TPMS Issue on a Subaru
The TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) on Subarus is a direct system, and it’s important for a shop to invest in a TPMS tool that can interface through the OBDII port to properly service and reset these systems. The most common issue a shop will see with a TPMS warning light is low tire pressure. However, there could be other issues such as problems with the control module, warning light circuit, or a transmitter ID that is not registered properly. If the TPMS light is blinking, it could indicate a malfunctioning sensor, dead sensor battery, defective harness or antenna, or a faulty tire monitoring control module. The location of the TPMS control module varies by make and year, with some Subarus having the module located behind the dash, while others have it located in the trunk. If you are replacing these modules, it’s important to refer to the vehicle owner’s manual for the proper location.
If the TPMS light is on, it indicates that one or more tires on the Subaru is low on pressure. This could be due to a puncture, a leak, or a big swing in the outside temperature. It’s recommended to do a walk-around visual inspection of all four tires, and if one tire does not look lower than the rest, it’s advisable to carefully drive the vehicle to a service center to check the tire pressure and add air if needed.
In a Subaru, the TPMS light looks like a semi-circle with an exclamation point. It should come on momentarily when the car is started, but turn off once the computer senses the tire pressures are okay. If the light stays on, it’s important not to ignore it. Extreme cold weather could also trip the TPMS sensor. If none of the tires have a leak and the car is only a few pounds of pressure below the recommended number, driving the car for a bit might help, as the light will likely go off once the tires warm up and reach the correct pressure. If the warning light remains illuminated even after confirming that the tires are inflated to the correct pressure, a visit to a tire shop or a dealer is necessary.
It’s important to note that the TPMS system re-learns the positions, and there are tools available to reset the TPMS light, such as the Autel Maxi TPMS TS508.
Overall, the TPMS issue on a Subaru can be related to low tire pressure, problems with the control module, warning light circuit, or a malfunctioning sensor, dead sensor battery, defective harness or antenna, or a faulty tire monitoring control module. It’s important to address these issues promptly to ensure the safety and performance of the vehicle.
Contents
- Is it expensive to replace TPMS sensor?
- How do I find out which TPMS is bad?
- Is it OK to drive with TPMS light on?
- What is the life expectancy of a Subaru TPMS sensor?
- How do I fix TPMS problems?
- What does TPMS problem mean?
- Is it OK to drive with bad TPMS sensor?
- How much does it cost to fix TPMS malfunction?
- What causes TPMS to malfunction?
- Why is my TPMS light on but tires are fine?
Is it expensive to replace TPMS sensor?
The average cost to replace the TPMS Sensor is between $314 and $368. Find out TPMS Sensor replacement pricing for your vehicle.
How do I find out which TPMS is bad?
Measure the air pressure of each tire and record them. Then, compare the data with the one displayed in your car display panel. If the reading in one tire is different from the one displayed, it might mean that there’s a problem with the TPMS sensor in that tire.
Is it OK to drive with TPMS light on?
As we mentioned earlier, a tire pressure light is a warning, not a command, so you don’t need to pull over immediately if you see it come on. However, driving on underinflated tires can be dangerous and can cause a variety of problems, including poor handling, reduced fuel efficiency, and increased tire wear.
What is the life expectancy of a Subaru TPMS sensor?
TPMS Life Expectancy
The estimated life expectancy of an OE TPMS sensor is 5 to 12 years, with the average lifespan being 7 years. TPMS life expectancy is directly related to the number of radio frequency transmissions the sensors make.
How do I fix TPMS problems?
One of the first things you can do is check the battery voltage of the sensor. If the battery is low, replacing it may solve the problem. You can also try reprogramming the sensor or resetting the system, which can sometimes resolve issues with inaccurate readings or warning lights.
What does TPMS problem mean?
It stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System, and it uses tire pressure sensors to track the air pressure of your tire. This system will turn the light on, or the TPMS lights flash, when it senses that one or more tires isn’t at the recommended pressure.
Is it OK to drive with bad TPMS sensor?
Motorists should not drive with a faulty TPMS sensor as it may become a serious safety concern. For that reason, when you buy a used car in the UAE, you should get your car inspected properly. That said, you can benefit from the inspection services by dubizzle Cars before buying a used car.
How much does it cost to fix TPMS malfunction?
On average, replacing a TPMS sensor can range from $50 to $200 per tire, with the average cost being around $100 to $150 per tire.
What causes TPMS to malfunction?
When the battery in a TPMS sensor dies, it will trigger a malfunction warning from the system, indicated by a blinking TPMS light on your dashboard. It may continue to flash, or it may turn solid after 60-90 seconds.
Why is my TPMS light on but tires are fine?
The causes can be a malfunction, or the weather changes. Other reasons why your TPMS light may still be blinking is because your tire may be damaged, or you might have gotten a recent tire replacement. Overall, the reasons can be vast, which is why it is best to take your car to a technician for professional diagnosis.