Understanding TPMS Malfunction on a Ford
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) in a Ford is a crucial safety feature that alerts drivers to significant underinflation in any of the tires, excluding the spare. If you’re experiencing a TPMS malfunction on your Ford, it’s important to understand the purpose of the TPMS and how to address any issues that may arise.
Purpose of TPMS:
The TPMS is designed to monitor the air pressure inside the tires in real time, aiming to prevent traffic accidents, poor fuel economy, and increased tire wear due to under-inflated tires. It has been mandatory in the USA on all passenger vehicles since 2008, with the goal of enhancing overall safety and performance.
Indications of TPMS Malfunction:
When the TPMS malfunctions, it can activate a warning light on the dashboard, indicating a problem with the system itself. The TPMS malfunction indicator will flash for approximately one minute and then remain continuously illuminated if a malfunction is detected. This sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists.
Addressing TPMS Malfunction:
If the TPMS light remains on after addressing any tire pressure issues, there are steps you can take to reset the tire pressure light on your Ford. First, check the tire pressure in each tire and inflate them as necessary to the recommended PSI. If reinflation doesn’t work, there are specific actions you can take to reset the TPMS light and address any sensor faults.
Sensor Fault and Troubleshooting:
In the case of a sensor fault, it’s important to troubleshoot and address any issues with the TPMS sensors. The driver is alerted when a sensor detects tire pressure below 25 percent of the recommended tire pressure, and it’s crucial to ensure that the sensors are functioning properly to maintain accurate tire pressure monitoring.
Resetting TPMS Sensors:
To reset the TPMS sensors, you can follow specific procedures to activate TPMS reset mode and re-train each of your vehicle’s tire pressure sensors. This process helps the system relearn the new positions of your tire sensors and ensures accurate monitoring of tire pressure.
In summary, understanding the purpose of the TPMS, addressing sensor faults, and following proper procedures to reset the TPMS sensors are essential steps in managing a TPMS malfunction on a Ford vehicle.
If you have further questions or need additional assistance with your Ford’s TPMS, feel free to ask for more details!
Contents
- Is it OK to drive with TPMS light on?
- Where is TPMS reset button?
- How do I clear my TPMS warning?
- How much does it cost to fix TPMS malfunction?
- How do you fix TPMS malfunction?
- How do I clear my TPMS light?
- What does TPMS malfunction indicator mean?
- Can I replace just one TPMS sensor?
- What causes a TPMS sensor to go bad?
- Why is my TPMS light on but tires are fine?
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.
Set the parking brake. Look for a button to the left of the steering column labeled with the TPMS icon if it’s there push and hold it until the TPMS indicator in the instrument panel blinks twice.
How do I clear my TPMS warning?
On press the home button on the touch. Screen then touch vehicle settings touch tpms calibration then select calibrate if calibration failed to start appears repeat the previous. Step the calibration.
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.
How do you fix TPMS malfunction?
With the vehicle off, turn the key to the “On” position, but do not start the car. Hold the TPMS reset button until the tire pressure light blinks three times, then release it. Start the car and wait about 20 minutes for the sensor to refresh.
How do I clear my TPMS light?
Drive at or above 50 mph to reset the sensor for 10 minutes. This can cause your sensor to reset the next time you turn on the car. With the vehicle off, turn the key to the “ON” position, but do not start your vehicle. Hold the TPMS reset button until the tire pressure light blinks three times, then release it.
What does TPMS malfunction indicator mean?
The TPMS malfunction indicator will illuminate after it blinks for approximately one minute when there is a problem with the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System. In this case, have the system checked by a professional workshop to determine the cause of the problem.
Can I replace just one TPMS sensor?
If one of your TPMS sensors fails and needs replacement, you can replace it individually. However, if the failure was caused by a dead sensor battery, it’s likely that the other sensors are close to failing as well.
What causes a TPMS sensor to go bad?
The valve stems of some TPMS systems operate in salt, water and ferrous brake dust. These elements can damage a sensor over time. Galvanic corrosion can kill a sensor from the inside. If you use the wrong valve core or nut, it can cause a reaction between the two dissimilar metals.
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.