Tire pressure monitoring system needs service
An error indicating that the tire pressuring monitoring system needs service is continuously on. Pressing the C/T button turns it off momentarily but it always returns in a couple of minutes. The tire pressures all read correct and the spare pressure sensor is does not appear to be triggering the error. Any idea what could be wrong?
My car has 98000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi, thanks for writing in. Usually when your tire pressure monitoring system has an issue, it is due to one of the sensors in the wheels. If it is not due to one of the sensors in the wheels I would recommend having the control module for the system inspected. These sensors inside the wheels get damaged due to corrosion or break it or sometimes they’re just missing. I would make sure that all four sensors are in place and in working condition. If sensors are broken dead or missing you can find them at a local tire shop. If you would like help, consider having an expert automotive technician from YourMechanic come to your home or office to inspect this service light for you, and make or suggest any repairs as needed.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
Auto Relearn Procedure, years 2005-2020:
Confirm TPMS sensors are properly installed. Adjust tire pressures to placard value. Activate sensors with TPMS Tool. Drive vehicle for up to 20 minutes about 15 mph or until TPMS light is off.
The TPMS module is located behind the left front wheel well.
There is no formal retraining procedure necessary. Drive the vehicle for a minimum of 10 minutes while maintaining a continuous speed above 20 mph (32 km/h). During this time, the system will learn the new sensor ID code and will clear any DTCs automatically.
TPMS FUSE NUMBER ? The tire pressure warning system fuse is located in the fuse box located under the dash, just to the left of the steering column.
The TPM module is a radio receiver that collects the air pressure data from the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) tire pressure sensors. The data is then sent to the Body Control Module (BCM) where a predetermined pass/fail criteria is applied.
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.
Hold the TPMS reset button until the tire pressure light blinks three times, then release it. Start the car and wait 20 minutes for the sensor to refresh. The tire pressure monitor reset button is typically located under the steering wheel. Refer to your vehicle`s owner`s manual if you`re unable to locate it.
Turn on the vehicle and honk the horn for roughly three seconds. This will discharge any residual power still stored in your car and should also reset the TPMS sensor light system when you re-engage the vehicle battery.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Tire pressure monitoring system needs service
ANSWER : Hi, thanks for writing in. Usually when your tire pressure monitoring system has an issue, it is due to one of the sensors in the wheels. If it is not due to one of the sensors in the wheels I would recommend having the control module for the system inspected. These sensors inside the wheels get damaged due to corrosion or break it or sometimes they’re just missing. I would make sure that all four sensors are in place and in working condition. If sensors are broken dead or missing you can find them at a local tire shop. If you would like help, consider having an expert automotive technician from YourMechanic come to your home or office to inspect this service light for you, and make or suggest any repairs as needed.
Malfunction of the tire pressure monitoring system
ANSWER : That is a rather complex tire pressure monitoring system used by Audi. Using multiple sensors, antennae, and control module, this may require the Audi manufacturer’s scan tool to communicate with in order to diagnose. A tire service center (that is very well trained and well-tooled) may be better equipped to help you in this scenario. Audi issued a technical service bulletin (TSB # 44-08-17) that mentions of an update to the TPMS module, so you may also want to check in with your dealer to see if A8 Quattro is covered.
Pressure monitoring system comes on eventhough air pressure in tires is normal
ANSWER : There are many potential causes for this. If the light stays on continuously, the tire pressure may not be set correctly or the system may need to be reset.
Changes in ambient temperature can also affect TPMS operation, since tire pressure drops in cold weather.
If both the low tire pressure and TPMS indicators are illuminated, then the Engine Control Module (ECM), or Electrical Control Unit (ECU), has detected a problem with the system. In this case, the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) should be retrieved to start the diagnostic process.
Anything from a failed sensor to a problem with the control module could cause both lights to be illuminated. I suggest you get a second opinion from someone other than the dealership. YourMechanic is an excellent option to get your trouble codes diagnosed, since we make house calls.
My car’s tire pressure monitoring system lights come on when the tire pressure is normal
ANSWER : Your car is equipped with wheel speed sensors on each of the four wheels which monitor wheel speed while relaying this information to the ABS and traction control system (ESC) which are controlled by the car’s ECU. When the ECU senses an abnormal speed given specific conditions, it engages the ABS or traction control as needed to control the vehicle. Occasionally, these sensors can fail or only work intermittently, sending inaccurate signals to the ECU. When this happens, you may experience the symptoms you have described. The ABS or traction control system may be inadvertently activated by these false or inaccurate signals.
Your TPMS system works the same way in that there are sensors that monitor the tire pressure relaying this to the car’s computer. These sensors are known to go bad occasionally. Keep in mind this can also fluctuate easily with changes in air temperature, as this changes the density of the air which will affect the way these sensors read tire pressure. With regard to your heater turning off and on, this may be related to the blower motor relay which is what directs power to the heater blower motor. When this is faulty, this may cause the blower fan to work intermittently or sometimes not at all. I would suggest having a professional, such as one from YourMechanic, diagnose your ABS and traction control system to determine the cause of this.
Service tire monitor warning, tire pressure a bit high
ANSWER : This is likely due to the fact that the person who changed your tires may have broken your TPMS sensor in that particular wheel. If the pressure sensor is not giving a signal at all, this would mean that the sensor has failed or is broken and would require replacement. As long as your tire pressure is correct, it is certainly safe to drive your vehicle as long as the light doesn’t bother you.
The sensor will need to be replaced in order to make the light go off. I would recommend going back to the place that installed your tires and inquire as to why the sensor is no longer working, especially when it worked just fine before the tires were replaced. They may replace the sensor for free.
If they are unable to help you get it fixed or you simply want a second opinion on this, contact a professional mechanic who can diagnose your TPMS light firsthand and fix it accordingly.
My tire monitoring system service light is on
ANSWER : Hi there. One of the most common components to fail on your Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is the inner low tire pressure, which is attached to each wheel on the vehicle. Low tire pressure is determined in two ways: monitoring indirect tire pressure and direct tire pressure. The indirect method measures wheel revolutions and ensures that they are equal on all four tires and wheels. The direct method monitors the inner air pressure inside each tire. The indicator light takes data from both sensors and illuminates the light when a problem is discovered in either of them.
The problem with your vehicle may be due to a faulty sensor, such as when the inner or indirect sensors being damaged, which will usually illuminate the TPMS light. Your best bet is to contact a local certified mechanic who can inspect error codes related to your warning light and determine which of your sensors are faulty and need to be replaced.
Service "A" with low tire pressure reading needing scheduled maintenance.
ANSWER : Service A is supposed to be performed after the first year/10,000 miles of ownership, then every 2 years/20,000 miles going forward.
This service includes:
Oil and filter change
Resetting of the maintenance reminder
Tire condition/pressure check (this will address your low pressure light)
Check/top off of all the fluids, and a brake check.
There is also the Service B which is due every 2 years/20,000 miles. In addition to the items listed in Service A, Service B also includes a brake fluid exchange and cabin filter replacement. If you don’t know when Service B was last performed, you might opt for this service instead. I recommend you give YourMechanic a call for a quote on the service for your vehicle.
Service ABS System, Traction Control System and Service Stability System
ANSWER : Hello. These systems are interconnected, since both of them can control individual wheel brake functions when operating. It is likely that one of the speed sensors are failing. To have this verified, have a qualified professional, like one from YourMechanic, diagnose the warning lights, pinpoint the fault(s), and make necessary repairs.
