2021 BMW I3s Tire Pressure Warning Light Stays On

Troubleshooting Tire Pressure Warning Light Issues in Your 2021 BMW i3s: Causes and Solutions

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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 2021 BMW i3s 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 2021 BMW i3s 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 2021 BMW i3s?

To effectively diagnose a persistent tire pressure warning light on your 2021 BMW i3s, start by checking the tire pressure in all four tires, ensuring they are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended levels, as low pressure is a frequent culprit. Next, visually inspect each tire for any signs of damage, such as punctures or bulges, which could lead to air loss. If the tires appear to be in good condition, proceed to reset the tire pressure monitoring system following the instructions in your vehicle's manual; this can sometimes resolve the issue if it was triggered erroneously. Additionally, examine the valve stems for leaks or damage, as these can also contribute to pressure loss. If the warning light persists, using a diagnostic tool to scan for fault codes related to the tire pressure monitoring system can help identify any underlying issues. Finally, ensure that the tire pressure sensors are functioning correctly, as faulty sensors can lead to inaccurate readings and trigger the warning light. By following these steps, you can systematically troubleshoot the problem and potentially resolve the tire pressure warning light issue on your BMW i3s.

What could be causing the tire pressure warning light to stay on in a 2021 BMW i3s?

When the tire pressure warning light stays on in a 2021 BMW i3s, it is essential to identify the underlying issues to ensure safe driving. The most common cause is low tire pressure, which can result from natural air loss or punctures; therefore, regularly checking and inflating tires to the recommended levels is vital. Another possibility is a malfunctioning tire pressure sensor, which may need recalibration or replacement if it fails to function correctly. Additionally, some sensors are battery-operated, and depleted batteries can lead to persistent warning lights. Wiring problems or malfunctions within the tire pressure monitoring system can also trigger the warning light, making it necessary to conduct a diagnostic test by a qualified technician. Environmental factors, such as extreme temperature changes, can also impact tire pressure readings, so it is best to check the pressure when the tires are cold for accuracy. By addressing these potential issues promptly, you can maintain the safety and performance of your BMW i3s.

How urgent is it to address the tire pressure warning light on my 2021 BMW i3s?

Addressing the tire pressure warning light on your 2021 BMW i3s is not just a matter of convenience; it is a critical safety issue that demands immediate attention. Ignoring this warning can lead to dangerous driving conditions, as improper tire pressure significantly impacts your vehicle's handling and braking capabilities. Moreover, driving on underinflated tires can accelerate uneven wear, leading to costly replacements and decreased fuel efficiency, which can add up over time. The risk of tire damage, including blowouts, increases when tire pressure is neglected, particularly when driving at higher speeds or on uneven surfaces. To ensure optimal performance, including traction and cornering stability, it is essential to maintain the correct tire pressure. Therefore, taking prompt action when the tire pressure warning light illuminates is vital for your safety, the longevity of your tires, and the overall performance of your BMW i3s.

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