Understanding the Link Between TPMS and Check Engine Light

AvatarByCarl Frisch

TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) and the check engine light are two important safety features in modern cars. The TPMS monitors the air pressure in each tire, while the check engine light alerts you when there is an issue with your car’s engine.

The TPMS is an important safety feature that helps prevent flat tires and blowouts by warning you when one or more of your tires is low on air pressure. When one or more of your tires is low on air pressure, a warning light will appear on your dashboard. If this happens, you should pull over as soon as possible and check your tire pressure.

The check engine light is another important safety feature that alerts you to any issues with your car’s engine. If the light appears on your dashboard, it means there’s an issue with the car’s emission system or other components of the engine. You should take your car to a mechanic right away if this happens so they can diagnose and repair any issues.

In conclusion, TPMS and the check engine light are two important safety features that can help keep you safe while driving. Make sure to pay attention to both these warning lights and address any issues immediately if they arise.

What is TPMS and Check Engine Light?

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and the Check Engine Light are both important warning indicators for vehicles. TPMS monitors the air pressure in a vehicle’s tires, while the Check Engine Light indicates that there is an issue with the vehicle’s engine. Properly functioning TPMS and Check Engine Lights can help alert drivers to potential problems before they lead to more serious issues.

Identifying the Warning Lights

A TPMS warning light looks like an exclamation point inside of a flat tire and will typically appear in the dashboard area of a vehicle when any of the tires on the car have low pressure. The Check Engine Light is usually represented by an engine icon, which will illuminate if something is wrong with the engine or its components.

What Causes the Check Engine Light to Come On?

There are a number of issues that can cause a vehicle’s Check Engine Light to come on, including malfunctioning sensors, loose gas caps, or even something as simple as a loose spark plug wire. Common causes for this warning light include:

  • Malfunctioning Sensors: Sensors such as oxygen sensors, mass airflow sensors, or camshaft position sensors can all malfunction and cause the Check Engine Light to come on.
  • Loose Gas Caps: Gas caps that are not properly tightened can cause fuel vapors to escape from the tank and trigger an emissions-related issue.
  • Faulty Spark Plugs: Spark plugs that become worn out over time can cause misfires in an engine, resulting in decreased performance and triggering a warning light.

How to Diagnose a Check Engine Light?

When it comes to diagnosing what exactly is causing a vehicle’s Check Engine Light to come on, it is best to have it checked by a qualified mechanic or technician who can use an OBD-II scanner to read any error codes stored by your vehicle’s onboard computer system. This will help them identify what specifically is causing your car’s light to come on so they can determine how best to repair it.

Troubleshooting TPMS Warning Lights

When it comes to troubleshooting TPMS warning lights, there are two common causes: low tire pressure or faulty tire pressure sensors. If your TPMS warning light is indicating low tire pressure, you should check all of your tires for proper inflation levels using an accurate tire gauge. If you find that one or more of your tires has low pressure, you should inflate them accordingly before driving any further. If none of your tires are underinflated but your warning light remains illuminated, then you may need to replace one or more of your tire sensors.

Common Fixes for Check Engine Lights

If you suspect that one of these common issues may be causing your car’s Check Engine Light to come on then there are several things you can do before having it diagnosed by a mechanic:

  • Tightening Loose Gas Caps: If this issue is suspected then check all gas caps on the vehicle for proper tightness before having it diagnosed further.
  • Replacing Malfunctioning Sensors: If any malfunctioning sensors are identified then replacing them with new ones may resolve the issue without further diagnosis.

DIY vs Professional Service for TPMS and CEL Repairs

When it comes to repairing TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) and CEL (Check Engine Light) issues, there is the option of doing it yourself or hiring a professional service to do the job. The cost of a professional service can be higher than doing the repairs yourself, but often times, the cost is offset by having access to specialized tools and diagnostic equipment that can make the job easier.

Cost of Professional Service vs DIY Repairs

The cost of a professional service for TPMS and CEL repairs will depend largely on the type of repair needed. In many cases, repairs may be covered under the vehicle’s warranty. If not, then the cost can vary from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars depending on the severity of the issue. DIY repairs also have varying costs depending on what parts are needed and whether or not you have access to special tools and diagnostic equipment.

