BMW ActiveHybrid 5 Tire Pressure Warning Light Stays On

Common Causes for the Tire Pressure Warning Light in Your BMW ActiveHybrid 5 and How to Resolve Them

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Reviewed by
Devin Cabugcal
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 BMW ActiveHybrid 5 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 BMW ActiveHybrid 5 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 BMW ActiveHybrid 5

When faced with a tire pressure warning light in your BMW ActiveHybrid 5, the first step is to check the tire pressure in all four tires. This simple action can often reveal if any tire is under-inflated, which is a common cause for the warning light to activate. If you find that the pressure is low, inflate the tires to the recommended levels as specified in your vehicle's manual. After ensuring that all tires are properly inflated, you will need to reset the warning light. This can be done by accessing the vehicle's home menu, selecting "Car," navigating to "Vehicle Status," and then "Tire Pressure Monitor." With the engine running, choose "Perform Reset" and drive a short distance to complete the process. If the warning light remains illuminated despite correct tire pressure, it may indicate a malfunction in one of the tire pressure sensors. In this case, using a reliable tire pressure gauge to manually check the tire pressures is advisable. The Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) system in your BMW is designed to alert you to significant drops in tire pressure and can provide real-time readings, making it an essential tool for maintaining optimal tire performance and safety. By following these steps, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve the tire pressure warning light issue, ensuring a safer driving experience.

Troubleshooting Tire Pressure Warning Light in BMW ActiveHybrid 5

When dealing with the tire pressure warning light in your BMW ActiveHybrid 5, it's essential to understand the common problems that could trigger this alert. One frequent issue is simply low tire pressure, which can occur due to temperature changes or slow leaks. Regularly checking and maintaining the correct tire pressure is crucial, as the system is designed to activate the warning light if any tire is under-inflated by 25% or more. Another common problem could be a malfunctioning tire pressure sensor; if a sensor fails, it may not accurately report the tire pressure, leading to false warnings. Additionally, if the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) has not been reset after inflating the tires, the warning light may remain illuminated. It's also worth noting that seasonal changes can affect tire pressure, so monitoring it regularly is advisable. By being aware of these issues, you can take proactive steps to troubleshoot and resolve the tire pressure warning light effectively.

Why is the Tire Pressure Warning Light Staying On in a BMW ActiveHybrid 5?

When the Tire Pressure Warning Light remains illuminated in your BMW ActiveHybrid 5, it is crucial to address the issue promptly to avoid potential safety hazards and costly repairs. Low tire pressure is the most common reason for this warning, and driving on under-inflated tires can lead to decreased handling, increased tire wear, and even blowouts. Additionally, a malfunctioning Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor can also trigger the light, indicating that the system is not accurately monitoring tire conditions, which poses a significant risk while driving. If you have recently adjusted your tire pressures, remember that the TPMS may require a reset to reflect the changes accurately. Furthermore, don’t overlook the spare tire, as low pressure there can also activate the warning light. Regularly checking tire pressures and maintaining the TPMS are essential practices for safe driving. Ignoring these warnings can lead to serious consequences, so take action as soon as the light stays on to ensure your vehicle remains safe and reliable on the road.

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