What Causes a Flashing TPMS Light?

What Does the TPMS Light Mean?

The primary function of the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is to alert you when tire pressure is too low, creating dangerous driving conditions. If the TPMS light is illuminated on your dashboard, your tires could be underinflated, which can lead to possible tire failure.

What does a Flashing TPMS Light Mean?

An illuminated TPMS warning light that’s solid typically means the vehicle’s tires have low air pressure and need to be inflated. However, a light that flashes for 60-90 seconds and then illuminates solid is signaling that there is a problem with the TPMS system. Likely, one or more of the sensors are not communicating with the vehicle. This can be caused by various issues. The flashing light could mean the sensor is damaged, missing, or has a dead battery and needs to be replaced. It can also mean that an incorrect sensor is installed on the tire.

Common Causes of a Flashing TPMS Light

Dead Sensor Batteries

A possible source of a flashing TPMS light is a dead sensor battery. When a sensor fails, it will cause a malfunction in the TPMS that leads to the flashing warning light. These batteries commonly last 5-10 years, depending on your vehicle’s driving conditions and frequency.

Sensor Damage or Malfunction

While these tire pressure sensors are fairly durable, they can experience damage from weather conditions, road debris, or collisions. This will cause an error in the TPMS and subsequently the flashing light. Luckily, TPMS sensors are generally cheap and can be replaced easily.

Failed Relearn Procedure

Each tire pressure sensor has a unique ID associated with a specific wheel on the car. When tires are rotated or a sensor is replaced, the TPMS needs to go through a relearning procedure to reassociate the IDs with the proper wheel.

Relearn procedures vary by manufacturer, but some of the most common include using the OBD2 port, putting the car in stationary “relearn mode”, or allowing it to auto-learn by driving it at various speeds.

If this process is not completed or done improperly, the TPMS may have an error that causes the flashing tire pressure light.

Broken Wiring

A frayed or burned-out wire could cause a system malfunction in your TPMS. While the low tire pressure light system uses low voltage, the wiring can burn up or become damaged over time. If your wiring cannot send a signal or has an inconsistent current, it can cause your TPMS light to blink on your dashboard.

TPMS & Tire Services in Peoria

We don’t just sell tires, we specialize in them. Whether you’re looking for TPMS diagnostics and repair or tire services, trust our tire experts to assist in guiding you to the right choice for your vehicle AND your budget. Call one of our Service Advisors at Beachlers in Peoria to discuss your tire needs today.