2012 Chevrolet Malibu Tire Pressure Warning Light Stays On

Address Tire Pressure Warning Light in 2012 Chevrolet Malibu for Safe Driving

Find Repair Location
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 2012 Chevrolet Malibu 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 Chevrolet Malibu 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 tire pressure warning light that stays on in a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu?

When faced with a tire pressure warning light that remains illuminated in your 2012 Chevrolet Malibu, the first step is to check the tire pressure in all four tires, including the spare if applicable. Ensure that the pressure aligns with the manufacturer's recommended levels, typically found on a sticker inside the driver's side door jamb or in the owner's manual. Next, visually inspect each tire for any signs of damage such as punctures, cuts, or bulges, as these can lead to pressure loss and trigger the warning light. If the tire pressure is correct and the tires appear undamaged, consider resetting the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), as it may require a reset after adjustments or tire replacements. Refer to your owner's manual for specific instructions on how to perform this reset. If the warning light persists despite these checks, it may indicate a malfunctioning tire pressure sensor, which could necessitate the use of a professional diagnostic tool to identify the issue. Should the problem continue after these troubleshooting steps, it is advisable to consult a certified mechanic or dealership for a comprehensive inspection to accurately diagnose the cause of the persistent warning light. By following this methodical approach, you can effectively address the tire pressure warning light issue in your vehicle.

What could cause the tire pressure warning light to stay on in a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu?

When the tire pressure warning light remains illuminated in your 2012 Chevrolet Malibu, it’s essential to understand the common problems that could be at play. One of the most frequent culprits is low air pressure in one or more tires, which can easily be checked with a tire pressure gauge. Additionally, a depleted battery in a tire pressure sensor can lead to false readings, so inspecting the sensors for battery life is crucial. If the sensors are functioning properly, the issue may lie with a malfunctioning TPMS receiver module or a faulty pressure sensor, both of which can disrupt the communication between the tires and the dashboard warning system. Lastly, ensure that the tire pressure is within the manufacturer’s specified range, as pressures that are too high or too low can also trigger the warning light. By systematically checking these factors, you can identify the root cause of the warning light and take appropriate action to resolve the issue.

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

Addressing the tire pressure warning light in a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu is of utmost urgency due to the significant safety risks and potential vehicle damage it poses. When this warning light remains illuminated, it indicates that one or more tires may be underinflated, which can severely compromise the vehicle's handling and braking capabilities. This not only increases the likelihood of accidents but also puts the driver and passengers at risk, especially in critical driving situations. Furthermore, driving on underinflated tires can lead to uneven wear, necessitating costly premature tire replacements. Additionally, low tire pressure negatively impacts fuel efficiency, resulting in higher fuel costs over time. Perhaps most concerning is the risk of tire damage, which can escalate to dangerous blowouts if left unaddressed. Therefore, it is crucial to check and adjust tire pressure according to the manufacturer's specifications immediately upon noticing the warning light, or to consult a professional for assistance to ensure both safety and vehicle longevity.

You’ve got options with RepairPal

Whether you need a more accurate auto repair estimate or help finding a reputable shop in your area, we’ve got you covered.