Maybe you've seen a light on your dashboard that reads TPMS?
Maybe you have an in-dash display that gives you a specific read out on the pressure of your tires?
Maybe you just have that yellow light that looks like a flat tire with an exclamation point.
Let's start from the beginning. TPMS stands for Tire Pressure Monitor System. This is an integrated system in most newer vehicles (2003 and up) that advises the driver of a potential issue with the pressure in their vehicles tire(s). There are two ways that your vehicle may do this if it is equipped with a TPMS system: Through an actual sensor that acts as the tire valve (Direct TPMS) or through measuring wheel speed and comparing it to the other wheels while you drive (Indirect TPMS).
Tire pressure is one of the most important safety aspects in relation to your vehicle. Low tire pressure can cause or affect the following:
- Poor fuel mileage
- Pulling to the left/right
- Vibration while driving
- Erratic stopping distances
- Abnormal tire wear
- Tire blowouts
When your vehicle has the Direct TPMS you will have 5 to 6 serviceable items that pertain to the tire pressure monitoring system. At minimum you will have 4 sensors and a TPMS control module. The control module monitors the signal from each tire constantly and reports it to the Body Control Module. Which then in turn will display the information on your dash to notify you what is going on in real time. There are some cars that also contain a tire pressure monitor in the spare tire, in which case you would have 5 total TPMS sensors and 1 TPMS control module.
If you have a single light that goes on, you will have to visually check your tires for one that may look low and then verify it with a tire pressure gauge. A low tire indication likely means you have a tire that has a leak. Filling the tire to the manufacturer indicated pressure, will turn the light off in most instances. Some vehicles require you to drive a short distance for the TPMS to reengage with the wheel.
If you have a display with individual tires, it will likely tell you the exact tire that is low and you can save the guessing and go right to that tire.
If you have checked your tires and found that all of them are at the manufacturer recommended pressure but your light is still on, there is likely an issue with the system.
- The TPMS may need to be reset (Direct or Indirect TPMS)
- One or more TPMS sensors may not be transmitting a signal (Direct TPMS)
- TPMS module may not be receiving signals from tire pressure sensors (Direct TPMS)
- ABS Sensor may not be reading wheel speed or may be reading erratic speed (Indirect TPMS)
- TPMS Module needs to be connected via OBD interface and reset or replaced and reset.
For vehicles with the Direct TPMS system, a likely culprit is the actual tire pressure sensor. The sensor could have been damaged while removing a tire, the sensor may stop transmitting, or the battery in the sensor could no longer be functional. At Joman Auto Service we have extensive tools to diagnose tire pressure issues. We also carry a full line of generic sensors that work with 90%+ of all vehicles made today.
Schedule an appointment to have your TPMS system checked for free!! Without an appointment there is a $25 charge associated with this service. Save the $25 and schedule online with us. A representative from Joman Auto Service will call you to confirm all of the details.
Should you need any sensors replaced in your vehicle we are currently running a special on TPMS sensor replacement and reprogramming.
- Replace one TPMS sensor for $100 - Installation & Programming Included
- Replace two TPMS sensors for $170 - Installation & Programming Included
- Replace three TPMS sensors for $225 - Installation & Programming Included
- Replace four TPMS sensors for $300 - Installation & Programming Included
These prices include quality sensors that are guaranteed to work safely with your vehicle. The sensors all come with a 1 year unlimited mileage warranty. Included in this price is also the removal of the old sensor and installation of the new sensor along with any programming that the vehicle may require. This offer is ONLY valid for customers who schedule their service through our online scheduling system or come visit us and mention this page and we will honor the prices. Taxes, supplies, and other fees may apply to your service. This service is limited to our tools being able to access your TPMS module. Our tools guarantee access to 90%+ of all vehicles on the road today. If your vehicle is not covered by our hardware, this offer is not valid.