2008 Ford E-150 Tire Pressure Warning Light Stays On

Common Causes for the Tire Pressure Warning Light in Your 2008 Ford E-150 and How to Resolve Them

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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 2008 Ford E-150 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 tire 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 2008 Ford E-150 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 2008 Ford E-150?

To effectively diagnose the tire pressure warning light issue on your 2008 Ford E-150, start with the simplest solution: checking the tire pressure. Use a reliable gauge to measure the air pressure in all tires, ensuring they are inflated to the specifications indicated on the vehicle certification label. After adjusting the tire pressure, take the vehicle for a short drive at around 20 mph for at least two minutes, as this can help reset the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). If the warning light remains illuminated, it may be necessary to reset the TPMS manually, which can vary by model and year, so consult your owner's manual for specific instructions. If the light continues to flash despite proper tire pressure, this could indicate a fault with the tire pressure sensors, which may require a reset or even replacement if the sensor battery is dying. Should the problem persist after these steps, consider performing a diagnostic check to identify any underlying issues, as tire pressure sensor faults can stem from various factors. Recognizing the common symptoms of a sensor fault, such as a warning light shaped like an exclamation mark inside a horseshoe, can also guide your troubleshooting process. By following this diagnostic approach, you can systematically address the tire pressure warning light issue and ensure your vehicle's safety and performance.

What could be causing the tire pressure warning light to stay on in a 2008 Ford E-150?

When the tire pressure warning light remains illuminated in a 2008 Ford E-150, it is crucial to investigate several common problems that could be at play. One of the primary culprits is a leak in one of the tires, which can lead to a significant drop in pressure, triggering the warning light. Additionally, a malfunctioning Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor may also cause the light to stay on, indicating that the system is not accurately reading the tire pressures. Low tire pressure itself is often the most straightforward reason for the warning light, so checking the pressure in all tires is a good first step. Furthermore, if the TPMS sensors have lost their programmed data, they may need to be reprogrammed using an OBD2 scanner or a TPMS reset tool. Addressing these issues not only helps in turning off the warning light but also ensures the safety and performance of your vehicle.

How urgently should I address the tire pressure warning light in my 2008 Ford E-150?

Addressing the tire pressure warning light in your 2008 Ford E-150 should be treated as an urgent matter. When this light illuminates, it signals that your tire pressure is below the recommended level, which can significantly compromise your vehicle's safety and performance. Low tire pressure can lead to decreased fuel efficiency, increased tire wear, and a higher risk of tire blowouts, all of which can endanger you and your passengers. If the light is flashing, it indicates a potential issue with the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensor, suggesting that it may need replacement soon. Ignoring these warnings can lead to more severe problems, including flat tires or accidents. Therefore, it is crucial to stop and check your tire pressure immediately, inflate your tires to the recommended levels, and reset the TPMS to ensure accurate monitoring. Remember, maintaining proper tire pressure is not just about vehicle performance; it is essential for your safety on the road.

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Tire Pressure Warning Light in 2008 Ford E-150