What does the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) Warning Light mean?
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
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The light indicates that the pressure is below the safe levels. Ignoring the warning and driving with low-pressure tires causes them to flex more. It generates excess heat that overheats the tire components and causes them to wear and tear.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
1. There is an issue with the TPMS that needs to be resolved.
2. A spare tire is currently being used.
Tip
Like all warning lights, the TPMS warning light briefly illuminates when the car is turned on. The light is only a problem if it stays lit when the engine is on.
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.
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.
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.
The spare tire is installed on the car (the spare doesn’t have a sensor, so the TPMS light will come on normally).
One of the sensors has failed to communicate with the system.
If the light is on but you’re not driving with your spare tire on the car, have it inspected as soon as possible.
The inverter is located in the engine bay, as the silver box on top of the engine. Unfortunately, the inverter is a critical component to the functionality of the hybrid system, and therefore to the operation of the vehicle, and, as a result, needs to be repaired or replaced before the vehicle will run again.
The VSC system warning light comes on when the computer detects an issue with the vehicle’s stability control system. This is usually due to a fault with the wheel speed sensors or the ABS module, though electrical issues can sometimes effect this system as well and cause it to behave erratically. I would start by taking care of the generator inverter issue and going from there.
I recommend having a certified mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, perform an inspection to determine why the warning lights are on and suggest any needed repairs.
