2012 Dodge Caliber Tire Pressure Warning Light Stays On

Resolve Tire Pressure Warning Light in 2012 Dodge Caliber: Causes and Solutions

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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 2012 Dodge Caliber 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 Dodge Caliber 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 on my 2012 Dodge Caliber?

To effectively diagnose the tire pressure warning light issue on your 2012 Dodge Caliber, start with the simplest solutions before moving on to more complex diagnostics. Begin by checking and filling all tires to the manufacturer-recommended pressure, as this is often the primary reason for the TPMS light activation. After ensuring the tires are properly inflated, verify the pressure readings to confirm they are accurate. If the warning light remains illuminated, the next step is to inspect the tire pressure sensors for any faults or programming issues, as a malfunctioning sensor can lead to incorrect data being sent to the vehicle's computer. Additionally, it’s essential to check the overall functionality of the TPMS system to rule out any systemic problems. By following this structured approach, you can efficiently identify and resolve the underlying cause of the tire pressure warning light, ensuring your vehicle remains safe and roadworthy.

What could be causing the tire pressure warning light to stay on in a 2012 Dodge Caliber?

When troubleshooting the tire pressure warning light in a 2012 Dodge Caliber, it's crucial to understand the common problems that may be at play. A primary concern is the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensors, which can malfunction or sustain damage, particularly after tire replacements. If the sensors are faulty or their batteries are dead, they may fail to provide accurate pressure readings, leading to the warning light remaining on. Additionally, if the TPMS system has not been reset after maintenance or tire changes, this can also cause the light to persist despite proper tire inflation. Other potential issues include electrical problems, such as those stemming from extreme temperature changes or a malfunctioning TPMS module. By methodically examining these factors, you can identify the root cause of the warning light and take the necessary steps to rectify the situation, ensuring your vehicle's safety and performance on the road.

How urgent is it to address the tire pressure warning light on my 2012 Dodge Caliber?

Addressing the tire pressure warning light on your 2012 Dodge Caliber is crucial for both your safety and the longevity of your vehicle. Ignoring this warning can lead to serious consequences, such as reduced traction, increased tire wear, and even tire blowouts, which pose significant safety risks while driving. Low tire pressure can also negatively impact your fuel efficiency, leading to higher costs over time. By checking and inflating your tires to the recommended pressure as soon as the warning light illuminates, you not only enhance your vehicle's performance but also ensure a safer driving experience. If the light remains on after inflating the tires, it indicates a potential malfunction in the tire pressure monitoring system that requires immediate attention. Therefore, it is essential to treat the tire pressure warning light with urgency to prevent further complications and maintain optimal driving conditions.

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2012 Dodge Caliber Tire Pressure Warning Light Guide