What is a TPMS sensor?
A TPMS uses electronic sensors to measure tire pressure either directly or indirectly—known as direct TPMS and indirect TPMS. Every car made since 2007 has one of these two systems, but the sensors used in each system work differently. Replacing a tire pressure sensor (TPMS sensor) is a task that can be handled by most do-it-yourself enthusiasts with the right tools and safety precautions.Most TPMS sensors run on batteries that are built into the sensor and these batteries are not replaceable. The life expectancy of the lithium ion batteries in a TPMS sensor is anywhere from 5-10 years.In addition, in the long run, replacing all four sensors at once can save you time and money. If you only replace one sensor now, you must return and replace it separately when it fails over time. However, if you replace all four at once, you won’t have to worry about TPMS sensor issues for another five to seven years.In the event TPMS sensors need to be replaced, the cost can range from approximately $50-$100 each depending on vehicle type.
What causes a TPMS sensor to fail?
TPMS failure can stem from various sources, including low battery voltage, damage from road debris, exposure to extreme temperatures, corrosion, sensor age, and faulty wiring. The TPMS sensor relies on battery power to function correctly; hence, low battery voltage can impair its operation. If your TPMS warning light stays on, but your tire pressure is fine, it’s possible that one of the sensors is: Low on battery (TPMS sensors have a lifespan of about 5–10 years).A malfunctioning TPMS sensor can have several adverse consequences, both in terms of safety and cost: Reduced Safety: The most immediate danger of driving with a bad tire pressure monitoring system TPMS is compromised safety.For instance, extreme cold or hot temperatures can also be the reason why your TPMS light turns on. This is due to the contraction that an extreme temperature causes when you are trying to drive in the cold or heat. Other times, the tire pressure light can turn on and off due to any the malfunctions in the sensors.Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual and locate the TPMS light reset switch. Once you find it, turn your key to the On position, but don’t start the car. Press and hold the TPMS reset button until the warning light flashes three times, then release the switch. Check your spare tire.
Can AutoZone fix TPMS sensors?
At AutoZone, we carry replacement TPMS sensors for most makes and models. And if you need help resetting the TPMS light, we can offer helpful advice or refer you to a shop in our professional network. When that happens, the sensor stops transmitting and sets off the vehicle’s malfunction indicator lamp (MIL). A weakened battery can result in sporadic TPMS operation. Some TPMS scan tools have a battery status check, which can help identify a battery with reduced voltage.Can You Replace TPMS Without Removing the Tire? Yes, it is possible to replace Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensors without having to remove the tire. With modern technology and specialized tools, universal TPMS sensors can now be replaced quickly and easily without removing the tire from your car.If you have an indirect TPMS system, your mechanic will need to manually reset the sensors after changing your tires. If you have a direct TPMS system, no additional maintenance is required to reset the system. A new TPMS system will typically last for about 10 years before the batteries run out.TPMS failure can stem from various sources, including low battery voltage, damage from road debris, exposure to extreme temperatures, corrosion, sensor age, and faulty wiring. The TPMS sensor relies on battery power to function correctly; hence, low battery voltage can impair its operation.Consequences of Not Replacing a Bad TPMS Sensor Increased risk of tire failure on the road.
How much does it cost to replace a TPMS sensor?
The average tire sensor cost for a direct TPMS sensor can range between $70 and $150, while indirect systems may be slightly less expensive. Vehicle model – Luxury vehicles or newer models may require more sophisticated and costly sensors, increasing the total replacement cost. So, how much is a Costco TPMS sensor replacement likely to cost? Although costs vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, one customer reported on Reddit that a Costco TPMS sensor replacement costs around $45 per tire, while labor costs add about $15 on top of that.Replacing a TPMS battery. Can you replace the battery in a TPMS sensor? Yes you can, but it may not be worth it.The average cost to replace the TPMS Sensor is between $314 and $368. Find out TPMS Sensor replacement pricing for your vehicle.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.Replacing a tire pressure sensor (TPMS sensor) is a task that can be handled by most do-it-yourself enthusiasts with the right tools and safety precautions.
How long does a TPMS sensor last?
Normally, TPMS sensors are designed to last for 5 to 10 years. However, it’s important to note that their batteries are non-replaceable. So, when a sensor’s battery reaches the end of its life, the entire unit must be replaced. 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.Reduced Safety: The most immediate danger of driving with a bad tire pressure monitoring system TPMS is compromised safety. Without accurate tyre pressure monitoring, you may not be aware of under-inflated or over-inflated tyres, leading to reduced grip and stability on the road.The sensors in TPMS typically last between 5 to 10 years (or around 100,000 miles). Generally speaking, the more miles your vehicle covers, the quicker the battery in the TPMS sensor depletes — and the sooner it will need replacing. Speak to your local Kwik Fit about tyre pressure sensor replacement today.The TPMS uses sensors located in each tire to measure the pressure and send a signal to the dashboard display or a warning light if the pressure falls below the recommended level. This is usually around 25% below the recommended tire pressure, which is usually around 30-35 PSI for passenger vehicles.
Can I still drive with the TPMS light on?
This is why you should maintain proper inflation pressure and try to avoid driving when the TPMS light is on. If you absolutely must drive a short distance on a tire with severely low pressure, drive very slowly and use extreme caution. The tire should be inflated or changed before driving anywhere. One of the most common reasons for a TPMS light staying on despite the tires being properly inflated is a sensor malfunction. TPMS sensors are typically located inside the tire and can wear out or become damaged over time, particularly if you’ve hit a curb, driven through a pothole, or been off-road.If the light remains on after adjusting the tire to the proper PSI, you may need to repair your tire, have your TPMS inspected, or try one of the following: Go for a 10-minute drive. Get up to 50 MPH, if possible. Your vehicle may be equipped with a TPMS reset button or reset procedure in your vehicle control center.Ignoring the warning light can lead to unsafe driving conditions, so it’s best to have your vehicle checked as soon as possible. Keeping your TPMS system working properly helps ensure your safety on the road. A quick reset can often solve the problem, but if not, expert help is always available.
Can I reset TPMS myself?
Locate the TPMS reset button (often under the dashboard or in the glove box). Press and hold the button until the TPMS warning light blinks, then release. Start the vehicle and drive for 5–10 minutes to allow the system to reset. Normally, TPMS sensors are designed to last for 5 to 10 years. However, it’s important to note that their batteries are non-replaceable. So, when a sensor’s battery reaches the end of its life, the entire unit must be replaced.The location of your vehicle’s tyre pressure monitoring system (often abbreviated to TPMS) reset button will vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle. In many vehicles you can find the reset button either under the steering wheel, inside the glove box, or within the media’s centre console.Yes, you can replace just 1 TPMS sensor. It is recommended to replace all sensors at the same time however – since they have a similar lifespan.If you have an indirect TPMS system, your mechanic will need to manually reset the sensors after changing your tires. If you have a direct TPMS system, no additional maintenance is required to reset the system. A new TPMS system will typically last for about 10 years before the batteries run out.