2016 BMW I3 Tire Pressure Warning Light Stays On

Troubleshooting the Persistent Tire Pressure Warning Light in Your 2016 BMW i3: Causes and Solutions

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Reviewed by
Bo Fader
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 2016 BMW i3 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 tire 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 2016 BMW i3 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 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.

What are the initial steps to diagnose a persistent tire pressure warning light on a 2016 BMW i3?

When faced with a persistent tire pressure warning light on your 2016 BMW i3, the first step is to check the tire pressure using a reliable gauge. This ensures that all tires are inflated to the recommended levels specified in your owner's manual or on the placard located on the driver's side door frame. If you find any discrepancies, inflate the tires accordingly to meet the required pressure. Next, inspect each tire for visible signs of leaks or damage, as these could be the culprits behind the warning light. If the pressure is correct and there are no visible issues, the problem may lie within the tire pressure monitoring system itself. This could involve a malfunctioning sensor or a dead sensor battery, which would prevent the system from accurately reading tire pressure. In such cases, consulting your owner's manual for specific troubleshooting steps can provide further guidance. By following this methodical approach, you can effectively diagnose and potentially resolve the tire pressure warning light issue on your BMW i3.

What could cause the tire pressure warning light to stay on in a 2016 BMW i3?

When the tire pressure warning light stays on in your 2016 BMW i3, it can be frustrating, especially if you've already checked the tire pressures. One common issue is extreme temperature fluctuations, which can affect tire pressure readings even when the tires are adequately inflated. Additionally, a slow leak in one of the tires may not be immediately noticeable but can trigger the warning light. It's also essential to inspect the spare tire, as low pressure or damage there can contribute to the problem. Another frequent culprit is a malfunctioning tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensor; these sensors can wear out or become damaged over time, leading to false alerts. Furthermore, issues with the TPMS module or the vehicle's electronic control unit (ECU) can also cause the light to remain on. If you've ruled out these factors and the light persists, consider resetting the TPMS, as some models require this after adjusting tire pressures. By understanding these potential issues, you can take the necessary steps to diagnose and resolve the tire pressure warning light concern in your BMW i3.

How urgent is it to address the tire pressure warning light that stays on in a 2016 BMW i3?

Addressing the tire pressure warning light in your 2016 BMW i3 is not just a matter of convenience; it is a critical safety concern that requires immediate attention. When this warning light remains illuminated, it signifies that your tire pressure is below the recommended levels, which can lead to a host of dangerous situations. Low tire pressure can severely compromise your vehicle's handling and braking capabilities, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Additionally, driving on under-inflated tires can accelerate uneven wear, reducing the lifespan of your tires and potentially leading to a blowout, especially at higher speeds. Ignoring this warning can also negatively impact your fuel efficiency, costing you more at the pump. For DIY enthusiasts, the first step is to check the tire pressure using a reliable gauge and inflate the tires to the manufacturer's specifications. If the light persists after correcting the pressure, it may indicate a leak or an issue with the tire pressure monitoring system, which should be investigated further. Taking these steps not only ensures your safety but also enhances the overall performance and longevity of your vehicle.

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