2020 GMC Terrain Tire Pressure Warning Light Stays On

Resolve Tire Pressure Warning Light in 2020 GMC Terrain: Causes and Solutions

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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 2020 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 2020 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.

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 2020 GMC Terrain?

To effectively diagnose a tire pressure warning light that remains illuminated in your 2020 GMC Terrain, start with the most straightforward step: checking the tire pressure. Ensure that all tires are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended levels, as low pressure is a frequent culprit for this warning. Next, visually inspect each tire for any signs of damage, such as punctures or bulges, which could lead to air loss. If the tires appear to be in good condition, attempt to reset the tire pressure monitoring system following the vehicle's manual; this can sometimes clear the warning light without further intervention. If the light persists, consider using a diagnostic tool to scan for fault codes that may indicate specific issues within the tire pressure monitoring system. Lastly, check the functionality of the tire pressure sensors, as faulty sensors can provide inaccurate readings and keep the warning light on. By systematically addressing these areas, you can effectively troubleshoot and potentially resolve the tire pressure warning light issue in your GMC Terrain.

What could be causing the tire pressure warning light to remain on in a 2020 GMC Terrain?

When the tire pressure warning light stays on in a 2020 GMC Terrain, it can signal several common issues that DIYers can troubleshoot. The most frequent cause is low tire pressure; checking each tire and inflating them to the recommended levels is a simple yet effective first step. If the tire pressure is adequate, the next possibility is a faulty tire pressure sensor, which may need replacement. Additionally, sensor calibration issues can occur, requiring a recalibration to ensure accurate readings. Electrical faults within the tire pressure monitoring system can also trigger the warning light, necessitating a closer inspection of the vehicle's electrical components. Lastly, be mindful of extreme temperature changes, as they can affect tire pressure readings. By addressing these potential problems promptly, you can enhance your vehicle's safety and performance while saving on repair costs.

How urgent is it to address the tire pressure warning light on a 2020 GMC Terrain?

Addressing the tire pressure warning light on a 2020 GMC Terrain is of utmost urgency due to the significant safety risks and potential vehicle damage associated with underinflated tires. Ignoring this warning can lead to compromised vehicle handling and stability, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Additionally, driving on tires with insufficient pressure can accelerate uneven wear, resulting in costly replacements and decreased fuel efficiency, which ultimately impacts your wallet. The risk of tire blowouts also escalates when tire pressure is not monitored and adjusted promptly, posing a serious threat to both the driver and passengers. The tire pressure monitoring system serves as a crucial alert mechanism, and timely action can prevent further complications. Therefore, it is essential to check and adjust your tire pressure as soon as the warning light illuminates, ensuring not only your safety but also the longevity and performance of your vehicle.

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