2018 Lincoln MKT Tire Pressure Warning Light Stays On

Resolve Tire Pressure Warning Light in 2018 Lincoln MKT: 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 2018 Lincoln MKT 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 2018 Lincoln MKT 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 steps should I take to diagnose the tire pressure warning light issue on my 2018 Lincoln MKT?

To effectively diagnose the tire pressure warning light issue on your 2018 Lincoln MKT, begin with a straightforward approach that prioritizes simpler solutions before delving into 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 levels recommended in your vehicle's manual. This initial step is crucial, as incorrect tire pressure is a common cause of warning lights. Next, conduct a thorough visual inspection of each tire for any signs of damage, such as punctures, cuts, or bulges, and look for any foreign objects lodged in the tread that could be causing a leak. If the tire pressure is correct and the tires appear undamaged, the next step is to reset the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), which can sometimes malfunction and trigger the warning light unnecessarily. Refer to your vehicle's manual for specific instructions on how to perform this reset. If the warning light remains illuminated after these steps, it may be time to consult a professional mechanic or dealership, as they possess the specialized tools and expertise needed to diagnose more complex issues that could be affecting the TPMS. By following this methodical approach, you can efficiently address the tire pressure warning light and maintain your vehicle's safety on the road.

What could be causing the tire pressure warning light to stay on in a 2018 Lincoln MKT?

When the tire pressure warning light stays on in a 2018 Lincoln MKT, it can signal several underlying issues that DIY enthusiasts can address. The most common reason is low tire pressure, so the first step is to check and inflate each tire to the recommended levels. If the pressure is adequate, the problem may stem from a faulty tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensor, which could require replacement. Additionally, the batteries in the TPMS sensors have a limited lifespan and may need to be replaced if they are low or dead. It's also important to inspect the electrical components of the TPMS system, as wiring issues can cause the warning light to remain illuminated. Environmental factors, such as extreme temperature fluctuations, can also impact tire pressure and trigger false alerts. By methodically checking these potential causes, you can effectively troubleshoot the persistent tire pressure warning light in your Lincoln MKT. If these DIY efforts do not resolve the issue, consulting a qualified mechanic for a thorough diagnosis may be the next best step.

How urgent is it to address the tire pressure warning light that stays on in a 2018 Lincoln MKT?

Addressing the tire pressure warning light that remains illuminated in a 2018 Lincoln MKT is of utmost urgency due to several critical factors. First and foremost, low tire pressure can severely compromise vehicle safety, affecting handling and braking capabilities, which increases the likelihood of accidents, particularly in emergency situations. Additionally, neglecting this warning can lead to uneven tire wear, significantly shortening the lifespan of your tires and raising the risk of a blowout while driving. Furthermore, underinflated tires can negatively impact fuel efficiency, leading to higher fuel costs over time. Lastly, the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is designed to alert drivers to potential tire issues, and ignoring this warning could indicate a malfunction within the system itself. Therefore, it is essential to check and adjust tire pressure promptly or consult a professional if the warning persists, ensuring both your safety and the longevity of your vehicle.

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2018 Lincoln MKT Tire Pressure Warning Light Causes & Fixes