How are Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensor issues diagnosed?
After checking the air pressure, the technician will need to connect a diagnostic scan tool to test the wheel sensors first. In some vehicles, the sensors will not set an OBD-II code directing the technician to the faulty tire pressure sensor, and those must be checked manually. The tires can be inflated and deflated one at a time, and the sensor that does not register the change is faulty, or a wireless scanner can be used to attempt to contact the individual sensors at each wheel.
How are Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensors replaced?
Replacing the sensor is much like changing a tire with an additional step. The original tire, if in good condition, can be reused, but the wheel and tire must be separated. The wheel will be removed from the vehicle, the tire removed from the wheel, and the sensor will be removed from the inside of the wheel by disconnecting the hex nut on the outside. Once the new sensor is installed, the tire can be replaced, and the tire pressure on all four or six tires will be adjusted to factory specifications. Once the wheel is back on the vehicle, the lug nuts or wheel bolts will be torqued to factory specifications, and the vehicle will be driven a short distance or the sensors will be manually relearned.
RepairPal Recommendations for Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensor issues
We always recommend contacting the repair center where the tires were last installed. Although the tire pressure sensors are fairly inexpensive, it is best to use the warranty if purchased.
What to look out for when dealing with Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensor issues
It is essential to understanding where to locate the tire pressure information for the vehicle you drive in the event that you need to check, inflate, or deflate the tires. The information is likely posted on the driver door frame, inside the fuel tank lid, or in the owner's manual. Inflating a tire to the maximum allowable limit printed on the sidewall will be incorrectly overinflated every time.
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Can I replace a Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensor myself?
Checking the air pressure in the tires is something anyone can do, and this solves the majority of issues arising with the TPMS warning lamp. However, if a tire goes flat without the TPMS warning light being displayed, or the warning lamp does not turn off with correct pressure, diagnosis will need to be performed with a professional scanner, and changing the tire pressure sensors will require professional equipment.