The TPMS warning light will illuminate when a tire is low, and should eventually go out after a tire has been inflated to its recommended pressure according to the vehicle’s door placard. After starting a vehicle, a TPMS icon will turn on for a few seconds. However, if the light stays on, it indicates that one or more of the tires on the vehicle are at least 25% below the recommended pressure. If the light flashes for one to two minutes, it indicates there is a malfunction in the TPMS system. There are many situations that can cause a TPMS warning light to come on or flash.

Some TPMS problems include:

• One or more sensor batteries could be dead
• The valve itself may have physical damage, corrosion or missing components
• The TPMS system voltage supply, wiring or internal electronics may not be functioning properly
• The tires were serviced or rotated and the relearn procedure was not properly performed.

It is important to check the TPMS system before working on a customer’s vehicle. Using an ATEQ TPMS diagnostic tool, such as a VT56, VT55, VT36, select the vehicle’s make, model and year. Or for faster service, using the VT56, scan the vehicle’s VIN barcode located on the placard on the vehicle doorjamb to read the sensor information.