What does the “check TPMS system” error message mean on a Car? We will be tackling this question in this article. TPMS system is one of the most important safety features on your car.
It can alert you to a possible flat tire or if there is a problem with your car tires. The TPMS light will come on when there is a problem with the sensor in your vehicle. If you ignore this light, it could lead to serious problems and even an accident – so make sure that you reset or repair this system immediately.
What is TPMS?
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) monitors the air pressure in your tires and alerts you when one is significantly under-inflated. This can save lives since it’s much easier to lose control of your vehicle on wet or icy roads when your tires are under-inflated.
In fact, TPMS has been successful at saving hundreds of lives already. How does it work? The sensors inside each wheel send signals directly to the ECU (Engine Control Unit), which then alerts the driver with a warning light on the dashboard of their vehicle.
If you’re driving a car that’s equipped with this feature, simply check your tire pressure before taking off for any long trip. You’ll be able to see if anything needs attention right away so that there are no surprises during your trip.
What Causes the TPMS Light to Come on?
The TPMS Light can come on for a number of reasons. The most common are low tire pressure, incorrect tire size or type, damaged sensors, and sensor malfunction.
The first step in diagnosing the problem is to check your vehicle’s tires for signs of irregular wear patterns or low pressure. If there are no visible issues present then you should have a professional diagnose the problem with your car’s systems.
How Does The System Breakdown?
You may be wondering how the system works, and what can cause it to malfunction. When you switch on your car’s ignition and step on the brake, a signal is sent from your brake pedal to the TPMS control module.
The module then activates an indicator light in each tire’s valve stem that tells you if there is any problem with your tire pressure. Some common reasons for a TPMS system failure include:
- A flat or damaged tire with low air pressure
- A faulty sensor or wiring in one of your tires
- Damage to other components involved in the operation of the TPMS system
Is it Safe to Drive with TPMS Light On?
The TPMS light will come on when the sensor detects a problem. It may be on for a number of reasons, including:
- The sensor is detecting an issue with the tire.
- The sensor is malfunctioning or has been tampered with.
- There’s something wrong with the car’s wiring system, which can cause multiple issues at once (like your warning lights going off). Whatever the case may be, you need to attend to a TPMS warning light immediately. Driving a vehicle while this warning light is on can potentially lead to a serious accident. Never ignore this warning.
How to Reset a Vehicle TPMS
Press and hold the button on the tire pressure monitor system (TPMS) sensor canister for at least 3 seconds.
The TPMS light will flash for about 5 seconds and then remain lit if the sensor is working properly. Once you complete this process, your TPMS will reset. If you find that the TPMS light is on in your vehicle, don’t ignore it.
When your Car TPMS light comes on, the first thing to do is to try and diagnose it yourself. By doing it yourself, you can avoid having to pay for a mechanic’s time and labor costs to fix it for you. However, if you are notable to see and remedy any visible issues that could be causing the problem, you will need to have a professional look at it.
Robert Anderson is a world class motorhead who rebuilt his first carb at age 10, his first engine at age 15, and completed his first full hotrod build when he was just 18! Previously, he has ran a part warehouse, delivered pizzas, and managed the service department for a $20 million/year revenue dealership. Robert knows cars like few others and he is passionate about sharing his knowledge.