Do you see a fault message on your Tesla’s touchscreen that says something like “Tire pressure monitor fault” or “Tire pressure system needs service”?
Don’t panic, this is not a serious issue, but it does mean that there is something wrong with the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
The TPMS is a handy feature that keeps track of the air pressure in your tires and warns you if any tire is too low or too high. It also shows you the tire pressure information on the touchscreen.
But sometimes, the TPMS can malfunction and show a fault message, which means that it can’t read or send the tire pressure data correctly.
Why Showing Tesla Tire Pressure Monitoring System Fault?
There are several possible reasons why the TPMS can fail, such as:
#1. Sensor malfunction
The TPMS sensors are inside the tires and communicate with the car’s computer by radio frequency.
If one or more sensors are broken, faulty, or not compatible, the TPMS can’t receive or transmit the tire pressure data properly.
#2. Low battery voltage
The TPMS sensors have batteries that last for a few years. If the battery voltage drops too low, the TPMS can’t work properly and may show a low battery warning or a fault message.
#3. Communication problem
The TPMS sensors and the car’s computer need to be synced and calibrated to work together.
If there is any interference, disruption, or mismatch in the communication, the TPMS can’t display the accurate tire pressure information or may show a fault message.
#4. Wheel or tire change
If you change the wheels or tires, the TPMS sensors may need to be reset or replaced to match the new wheel size and tire specification.
If the TPMS sensors are not reset or replaced, the TPMS can’t recognize the new sensors or may show a faulty message.
How can you fix the Tesla Tire Pressure Monitoring System Fault and get rid of it?
#1 Resetting the TPMS sensors
This is the easiest and most common solution for most TPMS faults. To reset the TPMS sensors, you need to follow these steps:
1. Turn on the touchscreen and touch Controls > Settings > Service & Reset > Tire Pressure Monitor > Reset Sensors.
2. Reset the sensors based on the wheel size. Be careful: Selecting the wrong wheel size may cause false tire pressure warnings.
3. Touch Reset, and then touch OK.
4. Press and hold one of the scroll wheels and select ‘Car Status’ to see an overview of the TPMS information. When the sensors are unknown at the start, all the values will be shown as –.
5. Perform a road test. Auto learning will start when the car goes faster than 40 km/h (25 mph). When auto-learning completes, the tire pressure information displays for all wheels, and clears any TPMS faults.
#2 Deflating and refilling the tires
This is another possible solution for some TPMS faults, especially if the sensors are new or have low battery voltage. To do this, you need to follow these steps:
1. Deflate the tires by 10 psi and then immediately refill them to the recommended pressure.
2. Drive the car for about 5 minutes at 40 km/h (25 mph) or more.
3. Check if the fault message clears and the tire pressure information displays correctly.
#3 Replacing the TPMS sensors
This is the last resort solution for TPMS faults if the sensors are damaged, defective, or incompatible. To replace the TPMS sensors, you need to follow these steps:
1. Contact Tesla or a certified tire shop and order new TPMS sensors that are compatible with your car model and wheel size.
2. Have the new TPMS sensors installed by a professional technician.
3. Reset the TPMS sensors as described in Solution 1.
Conclusion
The TPMS is a useful feature that helps you maintain the optimal tire pressure and avoid potential tire problems. However, if the TPMS shows a fault message, it means that there is an issue with the system that needs to be fixed. By following the troubleshooting steps in this article, you can hopefully fix the TPMS fault and enjoy a safe and smooth ride.
