What does a flashing tire pressure light mean?

A flashing tire pressure light can be due to a dead sensor battery, or a problem with the TPMS receiver

A tire pressure light flashing condition is a sign of a problem with the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). If the light flashes for 60-90 seconds and then turns on solid, that indicates a problem with the TPMS system. The usual cause is one or more tire pressure sensors not communicating with the TPMS receiver. This can be caused by a variety of issues.

Tire pressure sensor issues

The sensor is damaged or missing
The battery is the sensor is dead (7-10-year lifespan),

Steady tire pressure light cause

A solid tire pressure light means that one or more of the tires has low air pressure and needs to be inflated to the correct placard pressure.

NOTE: Tire pressure sensors don’t communicate with the vehicle on a non-stop basis (if they did, the batteries would be dead in a month). They only communicate at certain intervals and at certain speeds. If your tire was low on air and you refilled, don’t expect the tire pressure light to turn off until you drive the vehicle for a while. Then it will turn off the light.

Also, many spare tires have TPMS sensors. Make sure you check the tire pressure in the spare if the TPMS light is on solid.

©, 2023 Rick Muscoplat