Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems Questions Answered
1. How does the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) work?
Tire pressure monitoring systems continuously monitor the pressure in the tires through sensors located in the tires (direct system) or the use of wheel speed 
and other vehicle sensors. The information is transmitted to a processor that interprets the sensor signals and warns the driver when tire pressure is below the minimum acceptable level by illuminating a warning lamp.
2. What does the TPMS warning lamp look like?
There are two different low tire pressure-warning indicators, the cross-section of a tire with an exclamation mark inside and a top view of a car with all 4 tires exposed.
3. Does my vehicle have the TPMS?
The U.S. government, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, requires that all passenger cars, light trucks and vans be equipped with TPMS starting in model year 2008. Due to a phase-in of the requirements, only 20 percent of model year 2006 vehicles and 70 percent of model year 2007 vehicles are equipped with TPMS.
4. What does it mean if the TPMS warning lamp illuminates?
When the TPMS warning lamp on the instrument panel illuminates while driving, it means that the system has detected at least one tire with a pressure below the accepted minimum psi for the vehicle. Tire pressure is a safety issue. Your tires should be inspected and the tire pressure checked as soon as possible. The lamp will extinguish after the tires are properly inflated.
5. What does it mean if the warning lamp goes on and off?
On cold mornings, the warning lamp may illuminate for a short period of time and then go off. This is likely caused by slightly low tire pressure that dips below the warning threshold over night, but rises to an acceptable level as the tires heat up as you begin driving. The tires should be inspected and the tire pressure should be checked. The lamp should not light up when your tires are properly inflated.
6. What does it mean if the warning lamp flashes on and off and then remains illuminated?
All TPMS installed on 2008 model year vehicles and newer are required to detect and warn the driver when the system is not functioning properly. For some TPMS, a flashing of the low tire pressure-warning lamp for a minute or so indicates a system malfunction. In these cases, the warning lamp generally remains on after the flash sequence. The flashing sequence followed by continuous illumination of the warning lamp will repeat each time you start your vehicle until the condition is corrected.
7. I’m sick of it all. How can I just get this TPMS to stop?
Todd Dibiasi, Service Manager at Executive Honda in Wallingford says, “False Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) alarms triggered by under-inflation are significantly reduced when tires are filled with Nitrogen.” The Executive Auto Group of dealerships pride themselves on fixing your vehicle right the first time. Certified technicians will diagnose any vehicle problem and offer immediate solutions. Our Auto Repair centers offer state of the art equipment and are located in Hartford, Wallingford and the New Haven, CT areas. With Express Service you can simply drive in anytime, with no appointment necessary.
Call or visit any of our CT dealerships for the best vehicle repair advice available at any dealers in CT and for more information on new tires see our Tire Sales in CT post.
{ 1 trackback }