Access to Specialized Tools and Diagnostic Equipment

Many professional services have access to specialized tools and diagnostic equipment that may not be available to someone attempting to do their own repairs. This can be especially important when dealing with complex issues such as those involving TPMS or CEL systems. Having access to these tools means that problems can be quickly identified, thus reducing both time and money spent on repairs.

How to Prevent TPMS and CEL Issues?

Preventing TPMS and CEL issues is largely a matter of regular maintenance checks, both visual inspections as well as computerized diagnostics tests when any problems arise. Regularly checking tire pressure levels will ensure that TPMS systems are functioning properly. Additionally, having any warning light illuminated inspected by a professional as soon as possible can help prevent more costly repairs down the line.

Importance of Routine Maintenance Checks

Routine maintenance checks are important for maintaining any vehicle in good condition, especially when it comes to avoiding costly repair bills due to TPMS or CEL issues. Regularly inspecting tires for proper pressure levels should help maintain good performance from your vehicle’s TPMS system while keeping an eye out for illuminated warning lights should help prevent further damage due to any underlying issues with your vehicle’s computer systems.

Careful Driving Habits

Finally, one last way of preventing costly repair bills due to TPMS or CEL issues is by ensuring one drives carefully at all times. Rough driving conditions such as potholes or sudden stops can cause damage to sensors in either system which could lead to more expensive repairs down the line if left unchecked for too long. Therefore practicing careful driving habits will help ensure that your vehicle remains in good condition for years down the road

FAQ & Answers

Q: What is TPMS and Check Engine Light?
A: TPMS stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System, and it is a device that monitors the pressure of the air in your tires. The Check Engine Light is a warning indicator that illuminates when an issue has been detected with the engine or other related components.

Q: What Causes the Check Engine Light to Come On?
A: The Check Engine Light will typically come on when a sensor or component within the engine system is malfunctioning or not performing as expected. Common reasons for this light to illuminate include loose gas caps, malfunctioning sensors, low oil levels, and other system malfunctions.

Q: How to Diagnose a Check Engine Light?
A: To diagnose a Check Engine Light, you will need to use an OBD-II scanner, which plugs into your vehicle’s diagnostic port and reads any error codes that have been generated. These codes can then be used to identify the specific area of the engine where the problem is occurring.

Q: Troubleshooting TPMS Warning Lights
A: If your TPMS warning light illuminates, it could indicate low tire pressure or a sensor issue. You should check your tires’ air pressure first and then inspect each tire sensor for damage. If necessary, you can replace any faulty sensors yourself or take them to a professional service center for assistance.

Q: How to Prevent TPMS and CEL Issues?
A: To prevent issues with your TPMS and CEL systems, it is important to perform regular maintenance checks on your vehicle and drive carefully at all times. Be sure to check oil levels regularly and keep an eye out for potential warning signs from either system along with making sure all components are functioning as they should be.

In conclusion, TPMS and check engine light are two important parts of any automobile. TPMS monitors tire pressure and warns the driver of potential issues related to tire pressure, while the check engine light alerts the driver to problems with the vehicle’s engine. Both of these features are important for ensuring a safe and reliable driving experience. Proper maintenance of both systems is necessary for optimal performance and safety.

Author Profile

Carl Frisch
Carl Frisch
With more than 30 years in the bicycle industry, I have a strong background in bicycle retailing, sales, marketing and customer service. I have a passion for cycling and a dedication to excellence. As a manager, I worked diligently to increase my capabilities and responsibilities, managing up to eleven mechanics (at Palo Alto Bicycles) and later as a working partner in my own store.

As the shop owner of Spoke n’ Word Cycles in Socorro, NM, the success of the mission was my responsibility, which I pursued passionately since we opened in 2003 through the spring of 2011. I am adept at managing owned and loan inventory, preparing weekly & annual inventory statements, and managing staff. The role as managing partner also allowed me tremendous freedom. I used this personal freedom to become more deeply involved in my own advancement as a mechanic, to spearhead local trail building, and advocating for cycling both locally and regionally.

As a mechanic, I have several years doing neutral support, experience as a team mechanic, and experience supporting local rides, races, club events. I consistently strive to ensure that bicycles function flawlessly by foreseeing issues and working with the riders, soigners, coaches and other mechanics. Even with decades of experience as a shop mechanic and team mechanic, and continue to pursue greater involvement in this sport as a US Pro Mechanic, and UCI Pro Mechanic.

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