You are driving your car around comfortably until you notice the flashing light coming from the tire pressure icon on the dashboard. Despite posing the least severe risks compared to other mechanic issues, having underinflated tires can cause serious harm to your vehicle if not taken care of properly.
Therefore, in this article, we will discuss how to reset the TPMS sensor in detail. If you are wondering what to do when noticing the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) light, make sure to finish reading our guide.
4 Ways To Turn Off The Low Tire Pressure (TPMS) Light
Once you notice the light indicating low tire pressure, pull your car over immediately. It is advisable that you stop at the nearest gas station. But for safety purposes, you should find a parking spot as soon as possible.
Next up, try out the 4 tips below and see if you can manage to turn off the light.
- Use an air pump so that your tires are inflated back to the recommended PSI. This solution would be helpful if the problems lie in the unexpected drop in temperature. When the weather gets colder, the air becomes denser and does not claim as much space as it used to. Consequently, the air already filling your tires starts to shrink, leaving plenty of empty room inside. Pumping more air into the tires makes up for the lost substance, effectively increasing the much-needed pressure.
- Examine the tires closely for any leak or puncture. Tires that are not intact would gradually discharge air, thus reducing the internal pressure. If you spot any dents or cracks, get the tires replaced. If circumstances allow it, you can perform the procedure on your own. If not, bring the car over to the garage and have a professional install new tires.
- Use an air pump and inflate all tires, but remember to exceed 3 PSI over the recommended threshold. Afterward, open up the valve and let the tires deflate until they become airless. Make sure that the tires have exhausted and the sensors go back to “zero.” This ensures that once you start inflating the tires again, the readings will be calibrated accordingly. Finally, refill the tires and wait for them to reach the original PSI.
- In some cases, the TPMS sensor is powered through a battery. If it is true for your vehicle, a faulty battery might be the reason why the low tire pressure light is on. What you need to do is to turn off the car and open up the hood. From there, carefully disconnect the positive battery cable. Then, restart your car and press the honk for a few seconds. Any remaining power in the engine compartment will be thoroughly released. Turn off the car once again and reconnect the battery. The warning light should be off right now.
Read more at: How Often Should You Replace Your Car Tires? (Expert Advice)
What To Do If The Above Methods Do Not Fix the Problem?
Usually, performing one of the tricks mentioned above is enough to handle the TPMS sensor. However, they do not cover all the issues that potentially lead to low tire pressure. If you have done everything suggested, but none of them has proven helpful, check out more solutions below.
- Replace the battery inside your car. Resetting it alone is futile if the battery is already dead. Most batteries run out of lifespan every four to five years, so check and see if yours is still working. For built-in batteries, you might have to change the entire sensor unit.
- Insert the key into the keyhole but keep your car off. Next, use both hands to long-press the unlock and lock buttons simultaneously. You can find these two knobs on the key fob. Once you hear a small chirp, pull out a magnet and touch it on the valve stems. Remember to follow this order: left to right front, and right to left rear. Check up the pressure readings to see if the numbers are correct.
Other Concerns And Last Resorts
Most mechanics would advise you against resetting the tire pressure light unless it is the last resort. For those of you who have tried everything within your capability, but the TPMS sensor still seems to malfunction, consider adopting these approaches.
- Start driving at 50mph for at least ten minutes, then turn it off. The low tire pressure light will be off the next time you turn the engine on.
- Insert the key and make sure it reaches the “On” state, but do not start the car. Find the TPMS button underneath the steering wheel and long-press it. Wait for the light to flash three times and release the button. Afterward, drive your car around for 15 to 20 minutes for the sensor to reset properly.
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Maintenance Tips For Avoiding Pressure Sensor Faults
- Minimize sudden changes in atmospheric temperature of where you put your car. Colder air lowers the pressure of the tires and affects the quality of your sensor.
- Check the tires for punctures regularly. Do not leave your tires unattended for a long time. Or else, any possible cracks would be significantly worse by the time you finally examine them.
- Investigate the sensor visually to see if anything goes wrong from an early stage. You should pay attention to the diaphragm, the cap, and housings, as well as the connections from the sensor to the electric module. Next, look inside the housing and clear up any residue or dirt accumulation. Finally, find the cable gland and ensure it is 100% sealed against water leakage.
- Once or twice a year, schedule an appointment with professional mechanics and let them run a quick diagnosis on your vehicle.
Conclusion
Indeed, learning how to reset TPMS sensor would help you deal with most tire-related problems when driving your vehicle. If you find these tips and tricks helpful, do not hesitate to save them for later use!
