2009 Subaru Legacy Tire Pressure Warning Light Stays On

Resolve Persistent Tire Pressure Warning Light in 2009 Subaru Legacy

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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 2009 Subaru Legacy 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 2009 Subaru Legacy 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 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 tire pressure warning light that stays on in a 2009 Subaru Legacy?

To effectively diagnose a tire pressure warning light that remains illuminated in your 2009 Subaru Legacy, start by checking the air pressure in all tires, ensuring they are inflated to the recommended levels found on the driver’s side door jamb or in the owner’s manual. It’s crucial to perform this check when the tires are cold, as pressure can fluctuate with temperature changes. After adjusting the tire pressure, take the vehicle for a drive at speeds of 25 mph or more for a few minutes; this allows the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) to recalibrate and potentially turn off the warning light if the pressures are correct. If the light persists, inspect the tires for any visible signs of leaks or damage, such as punctures. Should the warning light continue to stay on, it may indicate a malfunction within the TPMS itself, especially if the light blinks in a specific pattern. In such cases, if you’ve recently changed your tires or wheels, you might need to register the tire pressure sensor IDs with the vehicle’s computer, a task that often requires specialized tools. If all else fails and the warning light remains illuminated despite correct tire pressure and no visible damage, it’s advisable to consult a professional who can utilize advanced diagnostic tools to identify and resolve the issue.

What could cause the tire pressure warning light to stay on in a 2009 Subaru Legacy?

When the tire pressure warning light remains on in a 2009 Subaru Legacy, it can be frustrating, especially if you've already checked the tire pressures. One common issue is low or incorrect tire pressure; it's essential to measure the pressure when the tires are cold and adjust them to the recommended levels. If the light persists, it may indicate a malfunction in the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), which could stem from a low battery in one of the sensors or a communication failure between the sensors and the vehicle's computer. Additionally, damaged or faulty sensors can also trigger the warning light, so inspecting the sensors for any visible damage is crucial. Extreme weather conditions, particularly cold temperatures, can affect tire pressure and may cause the light to stay on until the tires warm up. Furthermore, if the tire pressure sensors were not registered correctly after a tire rotation or sensor replacement, this could lead to ongoing issues with the TPMS. Lastly, both overinflation and underinflation can activate the warning light, so ensuring that your tires are within the specified pressure range is vital. By systematically checking these potential problems, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve the issue with the tire pressure warning light in your Subaru Legacy.

How urgent is it to address the tire pressure warning light on my 2009 Subaru Legacy?

When the tire pressure warning light illuminates on your 2009 Subaru Legacy, it is crucial to assess the situation promptly to ensure your safety and the vehicle's performance. If the light indicates low tire pressure, this is an urgent matter that requires immediate attention. Driving on under-inflated tires can compromise handling, increase fuel consumption, and elevate the risk of tire blowouts, which can lead to dangerous situations on the road. Therefore, checking and adjusting your tire pressure to the recommended levels is essential. On the other hand, if the light is flashing, it suggests a malfunction within the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). While this may not pose an immediate safety risk, it is still important to address the issue to maintain the system's functionality. In such cases, scheduling a visit to a Subaru technician is advisable to diagnose and repair the problem. Regular maintenance and monitoring of your tire pressure not only enhance your vehicle's safety but also contribute to its overall efficiency and longevity.

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