Why does my tire light blink?

Tire Pressure Monitor Systems (TPMS) is a safety feature on all modern passenger vehicles. Tire Pressure Sensors give us peace of mind knowing that our tires are properly inflated. When you start your car you may notice your Low Tire or TPMS light flashing for the first 60 to 90 seconds, what does this mean?

 

First thing to understand is the difference between a flashing Tire Pressure Light and a steady lit Tire Pressure Light. A steady lit tire pressure light is an indication of a low tire, you should check your tire pressure. A flashing Tire pressure light is an indication of a failure in the TPMS system.

 

Here are some reasons your TPMS or Tire Pressure Monitor System light may be flashing:

 

Failed Tire Pressure Sensor or Sensors 

A flashing tire pressure light could mean that your Tire Pressure Monitor system can’t get a signal from one or more of your tires. When the system detects a missing sensor it will cause the light to flash at startup.

 

Problem With An Antenna or wiring in the Tire Pressure Monitor System 

If the system has a fault in one or more than one (depending on the car) and the system can not read it will cause the tire light to flash.

 

Problem With the Registration of a Sensor

If one of your sensors does not have the ID number the Tire Pressure Control Module is expecting this will cause a fault in the system. If the sensor is not transmitting the proper ID the vehicle does not know that sensor belongs to the vehicle. An incorrect or missing sensor ID is typically from a failing sensor or a improperly programmed sensor.

Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems can help keep you safe. A flashing light is your vehicles way of letting you know it is time to have a professional locate a problem.

 

Let the mechanics at Tim’s help with any Tire Pressure Monitor problems you may have! Make a reservation today!