2013 GMC Terrain Tire Pressure Warning Light Stays On

Resolve Tire Pressure Warning Light in 2013 GMC Terrain: 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 GMC Terrain 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 GMC Terrain 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.

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 persistent tire pressure warning light on a 2013 GMC Terrain?

When faced with a persistent tire pressure warning light on your 2013 GMC Terrain, it's essential to adopt a systematic diagnostic approach. Start by checking the tire pressure of all four tires, ensuring they are inflated to the levels recommended in your vehicle's manual. This simple step can often resolve the issue if the light is triggered by low pressure. If the tire pressure is correct but the warning light remains illuminated, the next step is to reset the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). This can typically be done using a scanner or by following the specific reset procedure outlined in your owner's manual. If the light still does not turn off, inspect the tire pressure sensors for any faults or programming issues, as malfunctioning sensors can lead to persistent warnings. Should these steps not resolve the issue, it may be time to seek professional assistance from a mechanic or dealership, as they can provide a more in-depth diagnosis and repair. By following this structured approach, you can effectively troubleshoot and potentially resolve the tire pressure warning light issue on your GMC Terrain.

What could cause the tire pressure warning light to stay on in a 2013 GMC Terrain?

When the tire pressure warning light stays on in a 2013 GMC Terrain, it can indicate several underlying issues that are often manageable through DIY troubleshooting. The most common reason is low tire pressure, which can be easily checked and corrected by inflating the tires to the recommended levels found in the owner’s manual. If the tire pressure is adequate, the next step is to examine the tire pressure sensors, as a malfunctioning sensor may need to be replaced. Additionally, recalibrating the tire pressure monitoring system can resolve inaccuracies; this process is usually outlined in the vehicle's manual. It's also important to consider potential electrical problems, such as damaged wiring or blown fuses, which may require a more thorough inspection of the vehicle's electrical system. Lastly, if these steps do not resolve the issue, the tire pressure monitoring system itself may be experiencing a malfunction, necessitating diagnostic testing to identify and address any software or hardware failures. By methodically addressing these common problems, you can effectively troubleshoot and potentially resolve the persistent tire pressure warning light in your GMC Terrain.

What immediate steps should be taken to address the tire pressure warning light that remains on in a 2013 GMC Terrain?

When the tire pressure warning light remains illuminated in your 2013 GMC Terrain, it is crucial to act promptly to avoid potential safety hazards and costly repairs. Ignoring this warning can lead to decreased vehicle handling, increased tire wear, and even blowouts, which pose serious risks on the road. Start by thoroughly inspecting each tire for visible damage or punctures, as a leak could be the root cause of the warning. Next, use a tire gauge to check the air pressure in all tires, ensuring they meet the manufacturer's recommended levels. If you find any tires underinflated, inflate them accordingly to restore optimal performance. However, if the warning light persists after addressing the tire pressure, it may indicate a malfunction within the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). In such cases, it is essential to consult a qualified mechanic to diagnose and resolve any underlying issues, as neglecting this could lead to further complications and jeopardize your safety on the road. Taking these immediate steps not only enhances your vehicle's performance but also ensures your safety and that of others while driving.

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