Why Is My Tire Pressure Light Flashing?
If your tire pressure light is flashing instead of staying on continuously, your vehicle may be reporting a problem with the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) itself.
A low tire pressure warning and a TPMS system fault can produce different warning-light behaviors. The exact behavior varies by vehicle, so the owner's manual is the best source for your specific model.
What Does a Flashing TPMS Light Mean?
On many vehicles, a TPMS warning light that flashes when the vehicle is started and then remains illuminated indicates that the monitoring system has detected a fault.
This is different from a warning light that simply stays on because one or more tires have low pressure.
| Light behavior | Possible meaning |
|---|---|
| Solid | One or more tires may have low pressure. |
| Flashing, then solid | The TPMS may have detected a system or sensor fault. |
| Flashing behavior varies | The exact meaning depends on the vehicle and its TPMS system. |
Common Reasons a TPMS Light Flashes
1. A TPMS Sensor Problem
Each tire may contain a pressure sensor that communicates with the vehicle's TPMS system. If a sensor stops communicating correctly, the vehicle may report a system fault.
2. A Sensor Battery Has Failed
Many TPMS sensors contain batteries that eventually wear out. A failed or weak sensor battery can prevent the vehicle from receiving pressure information from that wheel.
3. Sensors Need to Be Relearned
After replacing a tire, wheel, or TPMS sensor, some vehicles require a relearn or initialization procedure before the system recognizes the sensor.
4. A TPMS System Fault
The problem may also involve the vehicle's TPMS receiver, wiring, control module, or other system components rather than the tire pressure itself.
What Should You Do?
- Check all tire pressures. Use an accurate pressure gauge and compare the readings with the manufacturer's recommended pressures.
- Inspect the tires. Look for obvious damage, punctures, or other signs of a tire problem.
- Start the vehicle again. Observe how the TPMS warning light behaves after the vehicle starts.
- Check your owner's manual. Look for the TPMS warning-light description and the reset or relearn procedure for your specific vehicle.
- Have the system diagnosed if the light continues flashing. A reset may not resolve an actual sensor or TPMS system fault.
Can You Reset a Flashing TPMS Light?
Sometimes, but resetting the system is not necessarily the solution to a flashing warning light.
If the vehicle simply needs its TPMS initialized or relearned, following the correct procedure may clear the warning. However, if a sensor has failed or the TPMS system has another fault, the warning will usually return until the underlying problem is fixed.
The reset procedure also varies substantially between vehicles. Some vehicles have a dedicated TPMS reset button, while others use the instrument cluster, steering-wheel controls, ignition sequence, or a dedicated relearn procedure.
Looking for your vehicle's procedure?
Find a vehicle-specific TPMS reset guide for your car, truck, or SUV.
Browse TPMS GuidesWhen Should You Get the TPMS Checked?
Have the system inspected if the warning continues to flash after you have confirmed the tire pressures are correct, particularly if the vehicle displays a TPMS malfunction message or you recently replaced a tire, wheel, or sensor.
If you notice a tire losing pressure, visible tire damage, unusual handling, or another potentially unsafe condition, address the tire problem before attempting to reset the warning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a flashing tire pressure light worse than a solid light?
A flashing light can indicate a TPMS system fault rather than simply low tire pressure. However, the exact meaning depends on the vehicle. Check the owner's manual for the warning light behavior specified for your model.
Will adding air stop the TPMS light from flashing?
If the warning is caused by low tire pressure, correcting the pressure may resolve the warning after the system updates. If the light is flashing because of a TPMS fault, adding air alone may not fix it.
Do I need to reset TPMS after adding air?
Not every vehicle requires a manual reset after correcting tire pressure. Some systems update automatically after driving, while others require an initialization or reset procedure.
Can a bad TPMS sensor cause the light to flash?
Yes. A sensor that is damaged, has a depleted battery, or is not communicating correctly can cause a TPMS malfunction warning on vehicles that use that type of diagnostic behavior.
How do I reset my TPMS?
The procedure depends on the vehicle. Use our TPMS guide directory to find instructions by manufacturer and model.