2012 Subaru Legacy Tire Pressure Warning Light Stays On

Common Causes for the Tire Pressure Warning Light in Your 2012 Subaru Legacy and How to Resolve Them

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Reviewed by
Aisha
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 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 2012 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 steps should I take to diagnose the tire pressure warning light issue on my 2012 Subaru Legacy?

To effectively diagnose the tire pressure warning light issue on your 2012 Subaru Legacy, start with a thorough check of the tire pressure across all four tires, ensuring they are inflated to the recommended levels specified 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 temperature fluctuations can impact pressure readings. Next, conduct a visual inspection of the tires for any signs of underinflation or damage; if you notice any tire that appears lower than the others, inflate it to the correct pressure immediately. After adjusting the tire pressure, take your vehicle for a short drive at a speed of at least 25 mph to allow the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) to recalibrate and potentially turn off the warning light. If the light remains illuminated, inspect the tires for leaks or punctures that could be causing the issue. Additionally, consider that extreme cold weather can temporarily trigger the TPMS light, so driving for a while may help if the pressure is only slightly low. If the light blinks and then stays on, this indicates a malfunction in the TPMS itself, which may require a reset or professional service. Remember that Subaru vehicles do not have a TPMS reset switch, so if the warning persists after checking the tire pressures, visiting a tire shop or dealership for a system reset may be necessary. Lastly, keep in mind that the spare tire is generally not monitored by the TPMS, so it does not need to be checked unless it has been recently used. By following these steps, you can systematically address the tire pressure warning light issue and determine if further professional assistance is needed.

What are the common problems that could cause the tire pressure warning light to stay on in a 2012 Subaru Legacy?

When the tire pressure warning light illuminates in your 2012 Subaru Legacy, it can be a source of concern, but understanding the common problems can help you troubleshoot effectively. One of the primary reasons for the light to stay on is low tire pressure, which can result from punctures, leaks, or even temperature drops. Regularly checking and maintaining the correct tire pressure is essential for safety and performance. Additionally, if the light blinks and then remains steady, it may indicate a malfunction within the TPMS system itself, which could require a reset or professional assistance. Overinflated tires can also trigger the warning light, so ensure that your tire pressure aligns with the specifications found in your owner's manual. Extreme weather conditions, particularly cold temperatures, can cause tire pressure to drop, but driving the vehicle can sometimes help normalize the pressure as the tires warm up. If you've recently changed your tires or wheels, remember that the new sensors may need calibration to work correctly with the TPMS. Lastly, if you’ve used your spare tire, it’s important to note that it may not be monitored by the TPMS, and you might need to register it with the system. By checking these common issues, you can often resolve the warning light concern without needing to visit a dealership.

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

Addressing the tire pressure warning light that remains illuminated in your 2012 Subaru Legacy is of utmost urgency due to the significant safety risks involved. A persistent warning light can signal low tire pressure, which not only compromises vehicle handling but also increases the likelihood of tire blowouts, putting you and others on the road at risk. Additionally, if the light blinks and then stays on, it may indicate a malfunction in the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), which is essential for ensuring that your tires are properly inflated. Ignoring this warning can lead to further complications, such as tire damage or even accidents. Therefore, it is crucial to check your tire pressures immediately and inspect for any visible damage. If the issue persists after adjusting the tire pressure, seeking professional assistance to reset or register the tire sensors is advisable. Taking these steps promptly can help prevent more severe problems and ensure your safety on the road.

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