What Causes a Tire Pressure Monitoring System Malfunction?
4 Answers
Tire pressure monitoring system malfunctions can be caused by: depleted battery in the tire pressure sensor, sensor signal failure, sensor circuit failure, or body control module failure. The solution is: check if there is a tire malfunction. If it is found that the tire pressure system malfunction caused a false alarm triggering the tire pressure warning, you can directly reset the tire pressure warning light. In the car's central console settings, there is a "SET" button for tire pressure reset to manually turn off the warning light. The tire pressure monitoring system, abbreviated as "TPMS", can automatically monitor various conditions of the tires in real time by recording tire rotation speed or through electronic sensors installed in the tires, providing effective safety protection for driving.
I've also encountered TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) failures while driving. The most common issue is sensor battery depletion - those coin cells need replacement every 5-6 years, and even tire changes can damage the sensors. Another problem is signal interference, like false alarms near high-voltage power lines. Sometimes the vehicle's computer system acts up, especially after switching to winter tires without proper recalibration. I recommend keeping a $10 mechanical tire gauge in the car - much more reliable than electronic systems. When parking, avoid sharp stones, and remind technicians to protect sensors during tire repairs to prevent accidents. If the warning light stays on but actual pressure is normal, you'll probably need a dealership computer reset.
My off-road vehicle's tire pressure monitoring system kept giving false alarms. After some research, I found there are two types: direct and indirect systems. The direct type has sensors inside the valve stems with short battery life that are prone to sand and mud intrusion. The indirect type uses ABS sensors to calculate wheel speed differences, but even a 2mm difference in tire diameter can trigger errors. A mechanic friend taught me a trick: when the alarm sounds, first check which wheel's signal is missing - if it's just one, it's likely a sensor issue; if all four are gone, it might be the receiver module. Many people don't realize there's also a sensor in the spare tire position. It's recommended to get the system checked every two years and drive slowly through construction zones, as the sensors are highly sensitive to severe vibrations.
Don't panic when the tire pressure monitoring system malfunctions. When I encounter this issue, I first check all four tires for visible nails. In 80% of cases, it's caused by slow air leakage triggering the sensor alarm, which can be resolved by patching the tire. False alarms are also common, especially on chilly mornings with large temperature differences or after highway driving. If the tire pressure is normal but the warning light stays on, try resetting the system: turn off the engine for five minutes before restarting to allow the computer to perform a self-check reset. Avoid directing high-pressure car wash jets at the tire valve stems, as this can cause sensor short circuits and damage. If the problem persists, have a mechanic check the wiring connections - oxidized or loose contacts can also trigger errors. As a precaution, make it a habit to check tire pressure during refueling for peace of mind.
