Acura MDX Tire Pressure Warning Light Stays On

Common Causes for the Tire Pressure Warning Light in Your Acura MDX and How to Resolve Them

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Reviewed by
Aisha
Written by RepairPal Car Genius
Updated January 14, 2025
0%
40% chance it's the
Tire Leaking Air
0%
30% chance it's the
Wheel Leaking Air
0%
15% chance it's the
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
0%
15% chance it's
Something else
The most common reasons a Acura MDX tire pressure warning light stays on are a leaking tire, a wheel that no longer holds air, or a faulty tire pressure monitoring system.
  • Tire Leaking Air: A puncture, valve stem issue, or rim damage can cause a tire to leak air, leading to loss of pressure.
  • Wheel Leaking Air: A puncture or damage to the tire or rim can cause air to leak, resulting in a loss of tire pressure.
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring System: A malfunctioning tire pressure monitoring system can be caused by faulty sensors or a dead battery in the sensor units.
Proper diagnosis will determine the exact cause of your symptom, saving you money on unnecessary repairs. The diagnostic experts at RepairPal Certified shops have the right tools and experience to solve any symptom.

How much does it cost to fix a Acura MDX tire pressure warning light stays on?

Common Repairs

The total repair cost will vary based on the condition of your vehicle and the number of repairs needed to fix your symptom. Proper diagnosis will save you money by finding the exact repairs needed to fix your car right the first time.

When a tire pressure monitoring sensor fails, the tire pressure monitoring system control module will recognize a loss in communication and turn on the warning lamp which indicates the failure. This is most often the case. However, the tire pressure monitoring sensor may also fail by reporting incorrect tire pressures. This could cause a flat tire to go unrecognized, or a properly inflated tire to signal a low or high tire pressure warning.

When a relearn is needed, for any reason, the TPMS warning light will illuminate, and many vehicles will display a message relating to the TPMS system being inoperative or loosing communication. It is important to keep a watchful eye on tire pressures when this system is having issues because there is no warning available for underinflation or overinflation of the tires.

Wheels offer very few symptoms, but these symptoms should never be ignored. Visible cracks on the wheels may appear, especially after hitting a large bump, Most often, this will also be accompanied by loss of air from the tire on that wheel. Also, vibration in the steering wheel is very common when the tire is out of balance, and improper wheel nuts or bolts can cause creaking and popping noises to develop. Again, there are very few symptoms, but they should not be ignored.

The only symptoms of a TPMS control module failure are failing to alert the driver of underinflation or overinflation of one or more tires, failure to communicate with the body control module or TPMS sensors, or erroneously reporting incorrect tire pressure.

The only symptoms requiring diagnosis for the tire pressure monitoring system warning lamp is if the warning lamp has illuminated while the tires have correct air pressure, or if the air pressure for the tires is out of specification and the warning lamp is off. This is because the overwhelming majority of cases where the TPMS lamp illuminates is due to the change in ambient temperature.

Troubleshooting Tire Pressure Warning Light in an Acura MDX

When faced with a tire pressure warning light in your Acura MDX, start by checking the tire pressure in all four tires using a reliable gauge. Ensure that each tire is inflated to the manufacturer's recommended pressure, which can typically be found on a sticker inside the driver's door. If you discover any tires are under-inflated, inflate them accordingly and monitor if the warning light turns off. If the light remains illuminated, inspect each tire for visible signs of damage or leaks, such as punctures or cracks. A soapy water solution can help identify slow leaks; apply it to the tire surface and look for bubbles forming. If the tires appear intact, the issue may lie with the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) itself. In this case, consult your vehicle's manual to locate the reset button, which is often found on the dashboard, and perform a reset. If the light continues to flash or the "check TPMS system" message appears, it may indicate a malfunctioning sensor or a dead sensor battery, necessitating further investigation or professional assistance. Regularly maintaining proper tire pressure not only enhances safety but also improves vehicle performance, making it essential to address any warning lights promptly.

Troubleshooting Tire Pressure Warning Light in Acura MDX

When dealing with the tire pressure warning light in your Acura MDX, it's essential to recognize the common problems that may be at play. A primary reason for the light to stay on is a significant drop in tire pressure, often due to a leak or puncture. If one or more tires are 25% or more below the recommended cold tire pressure, the warning light will activate, signaling the need for immediate attention. Additionally, a malfunctioning Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) can also trigger the light; this could stem from faulty sensors or depleted sensor batteries. Even after correcting tire pressure issues, the TPMS light may remain illuminated, necessitating a manual reset of the system. Understanding these potential failure modes will empower you to diagnose and resolve the issue, ensuring your Acura MDX remains safe and roadworthy.

Why is the Tire Pressure Warning Light Staying On in an Acura MDX?

When the Tire Pressure Warning Light remains illuminated in your Acura MDX, it is crucial to take immediate action. Ignoring this warning can lead to unsafe driving conditions, as improperly inflated tires can significantly affect vehicle handling and braking performance. Common causes for the light staying on include leaking tires, wheels that fail to hold air, or issues with the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Additionally, environmental factors such as temperature changes can cause tire pressure fluctuations, making it essential to regularly check and maintain the recommended PSI levels. If the light persists, consider driving over 50 mph for at least 10 minutes, as this can sometimes recalibrate the sensors after tire rotations or replacements. However, if the light continues to stay on, it is advisable to inspect your tires for leaks or consult a professional to avoid potential damage and ensure your safety on the road.

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