2012 Buick Regal Tire Pressure Warning Light Stays On

Resolve Tire Pressure Warning Light in 2012 Buick Regal: 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 2012 Buick Regal 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 2012 Buick Regal 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 steps should I take to diagnose the tire pressure warning light issue in my 2012 Buick Regal?

To effectively diagnose the tire pressure warning light issue in your 2012 Buick Regal, start by visually inspecting each tire for any signs of leaks or damage, as these are common culprits for the warning light activation. Next, use a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure in all tires, ensuring they meet the manufacturer's recommended levels; this is crucial since both under-inflation and over-inflation can trigger the light. If you've recently changed a tire, particularly if it involved a spare with a TPMS sensor, ensure that the new tire is properly equipped and functioning, as a malfunction here can also cause the warning to appear. Pay attention to the behavior of the warning light; a solid light typically indicates low pressure, while a blinking light may suggest a sensor issue. If the light persists after correcting the tire pressures, consider resetting the TPMS system, which may require a specialized scanner. Lastly, keep in mind that tire pressure sensors have a limited lifespan, often around five years, and may need replacement if they fail to respond even after addressing the pressure levels. By following these steps, you can systematically identify and resolve the issue with your tire pressure warning light.

What could be causing the tire pressure warning light to remain on in a 2012 Buick Regal?

When the tire pressure warning light remains illuminated in a 2012 Buick Regal, it can be frustrating for DIY car owners. The most frequent culprit is low tire pressure, which can easily be checked using a tire pressure gauge. Ensuring that all tires are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended levels is a crucial first step. If the pressure is adequate, the issue may lie with the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensors. These sensors can fail or become faulty, leading to incorrect readings. In such cases, inspecting the sensors for damage or replacing them may be necessary. Additionally, the batteries within the TPMS sensors have a limited lifespan; if they are dead, the sensors will not function properly, causing the warning light to stay on. Replacing these batteries can often resolve the issue. Another possibility is that the TPMS requires recalibration, especially after tire rotation or replacement. If these DIY checks do not resolve the problem, it may be time to consult a professional mechanic for a more thorough diagnosis, ensuring your vehicle remains safe and roadworthy.

How urgent is it to address the tire pressure warning light that stays on in a 2012 Buick Regal?

Addressing the tire pressure warning light that remains illuminated in a 2012 Buick Regal is an urgent matter that should not be overlooked. Ignoring this warning can lead to serious safety concerns, as low tire pressure significantly impacts the vehicle's handling and braking capabilities, increasing the likelihood of accidents, particularly in critical driving situations. Furthermore, driving on underinflated tires accelerates uneven wear, which not only shortens the lifespan of your tires but also raises the risk of a blowout while on the road. This can lead to costly repairs and potentially dangerous situations. Additionally, maintaining proper tire pressure is crucial for optimal fuel efficiency; underinflated tires can cause your vehicle to consume more fuel, resulting in higher expenses over time. Therefore, it is essential to promptly check and adjust the tire pressure to the manufacturer's recommended levels, ensuring both your safety and the longevity of your vehicle.

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