BMW I3s Tire Pressure Warning Light Stays On

Common Causes for the Persistent Tire Pressure Warning Light in Your BMW i3s 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 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 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.

Troubleshooting the Tire Pressure Warning Light in a BMW i3s

When addressing the Tire Pressure Warning Light in your BMW i3s, start with the most straightforward step: checking the tire pressure. Ensure that all tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended levels, as even minor discrepancies can trigger the warning light. After confirming the pressure, inspect the tire pressure sensors, as faulty sensors can lead to incorrect readings and persistent warnings. If the tire pressure is correct but the light remains illuminated, proceed to reset the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). This can typically be done through the vehicle's menu by navigating to the "Vehicle Status" section and selecting "Tire Pressure Monitor" to perform a reset. If the issue persists, consider reprogramming the sensors using an OBD2 scanner or a TPMS reset tool, as they may have lost their programmed data. By following this diagnostic approach, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve the Tire Pressure Warning Light issue, ensuring your BMW i3s remains safe and roadworthy.

What to Check When the Tire Pressure Warning Light Stays On in a BMW i3?

When the tire pressure warning light remains illuminated in your BMW i3, it can indicate several common problems that you can investigate on your own. First, ensure that all tires are properly inflated by using a tire pressure gauge; low pressure in any tire can trigger the warning light. If the pressure is adequate, inspect the tires for visible damage such as punctures, cracks, or foreign objects that could compromise their integrity. If the tires appear to be in good condition, the next step is to reset the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), as it may simply need recalibration. Additionally, consider the possibility of a faulty TPMS sensor, which could be due to a dead battery or damage to the sensor itself. If your vehicle is equipped with an indirect TPMS, be aware that issues related to traction loss can also cause the warning light to activate. Should these checks not resolve the issue, it may be necessary to seek a professional diagnostic to uncover any underlying problems that require expert attention. By understanding these common issues, you can take proactive steps to ensure your BMW i3 remains safe and roadworthy.

Why is the Tire Pressure Warning Light Staying On in a BMW i3s?

When the tire pressure warning light remains illuminated in your BMW i3s, it is crucial to address the issue promptly to ensure your safety on the road. Ignoring this warning can lead to serious consequences, such as reduced vehicle handling, increased tire wear, and even tire blowouts, which can pose significant risks to you and other drivers. The light may indicate that one or more tires are underinflated, which can compromise traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions. Additionally, a malfunctioning tire pressure sensor can provide inaccurate readings, leading to further confusion and potential neglect of necessary maintenance. To avoid these dangers, regularly check your tire pressure, inspect the sensors for any faults, and reset the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) as needed. Taking these steps not only enhances your vehicle's performance but also ensures a safer driving experience.

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