Are you always noticing the tire pressure warning light on your Lexus dashboard despite inspecting your tires? This may not necessarily be a problem of low air pressure, as many might think. The TPMS sensors between your tires and the wheel rims may be causing your Lexus problems. Intended to help you drive safely on the road, TPMS sensors notify you when your tires require service. But like any part of your vehicle, they can develop problems over time. Let’s look at what TPMS sensors do, what might go wrong with them, and how to solve these problems to ensure your Lexus runs like a top machine.
What Are TPMS Sensors and Why Do They Matter?
TPMS sensors are one of the most recent and essential safety features in automobiles, including Lexus automobiles. These sensors check the tire air pressure in your car and relay this information to the car’s computer. When one or more than one of the tires is underinflated or overinflated, the system gives out a warning light on the dashboard.
Maintaining a car’s tires so that they are properly inflated is important for many reasons. It increases the fuel economy, enhances maneuverability, and minimizes the incidences of a blowout. When the TPMS system is not working properly, you leave yourself with one less protection when you are on the road.
What Are The Most Frequent Causes Of TPMS Sensor Problems?
- Battery Depletion: TPMS sensors have small batteries expected to last 5 to 10 years. When the battery is drained, the sensor ceases to work, and an indicator light appears on the car’s dashboard. One of the primary causes of TPMS sensor problems is battery failure.
- Sensor Damage: TPMS sensors are susceptible to physical damage during tire mounting, dismounting, or rides through potholes, debris, or curbs. Some sensors may become damaged and cease to provide reliable information or completely fail.
- Corrosion: The sensor’s valve stem can corrode due to moisture, road salt, or harsh weather, which may either weaken or completely break the part. This is more prevalent in cars with metal valve stems.
- Faulty Sensor Calibration: When tire pressure is high or low, the TPMS warning light comes on. But if adjustments are made to the pressure and the light is still on, then there is a problem with the sensor and how it transmits information. TPMS sensors are supposed to be calibrated to the recommended tire pressure for the given car. If it is not properly calibrated, it may cause the machine to give wrong results or even fail to sense.
- Software Glitches: Currently, TPMS systems use software for signal analysis and presentation of tire pressure information. Flaws within the software may generate wrong signals or send wrong messages to the vehicle.
- Aftermarket Tires or Wheels: Any change of tire or wheels incompatible with the TPMS system can pose a problem. Some aftermarket products do not have a provision for factory sensors, and as such, warning lights may illuminate or the sensors may be damaged.
- Faulty or Improper Replacement Sensors: Many issues may occur if the wrong TPMS sensors are fitted or low-quality ones are used. Also, if new sensors are not programmed or paired with the system of the vehicle, then they do not work as they are supposed to.
Possible Solutions to The Lexus TPMS Sensor Issues
- Inspect the Tires: Use a good tire pressure gauge and check your tires before anything else. Pump or let out air from the tires until it reaches the correct pressure stated in the manual or on the doorjamb of the driver’s seat. If the warning light persists, the problem is probably with the sensors.
- Replace Faulty Sensors: If a specific sensor is discovered to be faulty, it will have to be replaced. This requires removing the tire to reach the sensor and should, therefore, be done by an experienced professional.
Go To Francen and Son Foreign Car For Professional TPMS Repairs
If you are having TPMS sensor issues with your Lexus, Francen and Son Foreign Car in Algonquin, IL, is the place to go. Our auto repair shop only hires experienced technicians to work on your car, especially luxury cars like Lexus. Whether you have an illuminating warning light or require a full sensor replacement, we have the equipment and knowledge to do the job properly. Contact us today to make an appointment with our Lexus experts!