If the TPMS light is on steadily, at least one tyre is under-inflated. If it flashes for about a minute and then stays on, the fault is in the system (sensor or receiver), not in the tyres.
What it means
The pressure monitoring system can be direct (sensors in the valves) or indirect (calculated from the ABS sensors). In the second case, a manual reset from the menu is needed after every inflation.
Most common causes
- Genuinely low pressure, typical with the first cold weather
- Flat TPMS sensor battery (they last around 5-8 years)
- Sensor damaged during a tyre change
- Space-saver spare or winter wheels without sensors
- Reset not performed after inflation (indirect systems)
- Corroded valve leaking slowly
What to do right away
- Check the pressure with cold tyres, following the values on the door or pillar sticker
- Inflate correctly and repeat the TPMS reset from the menu
- If the light flashes, a diagnosis is needed: it identifies which sensor is not transmitting
- After fitting new wheels, the sensors must be programmed and learned
How MasterTuning helps
We read the ECU with professional tools, interpret the real fault codes and tell you what really needs repairing, without unnecessary replacements. Diagnosis, repair and software recalibration at our centres throughout Italy.
Is a warning light on? Contact us for a diagnosis or find your nearest MasterTuning centre.
Frequently asked questions
The TPMS light is flashing: what does it mean?
That the system has a fault: usually a sensor no longer transmits, because of a flat battery or damage during a tyre change.
How do you reset the tyre pressure light?
After inflating the tyres correctly, perform the reset from the instrument cluster menu; on some models a driving cycle of a few minutes is needed.
Does a TPMS light fail the MOT?
Yes: on vehicles where TPMS is mandatory, a light on can lead to a negative result.
Tyre pressure (TPMS) warning light on: causes and reset: what are the most common causes?
The most frequent causes are: genuinely low pressure, typical with the first cold weather; flat TPMS sensor battery (they last around 5-8 years); sensor damaged during a tyre change; space-saver spare or winter wheels without sensors; reset not performed after inflation (indirect systems); corroded valve leaking slowly.
