The function of the vehicle tire pressure sensor
The core function of the tire pressure sensor is to monitor the tire pressure and temperature in real time. It will promptly issue an alarm when there is a tire leak, abnormal pressure, or high temperature, thereby preventing tire blowouts and ensuring driving safety.
Core safety and warning functions
Preventing tire blowouts: Real-time monitoring can detect excessive or insufficient tire pressure, avoiding tire strength reduction or overheating-induced blowouts due to abnormal pressure, especially during high-speed driving, which can significantly reduce the risk of loss of control.
Alarm for abnormal conditions: When the tire pressure is below or above the set threshold, the system will issue an alarm through the dashboard's sound and light, and the direct system can also precisely locate the faulty tire position.
Enhancing driving stability: Maintaining the appropriate tire pressure ensures good contact area and grip between the tires and the ground, preventing high-speed skidding, deviation, or swerving, and improving handling performance.
Economy and maintenance benefits
Improving fuel economy: Appropriate tire pressure can reduce tire rolling resistance, decrease engine energy consumption, and thereby lower fuel consumption and usage costs.
Extending tire lifespan: Avoiding abnormal tire wear (such as central or side wear) caused by abnormal tire pressure, reducing replacement frequency, and when the tire pressure is 30% lower than the standard value, the tire lifespan may be shortened by 50%.
Intelligent connectivity support: The new sensor can be combined with the vehicle's in-vehicle communication system to provide data support for autonomous driving assistance, insurance assessment, and map data collection, achieving functional expansion.
System types and display differences
Direct type (dTPMS): Each wheel is equipped with an independent sensor, displaying specific tire pressure values, allowing for precise fault location, but the repair involves sensor hardware processing and battery replacement.
Indirect type (iTPMS): Monitoring wheel speed differences through the ABS wheel speed sensor algorithm, without specific numerical display, only alarms, with lower cost but unable to locate the specific tire and having slightly poorer timeliness.
Replacement and purchase: If the sensor battery is depleted (typically with a lifespan of 5-10 years) or damaged, an appropriate model must be replaced. Some products support automatic matching and OTA updates.
Tire pressure sensor failure refers to the sensor's inability to accurately monitor tire pressure, which can be resolved by checking the battery, resetting the system, or replacing the sensor. This failure will cause the dashboard to alarm, affecting driving safety, and it is necessary to promptly investigate and handle it.
Fault cause analysis
Sensor battery depletion: The built-in battery of the tire pressure sensor typically has a lifespan of 3-7 years. Low battery capacity will cause signal interruption or false alarms.
When the vehicle has traveled a long distance or is used frequently, the battery may be depleted earlier.
Normal voltage should be around 3.0V; below 2.0V requires replacement.
Signal transmission problem: Electromagnetic interference or aging of the sensor will affect wireless signal transmission.
Magnetic mobile phone holders, metal tools, etc. may interfere with the sensor signal.
Tire rims contaminated with iron powder or oil may also affect signal transmission.
Physical damage or circuit faults: The sensor may be damaged by impact, moisture environment, or improper installation.
Severe collisions during tire repair may damage the sensor housing.
Vehicle vibrations, moisture environment may damage the internal circuitry.
System not reset or software issue: Tire inflation or replacement without reset, or outdated vehicle software version.
The sensor position information does not match the on-board computer, requiring relearning and matching.
Vehicle control module failure or low software version cannot recognize the signal.
Solution methods and steps
Self-check and handling: First, measure the tire pressure with a mechanical tire pressure gauge and adjust according to the standard values on the door B pillar or fuel tank cover.
After adjustment, you can try to reset the system through one-click operation on the central control panel or through the steering wheel menu. Some models can disconnect the battery cable and leave it for 5 minutes before reconnecting.
After the vehicle has been running at high temperature for a long time, leave it to cool down for 30 minutes and then observe the tires. Restart the vehicle and check if the tire pressure value on the dashboard returns to normal. Use the instrument to observe: Turn off the engine, start it again after 1-2 minutes, and check if the tire pressure value on the dashboard returns to normal. Use professional equipment to clear the fault codes: Go to a 4S store or a regular repair point and use a decoding instrument to eliminate the fault codes. After replacing the sensor, activate it through professional reset and matching instruments. Some models can automatically detect and match through road tests. Drive at a speed of more than 25 miles per hour for at least 15 minutes. Replace the sensor: If the sensor is physically damaged or the battery is exhausted, replace it with a new sensor. For some brands, free replacement of faulty sensors is available within the warranty period. Maintenance suggestions and safety tips: Choose a regular repair institution first: During the warranty period of the vehicle, go to the 4S store first. For vehicles beyond the warranty period, choose a third-party repair point with original factory repair qualifications. When patching the tire, inform the technician to be careful of the tire pressure sensor to avoid damaging it. Repair in time to avoid safety hazards: If the sensor fails, it cannot monitor the tire pressure, which may lead to safety hazards during driving. Repair in time. Check if the tire is leaking: Even a slow tire leak may be mistaken for a sensor failure. Go to the repair shop for testing.
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