A TPMS Error refers to an alert from your Tire Pressure Monitoring System. This system is designed to warn you when one or more of your vehicle’s tires is significantly under-inflated, which can be a serious safety issue.
The TPMS warning light on your dashboard looks like a horseshoe with an exclamation point inside ($\text{(!)}$).
What the Light is Telling You
The status of the light indicates the nature of the problem:
| Light Status | Meaning | Action |
| Solid ON | Low Tire Pressure. One or more tires (including some spares) is at least 25% below the manufacturer’s recommended PSI. | Urgent: Check all tire pressures with a reliable gauge and inflate them to the PSI listed on the sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb. |
| Flashing then Stays Solid ON | System Malfunction. There is a fault with the TPMS itself, such as a dead sensor battery, a damaged sensor, or a system error. | Attention: The system cannot detect low pressure, so you must manually check your tires and take the vehicle to a mechanic for sensor diagnosis/replacement. |
| Goes ON and OFF | Pressure is Near the Threshold. This often happens during major temperature swings (like a cold morning) where the pressure drops slightly, but driving warms the air up, making the light turn off. | Check: Inflate your tires to the correct pressure when they are cold (before driving) to prevent this fluctuation. |
Common Causes of a TPMS Error
- Low Tire Pressure (Most Common): Slow leaks, a puncture, or just natural air loss over time.
- Temperature Drop: Cold weather causes the air in your tires to contract, reducing the PSI and triggering the light.
- Dead Sensor Battery: TPMS sensors have small batteries that typically last 5–10 years and must be replaced when they die (usually requires a new sensor).
- Faulty Sensor: The sensor may be physically damaged (e.g., hitting a pothole) or simply malfunctioning.
- Recent Tire Service: The system may need to be recalibrated or “relearned” after a tire rotation or replacement.
How to Fix / Reset the Light (After Correcting Tire Pressure)
If you’ve checked and corrected the pressure in all tires but the light is still on, you may need to reset the system. Methods vary by vehicle, but generally include:
- Driving: Drive your vehicle at or above $50 \text{ mph}$ for about 10 minutes. This often allows the sensors to re-read and communicate with the car’s computer, resetting the light.
- TPMS Reset Button: Some vehicles have a dedicated TPMS Reset button, often located under the steering wheel or in the glove box. Check your owner’s manual for its location and the specific reset procedure (usually involving holding the button until the light blinks).
- Manual Recalibration: Some vehicles (especially those with indirect TPMS that use the anti-lock brake system) allow you to reset the system through the vehicle’s infotainment or driver menu screen.
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