TPMS Warning Light

TPMS stands for "Tire Pressure Monitoring System". It is an electronic system that monitors the air pressure inside your car's tires and alerts you if the pressure falls below a certain threshold. The TPMS system helps to ensure that your tires are properly inflated, which can improve fuel efficiency, tire wear, and overall safety while driving. The warning light on your car's dashboard that looks like an exclamation point inside a horseshoe or tire shape indicates a problem with your TPMS system.

Understanding Aspect Ratio

If you see a warning light on your car dashboard that looks like an exclamation point inside a horseshoe or tire shape, it is indicating a problem with your tire pressure. This warning light is often referred to as the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) warning light.

The TPMS warning light typically illuminates when one or more of your tires are underinflated or overinflated. The purpose of the TPMS is to alert you when your tire pressure is outside of the recommended range, which can help you avoid a potential blowout or other tire-related issues that could lead to an accident.

If the TPMS warning light comes on, it is important to check your tire pressure as soon as possible. Use a tire pressure gauge to measure the pressure in each tire, and inflate or deflate the tires as needed to get them to the recommended pressure level listed in your car's owner's manual or on the driver's side door jamb.

If the TPMS warning light remains illuminated after you have checked and adjusted your tire pressure, it may indicate a problem with the TPMS system itself. In this case, it is recommended to have your car checked by a qualified mechanic.

 

My TPMS Warning light wont go away, is always on.  Why, is it broken? How to fix it?

If the TPMS warning light on your car dashboard remains illuminated even after you have checked and adjusted your tire pressure, you should take your car to a qualified mechanic to have it diagnosed and fixed.

The mechanic will use a diagnostic tool to read the error code stored in the car's computer system, which will help identify the specific issue with the TPMS system. Depending on the issue, the mechanic may need to repair or replace a faulty sensor, or fix a wiring issue or other problem.

It is important to have the TPMS system fixed as soon as possible to ensure the safety and reliability of your car. Driving with a malfunctioning TPMS system can lead to decreased fuel efficiency, uneven tire wear, and potentially dangerous driving conditions.

In some cases, the TPMS warning light may come on after you have replaced one or more tires on your car. This can be because the TPMS sensor on the wheel may need to be reset or reprogrammed. In this case, your mechanic can help you reset the TPMS system to ensure that the warning light turns off and your tire pressure is properly monitored.

 

Is a TPMS expensive to buy and replace, no not really, in fact it's very common.

The cost to repair or replace a TPMS sensor can vary depending on the make and model of your car and the specific issue with the TPMS system. However, in general, the cost to repair or replace a TPMS sensor can range from around £50 to £250 per sensor, including parts and labor.

If the issue with the TPMS system is not with the sensor itself, but with the wiring or other components, the cost to diagnose and repair the issue may be higher. It is best to consult with a qualified mechanic to get an accurate estimate of the cost to fix your TPMS system.

It is worth noting that some newer cars may have more advanced TPMS systems that are integrated with other systems, such as the ABS or traction control systems. These systems may be more expensive to repair or replace if they malfunction.

In any case, it is important to have a functioning TPMS system in your car to ensure your safety and avoid potential issues with tire wear or fuel efficiency. If you are experiencing issues with your TPMS system, it is recommended to have it diagnosed and repaired by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.

 

Replacing a TPMS sensor typically involves the following steps:

1. Diagnose the problem: The first step is to determine which TPMS sensor is faulty. A qualified mechanic will use a diagnostic tool to read the error code stored in the car's computer system to identify the specific issue.
2. Remove the faulty sensor: Once the faulty sensor has been identified, the mechanic will remove the tire from the wheel and remove the old sensor from the inside of the tire.
3. Install the new sensor: The new TPMS sensor will be installed in the tire in the same location as the old one. The sensor will be programmed to communicate with the car's computer system and monitor tire pressure.
4. Reassemble the tire and wheel: The tire will be remounted onto the wheel and reinstalled onto the car.
5. Test the system: The mechanic will test the TPMS system to ensure that the warning light has turned off and that the new sensor is properly communicating with the car's computer system.
6. In some cases, the TPMS sensor may need to be reprogrammed to ensure it is communicating properly with the car's computer system. This can be done using a specialized TPMS tool or diagnostic equipment.

It is important to have a qualified mechanic perform any TPMS sensor replacements or repairs to ensure that the system is properly installed and functioning correctly.