What is a Tire Pressure Monitor Control Module?
Vehicles equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) provide feedback to the driver when one of the tires is low on air. This is important as many vehicle suspension systems become more advanced allowing the tire to deflate without the driver noticing. This system uses sensors that communicate with the TPMS control module (TPMS control module) which will identify issues and alert the driver if needed. This can also prevent a blowout while driving because of under or overinflated tires.
How do Tire Pressure Monitor Control Modules work?
The TPMS wheel sensors constantly communicate wirelessly to the TPMS control module. The sensors are pressure sensing, and the TPMS control module will identify when the reading from one or more of the sensors are outside of the expected range. If one of the tires are underinflated or overinflated, the TPMS control module will illuminate a warning light, display a message to the driver, and constantly recheck so it understands when the tire pressure is back to normal.
What are the symptoms of a bad Tire Pressure Monitor Control Module?
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.
Can I drive with a bad Tire Pressure Monitor Control Module?
Since the TPMS control module is a component of an accessory system, there is no vehicle that actually needs the system to operate. This is true of many systems, however, like air conditioning, it is nice to have. This is one item that can be repaired as desired and at the convenience of the owner of the vehicle.