you eliminate the misinterpretation of the signals transmitted by the system. This can happen because:

  • Tire not inflated enough.
  • You have fitted a different wheel with a different shape, dimensions and tread.
  • A “spare tire” was supplied, it also differs in parameters from other wheels.
  • Rubber has been punctured or torn.
  • There is an uneven load on the car, as a result, the car skewed to one side.
  • You have installed anti-skid chains on the wheels.
  • An overload of one of the axes has occurred; this happens when you are driving uphill or downhill, towing a trailer.

Also, the TPMS system gives an error when you install new wheels or rearrange them.

When, after these steps, a tire pressure error appeared, indicating unbalance, you should reset the settings, and then set the basic parameters. In this case, the control signal may remain even if the basic settings have been selected.

Why such problems may occur:

  • Different tire pressures . Some wheel is under-inflated or vice versa.
  • The error occurs because a system crash has occurred . It will only be possible to reset it at the service station.
  • The indicator lights up when you operate the car using a sporty driving style, driving on ice, dirt road . At the same time, as soon as you drive out onto an asphalt surface or start driving calmly, the error disappears.

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How to reset tire pressure error? To begin with, imagine that the TPMS system is working properly and the blinking light indicates a problem with the undercarriage of the machine. The first thing you should do is slowly release the gas. You can not brake sharply, turn the steering wheel. After the car has stopped, inspect the tires to make sure the rubber is not punctured or broken. Then you can check if the tire pressure is normal.

Pay attention! The TPMS will not always show a tire pressure error. For example, if the tires are slowly deflating, the system will not inform you about the problem. In the same way, she will not notice the error if the tire pressure starts to drop rapidly. This usually happens when a tire ruptures. This feature of the TPMS system is explained by the specifics of identifying and counting nonconformities.

However, in some cases, it happens that the TPMS system indicator is on, but the tires are in perfect condition. How to reset tire pressure error? We understand.

A few simple ways to reset the tire pressure sensor error

The complex TPMS system in some cases starts to work incorrectly. Usually, car owners observe the following picture: a tire pressure error is displayed on the display (the tire is underinflated), but in reality everything is fine with the wheel. You have to reset the tire pressure error. Otherwise, the TPMS system starts to work incorrectly.

Photo: Shutterstock

You also have to reset the tire pressure error when there is radio interference from high voltage power lines. Or when sources of radio signals are located in the immediate vicinity. But as soon as you move away from them, the pressure error disappears and the system begins to function properly.

The reason for the malfunction may lie in the sensor, which is "failed". This damage cannot be easily repaired. How to reset a tire pressure error if the sensor flashes, while you hear a beep, lose your vigilance and find it difficult to drive a car? There are 4 ways to fix this problem.

Method 1

To reset the error, pick up a speed of 80 km / h and continue driving for another 15 kilometers.

This method is the easiest to implement. If your car has this feature, then turn on the cruise control so that the speed does not change. Depending on the model of your car, you will be able to reset the tire pressure error at a speed that exceeds the specified one. After you cover a distance of 15-20 kilometers, maintaining the same speed of 80 km / h, make a stop. Turn off the motor. When you start it again, the tire pressure error will disappear.

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Method 2

Press the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) reset button on your car and you will be able to reset the error.

It does not matter what type of low pressure warning system is used. In any case, there will be a sensor on each wheel of your car. Sometimes it may be necessary to reboot the touch system of the car. Read the owner's manual for the vehicle. It contains information on how to reset a tire pressure error. Most often, the instructions indicate which button to press to reset.

The ignition key must be in the lock. No need to start the car, just turn it to the “on” (“ON”) position. Then press and hold the reset button, which may be under the steering wheel. We are waiting for the low pressure indicator to blink 3 times. After that, you can release the button. We start the car, it should work for 20 minutes. After this time, the computer will calibrate the sensors on the wheels. Now you can turn off the car.

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Method 3

Lower and then re-inflate the wheels.

Failed to reset tire pressure error using the previous method? Then we inflate all tires to 0.2 bar, this is the pressure that should be according to the recommendations of car manufacturers. Did the error go away? Then we lower the pressure in the tires completely.

Now we pump up the wheels again. The pressure in them should be the same as indicated on the driver's door pillar or in the car's operating instructions. When there are sensors on the wheels, you need to remember about the spare tire. Now you need to drive about 3-5 kilometers, adhering to a speed of 25 km per hour. So you can reset the tire pressure error.

Method 4

Remove the battery terminals and then connect it to reset the error.

Each car has a computer that receives data from all kinds of vehicle sensors, including TPMS system sensors. However, any electronics can fail. To reset the error, you will have to reboot the system, for which you need to turn off the power.

Photo: Shutterstock

To do this, open the hood. The battery is located under the hood. Disconnect the negative terminal from it. To perform this operation, use a wrench. Then sit in the driver's seat, turn the key to the "ON" position, but do not start the car. Now you need to press the signal for 3 seconds. This will use up the energy that remains in the electrical system of the machine. Then reconnect the battery. This way you can reset the error.

How to adjust the tire pressure sensors

Sensors keep track of tire pressure. However, you need to be sure that they function properly. Of course, you do not need to constantly walk around with a special measuring device and find out the status of the sensors. It just needs to be calibrated from time to time.

It is performed quite simply. The most important thing to remember is that, depending on the make and model of your car, for each wheel there are pressure parameters strictly defined by the manufacturer for winter and summer. These values ​​should be given to the sensors. How the installation and configuration will be performed depends on the controller used.

  • Mechanical controller . It is convenient to use. We just screw it in instead of the cap. Nothing else needs to be configured.
  • Electronic controller . The installation procedure will be more difficult, because the device has a control unit. It can work autonomously or you will need to connect it to the cigarette lighter. We turn on the device in the training mode. Then proceed according to the tuning algorithm that is set by the manufacturer. You will have to put the device on all wheels, starting from the left front. Once the installation is done, make sure that all gauges are correctly displayed on the monitor. Otherwise, you will have to rearrange them so that everything matches the parameters on the display.
  • Internal controller . Such devices are the most difficult to mount, because for this you will have to use special equipment for tire fitting. Experts do not recommend using the internal controller yourself. However, additional settings are not required if the data is read using the screen that is directly on the control system.

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To prevent a tire pressure error from appearing, it is important to calibrate (adjust the TPMS system) every time a change is made. For example, when you installed a new set of wheels, repaired tires, did balancing, and the like. Using TPMS controllers is quite simple. The main thing is to read the instructions for use of the device. And make sure that the tire pressure is the one recommended by the car manufacturer.


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