How to Diagnose a TPMS Check Engine Light

AvatarByCarl Frisch

TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) Check Engine Light is a warning indicator that is triggered when a car’s tires are not properly inflated. The system uses sensors to monitor the pressure of each tire, and when the pressure falls below the recommended level, a warning light will appear on the dashboard. The TPMS Check Engine Light can be reset by filling all tires to the correct pressure and pushing a button on the dashboard or steering wheel. Regularly checking tire pressure can help prevent accidents from occurring due to low tire pressure and save fuel by providing better fuel efficiency.

Automobile: TPMS Check Engine Light

Understanding the TPMS System

A Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is a system that is designed to monitor the air pressure in a vehicle’s tires. It is an important safety feature that helps alert drivers when their tire pressure is too low or too high. The TPMS system consists of four components: sensors, a receiver, a warning light, and an indicator. The sensors are placed in each tire and measure the air pressure inside the tires. This information is then transmitted to the receiver, which in turn sends it to the warning light and indicator on the dashboard of the vehicle.

The warning light will come on when there is an issue with tire pressure; for example, if one or more tires have too low of air pressure or if air pressure has increased too quickly due to overinflation. When this happens, it’s important to check your tire pressure and adjust it accordingly. The indicator will also display any issues that may be occurring with the TPMS system itself; for example, if one of the sensors has malfunctioned or if there’s a problem with the battery in one of them.

How The TPMS System Works

The TPMS system works by using sensors that measure air pressure inside each tire of your vehicle and sending this information to your vehicle’s receiver. The receiver then processes this data and sends it to both a warning light on your dashboard as well as an indicator on your dashboard or instrument cluster. When there is an issue with tire pressure, such as when one or more tires have too low of air pressure or if air pressure has increased too quickly due to overinflation, then the warning light will come on alerting you of this issue.

It’s important to note that TPMS systems are not designed to detect flat tires; rather they are designed to detect changes in air pressure due to under-inflation or over-inflation. That being said, many modern vehicles come equipped with sensors that can detect when a tire has gone flat as well as other potential problems such as wheel imbalance or abnormal wear patterns.

Components Of A TPMS System

The components of a Tire Pressure Monitoring System include four main parts: sensors, receivers, a warning light on your dashboard, and an indicator on your dashboard or instrument cluster. The sensors are placed in each tire and measure the air pressure inside them; this information is then transmitted to the receiver which processes it and sends it out via signal cables connected directly into both your vehicle’s computer system as well as its dashboard display systems (i.e., warning lights). An indicator will also display any issues that may be occurring with the TPMS system itself; for example, if one of the sensors has malfunctioned or if there’s a problem with the battery in one of them.

Advantages Of A TPMS System

The advantages of having a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) installed in your vehicle are numerous! It helps ensure that all four tires remain properly inflated at all times which helps increase fuel efficiency while also reducing wear-and-tear on tires and improving overall safety while driving! Additionally, since many modern vehicles come equipped with additional sensors beyond what comes standard with most aftermarket TPMS systems such as those that can detect flat tires or abnormal wear patterns – having such features can provide additional peace-of-mind while out on the road!

DIY Maintenance Tips for Your Vehicle’s TPMS and CEL Lights

Maintaining your vehicle’s Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and Check Engine Light (CEL) is essential for keeping your car in peak condition. In this article, we will discuss some DIY maintenance tips that can help keep your TPMS and CEL running smoothly.

Tire Pressure Checks

It is important to regularly check the tire pressure in each of your vehicle’s tires. Not only will this help ensure that your tires are properly inflated, it will also help you identify any potential problems with the TPMS or CEL systems. A good rule of thumb is to check the pressure in each tire once a month or every other month. If you find that the pressure is lower than it should be, then it may be an indication of a problem with the TPMS or CEL system.

Diagnosing the Problem with an OBD-II Scanner

If you suspect that there may be a problem with your TPMS or CEL system, then it is important to diagnose the problem as soon as possible. One way to do this is by using an OBD-II scanner which can read diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). The scanner will provide information on what might be causing the issue and provide instructions on how to troubleshoot it. It can also provide more detailed information such as live data from sensors and actuators, freeze frame data from when the fault was detected, and more.

Troubleshooting Simple Problems on Your Own

If you have identified a simple problem with your TPMS or CEL system, then there are some steps you can take to try and fix it yourself without having to take your car into a mechanic. For example, if you find that one of the tires is not properly inflated, then you can simply add air until it reaches the correct level. You may need to replace a faulty tire pressure sensor if one of them has gone bad, but replacing them should not be too difficult if you follow instructions carefully. Additionally, if one of your vehicle’s sensors has gone bad, then you may need to replace it as well.

Overall, maintaining your vehicle’s TPMS and CEL system is essential for keeping your car running safely and efficiently. By regularly checking tire pressure levels and diagnosing any potential problems quickly with an OBD-II scanner, you can ensure that any issues are taken care of before they become major problems down the road. Additionally, troubleshooting simple issues on your own can save time and money in the long run by avoiding costly trips to a mechanic.

FAQ & Answers

Q: What is TPMS?
A: TPMS stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System. It is an electronic system that monitors the air pressure in a vehicle’s tires and alerts the driver when it detects a tire is underinflated.

Q: How does the TPMS system work?
A: The TPMS system uses sensors mounted inside each tire to measure the air pressure and temperature of the tires. The sensors transmit this data to a receiver/monitor in the vehicle, which alerts the driver if any of the tires are underinflated.

Q: What are the components of a TPMS system?
A: The components of a TPMS system include sensors that are mounted inside each tire, a receiver/monitor that processes the data transmitted by the sensors, and an alert system that warns the driver if one or more of the tires are underinflated.

Q: What should I do if my check engine light comes on?
A: If your check engine light comes on, you should take your car to a certified mechanic for diagnosis and repair. Your mechanic can use an OBD-II scanner to determine what is causing your check engine light to illuminate and can then help you troubleshoot any underlying issues with your vehicle’s engine.

Q: What are some DIY maintenance tips I can use for my vehicle’s TPMS and CEL lights?
A: You can perform regular tire pressure checks on all four tires with a reliable tire pressure gauge. Additionally, make sure you keep up with routine maintenance such as oil changes and tune-ups as recommended by your vehicle manufacturer. Regularly checking these items can help ensure proper functioning of both your TPMS and CEL systems.

In conclusion, TPMS can be a useful tool in monitoring the health of your vehicle and providing early warning of potential problems. While it is important to pay attention to any warning lights on your dashboard, the TPMS check engine light can provide an extra layer of protection for your vehicle. By regularly checking the TPMS light and responding to any warnings it provides, you can help ensure that your vehicle remains safe and reliable for many years to come.

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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