1998 Jeep Cherokee Tire Pressure Warning Light Stays On

Common Causes for the Tire Pressure Warning Light in Your 1998 Jeep Cherokee and How to Resolve Them

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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 1998 Jeep Cherokee 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 tire 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 1998 Jeep Cherokee 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.

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 steps should I take to diagnose the tire pressure warning light issue in my 1998 Jeep Cherokee?

To diagnose the tire pressure warning light issue in your 1998 Jeep Cherokee, begin with the simplest step: check the air pressure in each tire using a reliable gauge. If you find any tire with low pressure, inflate it to the recommended PSI. After addressing the tire pressure, you can reset the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) by starting the engine, turning on the radio, and pressing the "Set/Reset" button on the instrument panel for about five seconds. Wait for the TPMS light to flash and then stay on solid before pressing the button again to confirm the reset. If the warning light persists or you receive a "service tire pressure system" message, it indicates a deeper issue with the TPMS that may require professional diagnosis. Keep an eye on the warning light; it should turn off automatically once the tires are properly inflated. Additionally, if you notice a flashing indicator, it typically signals a fault, so check for any messages on the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) for further guidance. By following these steps, you can effectively troubleshoot and potentially resolve the tire pressure warning light issue on your Jeep Cherokee.

What could be causing the tire pressure warning light to stay on in a 1998 Jeep Cherokee?

When the tire pressure warning light stays on in a 1998 Jeep Cherokee, it can be a source of frustration for DIY enthusiasts. The first step in troubleshooting this issue is to check for a leaking tire, as even a small puncture can lead to a significant drop in air pressure, triggering the warning light. Additionally, inspect the wheels to ensure they are holding air properly; a wheel that cannot maintain its pressure will also cause the light to illuminate. Another common issue is a malfunctioning tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), which may stem from sensor failures or deeper system problems. Over time, sensors can wear out or become damaged due to exposure to the elements, leading to inaccurate readings. If the sensors are incorrect or not functioning as intended, this can further complicate the situation. To resolve the issue, ensure that all tires are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended pressure. If the warning light remains on after checking these factors, it may be necessary to perform a diagnostic scan to identify any underlying TPMS issues. By methodically addressing these potential causes, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve the tire pressure warning light concern in your Jeep Cherokee.

What should I do if the tire pressure warning light stays on in my 1998 Jeep Cherokee?

If the tire pressure warning light remains illuminated in your 1998 Jeep Cherokee, it is crucial to address the situation without delay. Ignoring this warning can lead to decreased vehicle stability, increased tire wear, and even blowouts, which pose serious safety risks. Start by checking the air pressure in all tires, ensuring they are inflated to at least 36 psi, as low pressure is a common trigger for the warning light. Additionally, inspect the battery of the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensor, as a depleted battery can cause the light to stay on. It’s also important to verify that the TPMS receiver module is functioning properly and to check for any damage to the pressure sensors in the tires. If everything appears in order, you can attempt to reset the TPMS by pressing the reset button for three seconds or by allowing the vehicle to run for 20 minutes. Taking these steps not only helps in resolving the warning light issue but also ensures your safety on the road.

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