2013 Ford Flex Tire Pressure Warning Light Stays On

Tire Pressure Warning Light in 2013 Ford Flex: Causes and Solutions

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Reviewed by
Bo Fader
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 2013 Ford Flex 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 2013 Ford Flex 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 2013 Ford Flex?

To effectively diagnose the tire pressure warning light issue on your 2013 Ford Flex, start by checking the air pressure in all four tires using a reliable gauge. This initial step is crucial as it helps confirm whether the warning light is triggered by low tire pressure. If you find that any tire is below the recommended PSI, inflate it to the proper level. After adjusting the air pressure, monitor the warning light; if it remains illuminated, further investigation may be necessary, such as inspecting for leaks or checking the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) for faults. By following this diagnostic approach, you can address the issue systematically, ensuring that you tackle the simplest solutions first before moving on to more complex diagnostics.

What could cause the tire pressure warning light to stay on in a 2013 Ford Flex?

When the tire pressure warning light remains illuminated in a 2013 Ford Flex, it often indicates underlying issues that require attention. The most frequent culprit is low tire pressure, which can result from factors such as slow leaks, temperature fluctuations, or natural air loss over time. DIYers should start by checking the tire pressure with a reliable gauge and inflating the tires to the recommended levels if necessary. If the pressure is adequate, the problem may lie with a faulty tire pressure sensor, which could fail to accurately relay information to the vehicle's system. In such cases, inspecting the sensor for damage or malfunction is essential. Additionally, tire pressure sensors are equipped with batteries that can deplete over time; if the battery is dead, the sensor will not function, causing the warning light to stay on. Electrical issues, such as wiring faults or blown fuses within the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), can also trigger the warning light. Lastly, if all components appear to be in working order, recalibrating the TPMS may be necessary to reset the system. By understanding these common problems, DIY enthusiasts can effectively diagnose and address the reasons behind the tire pressure warning light in their Ford Flex, ensuring safe driving conditions.

How urgent is it to address the tire pressure warning light on a 2013 Ford Flex that stays on?

Addressing the tire pressure warning light on your 2013 Ford Flex is not just a matter of convenience; it is a critical safety issue that requires immediate attention. When this warning light remains illuminated, it signals that one or more tires may be underinflated, which can severely compromise your vehicle's handling and braking capabilities. This poses a heightened risk of accidents, particularly in emergency situations where quick response is essential. Additionally, driving on underinflated tires can lead to uneven wear, significantly shortening their lifespan and increasing the likelihood of a blowout, which can be dangerous. Furthermore, low tire pressure can negatively impact your fuel efficiency, leading to higher fuel costs over time. Ignoring the warning light may also indicate a malfunction in the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), necessitating repairs to ensure accurate monitoring in the future. Therefore, it is crucial to take the tire pressure warning light seriously and address it promptly to safeguard your safety, enhance your vehicle's performance, and avoid costly repairs down the line.

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