GMC Sierra 1500 HD Tire Pressure Warning Light Stays On

Common Causes for the Tire Pressure Warning Light in Your GMC Sierra 1500 HD and How to Resolve Them

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Reviewed by
Devin Cabugcal
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 GMC Sierra 1500 HD 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 GMC Sierra 1500 HD 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.

Troubleshooting Tire Pressure Warning Light in GMC Sierra 1500 HD

When addressing the TPMS warning light in your GMC Sierra 1500 HD, start with the simplest solution: check the tire pressure. Ensure all tires are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended levels, as low air pressure is a common trigger for the warning light. If the pressure is adequate and the light remains illuminated, inspect the vehicle's tire pressure sensors for any visible damage or signs of wear. A depleted battery in one of the sensors can also cause the warning light to activate, so consider replacing the battery if necessary. If these initial checks do not resolve the issue, the next step is to examine the TPMS receiver module, as a malfunction here can lead to persistent warning lights. Finally, if all else fails, consult a professional for a thorough diagnostic, as complex issues may require specialized tools and expertise. By following this methodical approach, you can effectively troubleshoot and potentially resolve the TPMS warning light issue in your GMC Sierra 1500 HD.

Troubleshooting Tire Pressure Warning Light in GMC Sierra 1500 HD

When dealing with the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) warning light in your GMC Sierra 1500 HD, it's essential to recognize the common problems that may trigger this alert. One of the primary culprits is low air pressure in one or more tires, which can easily be checked with a tire pressure gauge. If the pressure is indeed low, simply inflating the tires to the recommended levels can resolve the issue. Another frequent cause is a depleted battery in one of the tire pressure sensors; if this is the case, replacing the battery or the entire sensor may be necessary. Additionally, a malfunctioning TPMS receiver module can lead to false warnings, and diagnosing this may require professional assistance. Lastly, inspect the pressure sensors for any visible damage, as a broken sensor will need to be replaced to restore proper functionality. Addressing these issues not only helps in resetting the TPMS light but also ensures your vehicle's safety and performance on the road.

Why is the Tire Pressure Warning Light Staying On in a GMC Sierra 1500 HD?

When the Tire Pressure Warning Light remains illuminated in your GMC Sierra 1500 HD, it is crucial to address the issue without delay. Ignoring this warning can lead to serious safety hazards, such as tire blowouts or loss of vehicle control, especially if you are driving on under-inflated tires. Low tire pressure can cause excessive heat buildup, increasing the risk of tire failure, which can result in costly repairs and dangerous situations on the road. Additionally, over-inflated tires can also trigger the warning light and compromise your vehicle's handling and braking performance. If you have checked the tire pressures and they are within the recommended range, it may indicate a malfunctioning tire pressure monitoring system or a faulty sensor, which requires immediate attention. Taking the time to troubleshoot and resolve these issues not only ensures your safety but also prolongs the life of your tires and enhances overall vehicle performance. Therefore, it is essential to act promptly when the Tire Pressure Warning Light stays on, as neglecting it can lead to significant consequences.

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