As a responsible car owner, you must be aware of the importance of maintaining proper tire pressure.
Not only does it affect the performance of your vehicle, but it also plays a significant role in ensuring your safety on the road.
However, even after filling your tires with air, you might notice that your tire pressure light is still on.
In this article, we will discuss the possible causes and solutions to this issue.
Why Is My Tire Pressure Light Still On After Filling Tires?
Causes
There are the following causes of the tire pressure light still on after filling the tires:
- Faulty Tire Pressure Sensor
- Low Battery in TPMS Sensor
- Slow Leak
- Temperature Changes
Faulty Tire Pressure Sensor
Modern cars come equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), which uses sensors to measure the pressure in each tire.
If one or more of these sensors are faulty, it can cause the tire pressure light to stay on, even if the tires are properly inflated.
Low Battery in TPMS Sensor
The TPMS sensors require a battery to function.
If the battery in one or more sensors is low, it can cause inaccurate readings and trigger the tire pressure light.
Slow Leak
If there is a slow leak in one or more tires, the pressure may drop below the recommended level, even if the tires were recently filled with air.
This can cause the tire pressure light to stay on.
Temperature Changes
The tire pressure can also fluctuate with changes in temperature.
In colder temperatures, the pressure may drop, causing the tire pressure light to come on.
Solutions
There are the following solutions if your tire pressure light is still on after filling the tires:
- Check the Tire Pressure Manually
- Replace Faulty TPMS Sensors
- Replace Low Battery in TPMS Sensor
- Fix Slow Leaks
Check the Tire Pressure Manually
While the TPMS is a useful tool, it is not infallible.
To ensure that your tires are properly inflated, you should manually check the pressure using a tire gauge. This will give you an accurate reading of the pressure in each tire.
Replace Faulty TPMS Sensors
If one or more of the TPMS sensors are faulty, they will need to be replaced. This is a job best left to a professional mechanic.
Replace Low Battery in TPMS Sensor
If the battery in one or more sensors is low, they will need to be replaced. Again, this is a job best left to a professional mechanic.
Fix Slow Leaks
If there is a slow leak in one or more tires, it is important to have it fixed as soon as possible. This can be done by patching the tire or replacing it if the damage is too severe.
Adjust tire pressure for temperature changes - As mentioned earlier, the tire pressure can fluctuate with changes in temperature. It is important to adjust the pressure accordingly to ensure that it remains within the recommended range.
What is TPMS and How does it Work?
TPMS stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
It is a safety feature installed in modern vehicles to monitor the air pressure in the tires and alert the driver if the pressure drops below a certain threshold.
In general, TPMS is an important safety feature that helps prevent accidents caused by underinflated tires.
It can also help improve fuel economy and extend tire life by ensuring that tires are properly inflated.
There are two types of TPMS:
- Direct TPMS
- Indirect TPMS
Direct TPMS
Direct TPMS uses sensors that are mounted on the inside of the tire valve stem or within the tire itself to measure the pressure of each tire.
These sensors send the tire pressure data to the vehicle's onboard computer, which alerts the driver if the pressure is too low.
Indirect TPMS
Indirect TPMS, on the other hand, uses the vehicle's anti-lock braking system (ABS) to measure tire pressure indirectly by monitoring the rotational speed of each wheel.
If one tire is underinflated, it will have a smaller circumference and rotate at a different speed than the other tires.
The ABS system detects this difference and alerts the driver.
Both direct and indirect TPMS have their advantages and disadvantages. Direct TPMS provides more accurate and timely tire pressure readings, while indirect TPMS is less expensive and requires less maintenance.
How to Reset if TPMs Light Still on after Filling Tires?
If the TPMS light is still on after filling the tires with air, it may be necessary to reset the system.
The process for resetting the TPMS varies depending on the make and model of the vehicle, but here are some general steps that may work:
- Check the Owner's Manual
- Drive the Vehicle
- Use the TPMS Reset Button
- Use a TPMS Tool
- Disconnect the Battery
Check the Owner's Manual
Before attempting to reset the TPMS, it is important to consult the owner's manual to determine the proper procedure for your specific vehicle.
Drive the Vehicle
In some cases, the TPMS system will automatically reset itself after the vehicle is driven for a short distance at a certain speed.
This allows the system to recalibrate and recognize the new tire pressure readings.
Use the TPMS Reset Button
Some vehicles have a TPMS reset button that can be accessed through the dashboard or center console.
Press and hold the button until the TPMS light blinks or turns off.
Use a TPMS Tool
Some TPMS tools can be used to reset the system.
These tools connect to the vehicle's OBD-II port and can communicate with the TPMS system to reset it.
Disconnect the Battery
In some cases, disconnecting the vehicle's battery for a few minutes can reset the TPMS system.
If the TPMS light continues to stay on even after attempting to reset the system, it may be necessary to have the system checked by a professional mechanic to diagnose and repair any underlying issues.
How do I know if my TPMs are Bad?
If you suspect that your TPMS is not functioning properly, here are some signs that may indicate that it is bad:
- TPMS Warning Light
- Incorrect Tire Pressure Readings
- No Readings at All
- Battery Life
- Error Messages
TPMS Warning Light
The most obvious sign that your TPMS may be bad is if the TPMS warning light on the dashboard stays on or flashes, even after checking the tire pressure and filling the tires with air.
Incorrect Tire Pressure Readings
If the TPMS is providing inaccurate readings of the tire pressure, such as showing the pressure as being too low or too high when it is actually normal, this may indicate a problem with the system.
No Readings at All
If the TPMS is not providing any tire pressure readings at all, this may indicate a problem with the sensors or the system as a whole.
Battery Life
The sensors in the TPMS have batteries that can eventually run out of power.
If the TPMS has never been serviced and the vehicle is several years old, the batteries may be reaching the end of their life and need to be replaced.
Error Messages
If the TPMS system is giving error messages or codes, this may indicate a problem with the system that requires further diagnosis and repair.
If you experience any of these signs, it is recommended to have the TPMS system inspected by a qualified mechanic or tire specialist to determine the cause of the issue and to determine if any repairs or replacements are necessary.
Where is the TPMS Reset Button?
The location of the TPMS reset button varies depending on the make and model of the vehicle.
In some vehicles, the TPMS reset button is located under the steering wheel, while in others it may be located on the dashboard, center console, or glove compartment.
To find the location of the TPMS reset button for your vehicle, consult the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer's customer service for assistance. In some cases, it may be necessary to use a specialized TPMS reset tool to reset the system.
It is important to follow the proper procedure for resetting the TPMS system for your specific vehicle, as improper resetting could cause the system to provide inaccurate readings or fail to detect tire pressure issues.
Conclusion
Maintaining proper tire pressure is crucial for your safety on the road.
If your tire pressure light stays on even after filling your tires, it could be due to a faulty TPMS sensor, a low battery in the sensor, a slow leak, or temperature changes.
To fix this issue, you should manually check the tire pressure, replace faulty TPMS sensors or batteries, fix slow leaks, and adjust the pressure for temperature changes.
Remember, if you are unsure how to fix the problem, it is best to consult a professional mechanic.
Thank You