2006 Ford Explorer Tire Pressure Warning Light Stays On

Resolve Tire Pressure Warning Light in 2006 Ford Explorer: 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 2006 Ford Explorer 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 2006 Ford Explorer 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.

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 2006 Ford Explorer?

When diagnosing the tire pressure warning light issue on your 2006 Ford Explorer, start with the simplest approach by checking the tire pressure in all four tires using a reliable gauge. This initial step helps confirm whether the warning is due to low tire pressure. If you find any tires are below the recommended PSI, adjust them accordingly to ensure they are properly inflated. Next, consider common causes of the warning light, such as inconsistent pressure readings or persistent alerts, which may indicate a deeper issue. Pay close attention to any messages displayed on your dashboard, particularly those indicating a "Tire Pressure Sensor Fault," as these can guide your next steps. If the TPMS light is solid, it typically points to low tire pressure, while a flashing light may suggest a failing sensor battery. If the light continues to blink after addressing the tire pressure, it may be necessary to diagnose potential malfunctions, which could involve checking the sensor's functionality. By following this diagnostic approach, you can systematically identify and resolve the issue with your tire pressure warning light.

What could cause the tire pressure warning light to stay on in a 2006 Ford Explorer?

When the tire pressure warning light remains illuminated in a 2006 Ford Explorer, it often indicates underlying issues that require attention. One of the most common problems is a tire leaking air, which can occur due to punctures or damage, leading to a drop in pressure. Additionally, leaks can also originate from the wheel itself, where corrosion or damage may prevent a proper seal. Another frequent culprit is a malfunction within the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). This can manifest as faulty sensors, depleted batteries in the sensors, or even a damaged sensor that fails to relay accurate pressure readings. Furthermore, if the TPMS receiver module is not functioning correctly, it may not communicate properly with the sensors, causing the warning light to stay on. To effectively troubleshoot this issue, it is essential to inspect the tires and wheels for any visible leaks, check the TPMS sensors for faults, and ensure that the receiver module is operational. If these checks do not resolve the problem, recalibrating or replacing the faulty sensors may be necessary to restore proper functionality and ensure safe driving conditions.

How urgent is it to address the tire pressure warning light on a 2006 Ford Explorer that stays on?

Addressing the tire pressure warning light on a 2006 Ford Explorer is crucial for maintaining both safety and vehicle integrity. Ignoring this warning can lead to serious safety concerns, as low tire pressure significantly impacts the vehicle's handling and braking capabilities, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Additionally, driving on underinflated tires accelerates uneven wear, which not only shortens the lifespan of your tires but also necessitates costly replacements sooner than expected. Furthermore, low tire pressure can adversely affect fuel efficiency, leading to higher fuel costs over time. Perhaps most alarmingly, continued operation with insufficient tire pressure can result in tire damage or even blowouts, posing a severe risk to you and other road users. Therefore, it is imperative to check and adjust your tire pressure promptly, adhering to the manufacturer's specifications, or consult a professional if necessary to ensure your vehicle remains safe and efficient on the road.

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