TPMS Sensor Repair in Spokane

Tire Pressure Monitoring System Service in Spokane, WA

What is TPMS?
Direct TPMS is a warning system that warns a vehicle's operator of an unsafe change in the air pressure in one or more of the tires. Readings are provided by pressure sensing transmitters mounted inside each tire and sent to a central computer (ECU) for display on the dashboard. A warning indicator light on the instrument panel and an audible warning notify the driver if a 25% drop in pressure occurs.

How do I know if my vehicle is equipped with TPMS?
In the U.S., if you purchased a car or light duty vehicle under 10,000 lbs, manufactured after September 1, 2007, you have TPMS. If your model was manufactured after October 5, 2005, you may have TPMS. Also, prior to the legislation, some higher-end vehicles also came equipped with TPMS as a premium option. Among other matters, within TREAD Act of 2000, the U.S. federal government mandated the required implementation of TPMS on all new vehicles in the following phased rollout:

20% of new vehicles from Oct 5, 2005-Aug 31, 2006
70% of new vehicles from Sept 1, 2006-Aug 31, 2007
100% of new vehicles from Sept 1, 2007 and beyond

There are several ways to determine if your vehicle is equipped with TPMS. The easiest include checking the owner's manual and watching the dashboard indicator lights at startup. Turn the vehicle ignition switch to the "ON" or "AUX" position, or simply start the vehicle. Look for a TPMS warning light on the dashboard that looks like the symbol featured above.

How does tire pressure affect my safety?
As most drivers check their tires only at service intervals and when problems occur, motorists can benefit greatly from a greater awareness of tire pressure and its effects on safety while driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has estimated that 660 U.S. automobile accident fatalities annually are caused by underinflated tires. Dry and wet surface handling suffers with underinflated tires, including:

Skidding and loss of control of the vehicle in a pronounced curve, such as an off-ramp from the highway, or when taking any curve at a high speed
Hydroplaning on a wet surface, which can affect both stopping distance and skidding or loss of control
Crashes from flat tires or blowouts

What exactly does it mean when my TPMS warning light comes on?
If the TPMS warning light comes ON and flashes ON for one second and OFF for three seconds, this indicates a malfunction with the vehicle's TPMS system.

If the TPMS warning light comes ON and stays ON, take caution. This means that one or more of your tires may have a low-pressure condition. You should carefully slow the vehicle and park in a safe and secure place. You should then inspect all of your tires and check the air pressure. The correct air pressure for your vehicle can be found on the placard, usually located on the inside door panel.

Why does tire pressure change?
Many factors affect tire pressure including ambient temperature changes and tire damage such as punctures. Tire pressure drops about 1 psi for every 10°F drop in ambient temperature. Additionally, tires can lose as much as 1.5 psi per month as air escapes the tire and rim naturally.

What should my tires be inflated to and where can I find that?
Tires should be inflated to the vehicle manufacturer's recommendation as found on the vehicle tire information door placard. The vehicle placard is normally located on the inside door panel or door itself. In many cases the specified tire pressure can also be found in the vehicle owner's manual. The pressure indicated on the sidewall of the tire should not be your guide, as that is the maximum inflation pressure for the tire itself, not for the tire when used on your specific vehicle.

What do I do when my TPMS light comes on during cold weather?
Does this really mean my tires are low? Any time that the TPMS warning light comes ON, there is a possible low tire pressure condition. Tire pressure can drop due to cold conditions, and this drop in pressure may cause the TPMS light to come ON. As the tire warms up under normal driving conditions, the light may turn OFF. If the cold weather conditions cause the TPMS light to stay ON, check the tire pressure (when tires are cold) and inflate the tire to the proper pressure indicated on the door placard.

My car has TPMS. I haven't had it serviced yet at my repair facility. What should I expect when I get there?

Verification that your TPMS sensors and system are functioning properly
Service or replacement of any nonfunctioning component of your TPMS sensors
Replacement of TPMS sensor sealing components (cap, core, grommet and nut)
A "relearn" of your TPMS sensors to your vehicle's computer to program correct positioning of TPMS sensors
Verification that your TPMS system is functioning properly after tire service is complete

If my TPMS light comes on and I put air in my tires, will the light go off by itself or do I need to take my car to the dealer or a tire shop?
When the TPMS warning light comes ON and flashes ON for one second and OFF for three seconds, this indicates a problem with the vehicle's computer and can be corrected only by our Larry H. Miller Downtown Honda Spokane dealership service center. When the TPMS warning light comes ON and stays ON, this indicates a low tire pressure condition in one or more tires. Inflating the tire to the recommended tire pressure found on the door placard should cause the light to turn OFF. Remember that one or more of the tires may be low in pressure, so you should always check the pressure in all of your tires.

How often should I check my tire pressure?
A tire doesn't have to be damaged or punctured to lose air. All tires will lose air naturally over time, so it's recommended that you check the pressure in all your tires, including the spare, at least once per month. Road conditions, weather conditions or other circumstances may warrant checking the pressure more often. Remember to always use a quality tire gauge when checking tire pressure. And don't forget the spare! It may not have TPMS, but if you're checking your tire pressure, you should check your spare tire, too.