2009 Ford Taurus Tire Pressure Warning Light Stays On

Resolve Tire Pressure Warning Light in 2009 Ford Taurus

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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 2009 Ford Taurus 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 2009 Ford Taurus 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 are the initial steps to diagnose a tire pressure warning light that stays on in a 2009 Ford Taurus?

To effectively diagnose a tire pressure warning light that remains illuminated in your 2009 Ford Taurus, start with the simplest solutions. Begin by inspecting each tire for visible leaks or damage, as a punctured tire or one that fails to hold air is often the culprit. Next, check the air pressure in all tires, ensuring they are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended levels. If the pressure is adequate but the warning light persists, it may be necessary to reset the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) or investigate the possibility of a malfunctioning TPMS sensor. Pay attention to the behavior of the warning light; a solid light typically indicates low tire pressure, while a flashing light may suggest a battery issue within the sensor. Remember, when you start your vehicle, the TPMS light should illuminate briefly before turning off. If it remains on, further investigation is warranted. By following these steps, you can systematically address the issue and ensure your vehicle's safety on the road.

What could cause the tire pressure warning light to stay on in a 2009 Ford Taurus?

When the tire pressure warning light stays on in a 2009 Ford Taurus, it often indicates a few common issues that can be addressed through DIY methods. The primary reason is typically low tire pressure, which can be easily fixed by checking and inflating the tires to the recommended levels found in the owner’s manual. If the tire pressure is correct, the problem may stem from a faulty tire pressure sensor that might need replacement. Another possibility is that the tire pressure monitoring system requires recalibration, especially if the vehicle's battery has been recently replaced or if tires have been changed. Additionally, electrical faults, such as damaged wiring within the monitoring system, can also cause the warning light to remain illuminated. By methodically checking these areas, you can troubleshoot the issue effectively, ensuring your vehicle remains safe and roadworthy.

How urgent is it to address the tire pressure warning light on a 2009 Ford Taurus that stays on?

Addressing the tire pressure warning light on a 2009 Ford Taurus is crucial for maintaining both safety and vehicle performance. When this light remains illuminated, it signals that one or more tires may be improperly inflated, which can significantly compromise handling and braking capabilities. Ignoring this warning can lead to serious consequences, such as decreased fuel efficiency and accelerated tire wear, ultimately resulting in costly replacements. Moreover, driving on under-inflated or over-inflated tires increases the risk of a flat tire or blowout, particularly in challenging driving conditions. For DIY enthusiasts, the first step is to check the tire pressure using a reliable gauge, adjusting it to the manufacturer's recommended levels. If the light persists after correcting the tire pressure, it may indicate a malfunction in the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), which should be diagnosed and repaired to ensure safe driving. Taking these proactive measures not only enhances safety but also prolongs the life of your tires and improves overall vehicle efficiency.

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