Tyre pressure sensor replacement
The warning light that stays on even when the pressures are right.
Every car sold in the EU since 2014 has tyre pressure monitoring. Each wheel carries a small sensor with a sealed battery that lasts around seven to ten years. When the battery dies the light comes on and stays on, however carefully you set the pressures.
It is an MOT failure, so it cannot simply be ignored. The sensor is replaced and then programmed to your car — the vehicle has to learn the new sensor ID, which is why swapping the part alone is not enough.
How you know you need it
- The pressure warning light stays on after you have set all four correctly
- The light flashes for a minute on starting, then stays solid — that is a system fault, not low pressure
- One wheel reads nothing at all on the dashboard display
- The car has just failed or been advised on its MOT for the warning light
What we actually do
- 1 We read the system to find which sensor has failed, rather than guessing
- 2 The tyre comes off, the old sensor is removed and the new one fitted with a fresh seal
- 3 The new sensor ID is programmed to your car so the system recognises it
- 4 Rebalanced and refitted, then the light is cleared and checked on a road test
Questions about this job
Can the battery be changed on its own?
On most sensors no — the battery is sealed inside the unit. The whole sensor is replaced.
Will it fail the MOT?
Yes. On cars first used from 2012, a tyre pressure monitoring warning light that stays on is a failure.
If one has gone, will the others follow?
Usually, since they are the same age. We will tell you how the others are reading so you can decide whether to do them together and save a second visit.
Tyre pressure sensor replacement — in Westhampton
118 Mill Lane, Westhampton, Westshire, WX1 4AB. Open seven days, Sunday included.