2012 Honda Civic Tire Pressure Warning Light Stays On

Resolve Tire Pressure Warning Light in 2012 Honda Civic for Safe Driving

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Reviewed by
Andrew Hajjar
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 2012 Honda Civic 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 2012 Honda Civic 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 of a TPMS control module failure are failing to alert the driver of underinflation or overinflation of one or more tires, failure to communicate with the body control module or TPMS sensors, or erroneously reporting incorrect tire pressure.

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 in my 2012 Honda Civic?

To effectively diagnose the tire pressure warning light issue in your 2012 Honda Civic, begin with a systematic approach that prioritizes simpler checks before moving on to more complex diagnostics. Start by checking the tire pressure in all four tires using a reliable tire pressure gauge, ensuring they are inflated to the recommended PSI specified in your owner's manual. If the pressure is correct, visually inspect each tire for any signs of damage, such as punctures or bulges, which could indicate a loss of air. Next, examine the valve stems for any cracks or leaks, as these can also contribute to pressure loss. To further investigate potential leaks, apply a mixture of soap and water to the valve stem and tire areas; the formation of bubbles will signal a leak. If all these checks are clear, consider the possibility of malfunctioning Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensors, which may require professional assessment. In some cases, simply resetting the TPMS can resolve the warning light issue, so consult your owner's manual for the reset procedure. If the warning light persists despite these efforts, it may be time to seek assistance from a mechanic or dealership for a thorough diagnosis and repair. By following this structured diagnostic approach, you can efficiently identify and address the tire pressure warning light issue in your vehicle.

What could cause the tire pressure warning light to stay on in a 2012 Honda Civic?

When the tire pressure warning light stays on in a 2012 Honda Civic, it can be frustrating, but understanding the common problems can help you troubleshoot effectively. The most frequent issue is low tire pressure, which can be easily checked and adjusted to meet the manufacturer's specifications. If the tire pressure is adequate, the problem may stem from a faulty tire pressure sensor that might need replacement. Additionally, the sensors may require recalibration to ensure they are providing accurate readings. It's also worth considering potential electrical faults within the tire pressure monitoring system, as these can trigger the warning light as well. Lastly, external factors such as dirt or obstructions around the sensors can interfere with their operation, so keeping them clean is essential. By addressing these common issues, you can resolve the persistent tire pressure warning light and ensure your vehicle is safe to drive.

How urgent is it to address the tire pressure warning light that stays on in a 2012 Honda Civic?

Addressing the tire pressure warning light that remains illuminated in a 2012 Honda Civic is an urgent matter that should not be overlooked. Ignoring this warning can lead to serious safety concerns, as low tire pressure significantly impacts vehicle handling and braking capabilities, increasing the likelihood of accidents, particularly in critical driving situations. Additionally, driving on underinflated tires accelerates uneven wear, which not only shortens the lifespan of the tires but also raises the risk of a blowout, potentially resulting in costly repairs or dangerous road incidents. Furthermore, low tire pressure can adversely affect fuel efficiency, leading to higher fuel costs over time. Lastly, a persistent warning light may indicate a malfunction in the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), necessitating immediate attention to ensure accurate monitoring of tire conditions. Therefore, it is crucial to promptly check and adjust tire pressure according to the manufacturer's specifications and to investigate any underlying issues with the TPMS to maintain safe and efficient driving.

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