3 Signs Of A Bad Tire Pressure Sensor (& Replacement Cost)

The tire pressure sensor measures the pressure in your car’s tires. It sends the information to the car’s onboard computer, which analyses the information, shows you the pressure on the display, and shows a warning light if the pressure is too low.

There are many reasons why a tire pressure sensor may fail, including heat. Heat is created around the tire pressure sensor because of its location.

It is easy to heat damage electronic components, such as the TPMS sensors. This article will explain what you should do if the TPMS sensors are bad. How can you tell if your tire pressure sensor has gone bad?

Bad tire pressure sensors are most commonly referred to as TPMS Warning Lights on the dashboard. There could also be other indicators such as low pressure tires, or wrong warnings.

The sensor is an electronic component that may deteriorate over time. Not only that, but an irregular power supply, dirt, heat, and dust can greatly affect the sensor’s performance. When this occurs, there are noticeable changes in your car.

Below is a list that explains the most frequent symptoms of bad tire pressure sensors.

Bad Tire Pressure Sensor (TPMS) Symptoms

1. Tires with low air pressure

A tire pressure sensor alerts you when the tire is getting low. If your tire pressure sensor is failing or not functioning properly, it will alert you if your tires become flat. For a proper assessment to be made, the sensor must work properly.

If you don't see any warning signs, it is important to have your sensor checked by an authorized mechanic. A Tire Pressure Gauge can be used to check your tires' pressure.

2. TPMS Warning Light Illuminates

The ECU or PCM, which receives all the sensors’ information, triggers a warning on your dashboard indicating that something is wrong with the sensors.

When a sensor such as the tire pressure sensor is not working according to standard, the ECU will illuminate the TPMS lamp.

Talk to a mechanic about the true cause of the TPMS symbol. You may also receive the message “Tire pressure sensor fault” on your dashboard.

3. False Warnings

You may get incorrect warnings from the DIC if the tire pressure sensor does not function properly. You could get a warning on the DIC if your tire pressure sensor stops working. The sensor could also mean that your tire pressure is low, even if the tires are inflated at the recommended pressure. You should never ignore these warnings as they can cause further problems.

Tire Pressure Sensor Location

The tire pressure sensor is located inside your car’s tires, attached to the inner part of the rim, the opposite side of the tire valve. There is one tire pressure sensor for each wheel.

It is easy to find by taking the tire off the rim. You can see a tiny cylinder.

What is the best way to determine if a TPMS sensor has gone bad?

It is easy to determine which sensor in your TPMS has failed by reading the codes using an OBD2 scanner.

If your car has a display of each wheel’s tire pressure on the dashboard, you can also check there if some pressure is irrelevant.

A diagnostic scanner tool is required for most vehicles. It must be able to not only read your ECU, but also the TPMS system. For help in finding the right scanner, you should check our article Best OBD2 Scans or visit a workshop.

What does a Tire Pressure Sensor do?

Your vehicle's tire pressure sensor is an essential part of maintaining its perfect condition. It calculates the air pressure in your car’s tires and alerts you if the air pressure is insufficient.

There are no replacement batteries for the tire pressure sensor. They will eventually run out after a few years, and then need to be replaced. The most frequent reason to change them is because they are not replaceable.

A tire pressure sensor battery should last at most 5-10years, depending upon the manufacturer.

Tire Pressure Sensor Replacement Cost

Replacement costs for tire pressure sensors range from $40 to $100. For all four sensors, expect to pay $160-$500. The cost of a tire pressure sensor ranges from $30 to $70 per unit. A tire's labor costs between $10 and $30 each.

It is a good idea to look into the various mechanics around your location before you make a decision about replacing your tire pressure sensor. There are many mechanics in your area, and not all of them will be the same. Unexperienced mechanics are cheaper, which is why you will naturally find them attractive for their work.

This is a poor decision and could end up costing you dearly. No matter how complex the task, it's best to leave your car troubles to a qualified mechanic.

After a replacement of a TPMS sensor, remember to reset the TPMS lamp.

There is also the fluctuating cost of the sensor.

Sensors are not sold at an unfixed price. Every car and sensor are different. The price you pay for the tire pressure sensor depends on your car’s make, model, and year.

You will pay more if your car is older than it was when you buy it. You will pay less for a modern car. But this is not always true. Imported parts are more expensive than those made locally.

You will pay a different price depending on how many sensors need to replaced. Each tire has its own pressure sensor, and a replacement will cost you around a thousand dollars.