2012 Dodge Journey Tire Pressure Warning Light Stays On

Resolve Tire Pressure Warning Light in 2012 Dodge Journey: 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 Journey 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 Journey 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 of a TPMS control module failure are failing to alert the driver of underinflation or overinflation of one or more tires, failure to communicate with the body control module or TPMS sensors, or erroneously reporting incorrect tire pressure.

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 Journey?

To effectively diagnose the tire pressure warning light issue on your 2012 Dodge Journey, start with the simplest solutions before progressing to more complex diagnostics. Begin by checking the tire pressure in all four tires, ensuring they match the recommended levels found on the tire information placard. If the pressure is correct, inspect the TPMS sensors to confirm they are properly installed and recognized by the vehicle's ECU, especially if you've recently changed tires or wheels. If the sensors appear intact but the warning light persists, examine the TPMS fuse located under the glove box, as a blown fuse could be the culprit. Should these steps not resolve the issue, consider performing a TPMS relearn procedure, which can be done either by driving the vehicle at a specific speed or using an OBDII tool for a more immediate reset. Finally, if the problem continues, retrieve any Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) using an OBDII scanner to pinpoint specific sensor issues, and if necessary, reset the TPMS system following detailed guides available online. By systematically addressing these areas, you can effectively troubleshoot and potentially resolve the tire pressure warning light issue.

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

When the tire pressure warning light remains illuminated in a 2012 Dodge Journey, it can be attributed to several common problems that DIY enthusiasts can troubleshoot. First and foremost, low tire pressure is the most frequent culprit; checking and inflating your tires to the recommended levels is essential. If the pressure is adequate, inspect the TPMS sensors for any signs of damage or malfunction, as a faulty sensor can trigger the warning light. Additionally, if you've recently replaced a sensor, ensure that it has been properly relearned to the vehicle's ECU, as incorrect sensor IDs can prevent the system from functioning correctly. It's also important to consider potential interference from oversized rims, which can disrupt the communication between the sensors and the vehicle. Lastly, if you've rotated your tires, remember that the TPMS may need to be reset or relearned, typically requiring a short drive at a specific speed. By systematically addressing these issues, you can effectively diagnose and resolve the tire pressure warning light concern in your Dodge Journey.

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

Addressing the tire pressure warning light in your 2012 Dodge Journey is not just a matter of convenience; it is a critical safety concern that demands immediate attention. Driving with improperly inflated tires can lead to dangerous situations, including reduced traction and handling, which significantly increases the risk of accidents, especially during emergency maneuvers. Moreover, underinflated tires can cause excessive wear and tear, potentially leading to a blowout, which can have catastrophic consequences. Beyond safety, neglecting this warning can also impact your vehicle's performance, resulting in decreased fuel efficiency and a less comfortable ride. Regularly checking and maintaining your tire pressure is essential, as the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is merely a warning tool and not a substitute for routine maintenance. If the warning light remains illuminated after ensuring proper tire pressure, it may indicate a malfunctioning TPMS sensor, which should be addressed promptly to avoid further complications. In summary, the urgency of addressing the tire pressure warning light cannot be overstated; doing so is vital for your safety and the overall performance of your vehicle.

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