Ford Expedition Tire Pressure Warning Light Stays On

Common Causes for the Tire Pressure Warning Light in Your Ford Expedition and How to Resolve Them

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Reviewed by
Andrew Hajjar
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 Ford Expedition 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 Ford Expedition 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.

Troubleshooting Tire Pressure Warning Light in a Ford Expedition

When dealing with the tire pressure warning light in your Ford Expedition, it's essential to adopt a diagnostic approach that prioritizes simplicity. Begin by checking the tire pressures of all four tires, ensuring they are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended levels. This straightforward step can often resolve the issue if low pressure is the culprit. If the warning light persists, inspect each tire for visible signs of damage or leaks, as a punctured tire can lead to air loss and trigger the warning. Should the tires appear intact, consider the possibility of a malfunctioning tire pressure sensor or a depleted battery within the sensor itself. In this case, you may need to reset the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) by following the specific reset procedure outlined in your vehicle's manual, which typically involves a series of steps including inflating the tires and engaging the parking brake. If the light remains illuminated after these efforts, it may indicate a more complex issue with the TPMS receiver module or a damaged sensor, necessitating further investigation or professional assistance. By systematically addressing these potential causes, you can effectively troubleshoot the tire pressure warning light and ensure your Ford Expedition is safe and road-ready.

What to Do When the Tire Pressure Warning Light Stays On in a Ford Expedition?

When the tire pressure warning light stays on in your Ford Expedition, it’s important to recognize the common problems that may be at play. Low tire pressure is often the primary issue, which can arise from temperature fluctuations or slow leaks. Regularly checking your tire pressure is vital for both safety and optimal fuel efficiency. Additionally, the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) can encounter failures, such as depleted batteries in the sensors or issues with the TPMS receiver module. If you see a specific fault message, using a TPMS diagnostic tool can help pinpoint the malfunctioning sensor. A flashing warning light may indicate that a sensor battery needs replacement, which usually requires professional help. Once you’ve addressed any underlying issues, make sure to inflate your tires to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure and drive your vehicle for a short distance to reset the system. By understanding these common problems, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve the tire pressure warning light issue in your Ford Expedition.

Why is the Tire Pressure Warning Light Staying On in a Ford Expedition?

When the Tire Pressure Warning Light remains illuminated in your Ford Expedition, it is crucial to take immediate action. Ignoring this warning can lead to serious safety hazards, including tire blowouts or loss of vehicle control due to under-inflated tires. A leaking tire or a malfunctioning tire pressure monitoring system can compromise your vehicle's performance and increase the risk of accidents. Additionally, driving on tires that are not properly inflated can cause excessive wear and tear, leading to costly repairs or replacements. Therefore, it is essential to promptly check the tire pressure of all wheels, including the spare, and address any leaks or malfunctions in the tire pressure monitoring system. By taking these steps, you not only ensure your safety but also prolong the life of your tires and enhance your vehicle's overall performance.

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