TPMS on when over 80mph

[beastiefan]

This seems like a weird one. Had a long trip over the weekend, 500 miles each way. About half way through coming back my TPMS starts blinking. I pull over check my pressure, all fine and the light turns off. As I drive I realize when I go over 80 for a minute or 2 it turns on, first by flashing then stays. As soon as I slow down below 30 it goes away. No flashing when I turn on the ignition.

Any idea? I will take it in to the dealership but I wanted to get some opinions first. I am thinking it may have something to do with some other problem with a tire? Or maybe it just needs to be reset (even though I have not had an recent tire/pressure problems).

Any help is appreciated.

[ZuZ]

you should check ur tire pressure first thing in the morning before driving the car, i think that ur tire pressure is ok but when the tires are warmed up and the air is hot, since air expands when hot, the tire pressure measures more than it is when the tire is cold! adjust it when its cold!

[Red Devil]

you should check ur tire pressure first thing in the morning before driving the car, i think that ur tire pressure is ok but when the tires are warmed up and the air is hot, since air expands when hot, the tire pressure measures more than it is when the tire is cold! adjust it when its cold!

It doesn't explain his issue. He's saying that it comes on whenever he goes above or at 80 mph. I'd check to see if the dealer can reset them. They work wireless obviously so maybe the signal got mucked up at 1 point or another.

[clarkemode]

The same thing happens to me from time to time. First time was back in December. I was driving on the highway and I hit about 80MPH and the light was flashing and stayed lit for about 5 min until drove under 10MPH. Pressures were good (~35psi each) and it didn't happen again until maybe a month later. It has happened about 3 times for me since December 2008. Because it is NOT a continuous problem, I haven't brought it in. I'm thinking its a sensor-communication issue that goes wacky. If it happens more frequently, I will take action.

[biggie]

Blinking means the sensor isn't communicating. Might be loose or something.

[Red Devil]

Blinking means the sensor isn't communicating. Might be loose or something.

Beastie, if it's loose and you try to adjust it, be very careful. The stem is aluminum and easy to break off. It also costs $120.

[BlueMango]

It doesn't explain his issue. He's saying that it comes on whenever he goes above or at 80 mph. I'd check to see if the dealer can reset them. They work wireless obviously so maybe the signal got mucked up at 1 point or another.

Zuz is right. Driving at high speeds for a length of time will heat up the tires and the air in them. It's possible that the actual air pressure is his issue but it's also possible that the sensor is screwing up. If it were me I'd try reducing the pressure and see if that corrects the issue. If not then he knows it's a sensor issue and doesn't have to waste time with out his car or sitting around in a waiting room.

[beastiefan]

Hey guys, I took the car back out and went over 80 and everything was fine. The heating up of the tires seems to be the most logical explanation. It did start soon after I got the outside temperature went up. So I will do what most people do, just hope the problem does not come back.

[Red Devil]

Zuz is right. Driving at high speeds for a length of time will heat up the tires and the air in them. It's possible that the actual air pressure is his issue but it's also possible that the sensor is screwing up. If it were me I'd try reducing the pressure and see if that corrects the issue. If not then he knows it's a sensor issue and doesn't have to waste time with out his car or sitting around in a waiting room.

Yes but heating up causes the PSI to increase which wouldn't cause the sensor to trip.

[Jus14]

I also would recommend using nitrogen to fill your tires whether cold or hot and any speed mine never comes on and cost be about 20$ and it rides smoother also in my opinion...

[BlueMango]

Yes but heating up causes the PSI to increase which wouldn't cause the sensor to trip.

TPMS - Tire Pressure Monitoring System - A device used to monitor the pressure of air with in a tire for excessive or insufficient pressure. Usually associated with a device to notify driver of improper pressure.

PSI - Pounds per Square Inch - In the situation of tires, a unit of measurement used to measure the pressure of the air with in the tire.

In case you'd like the long version: http://www.artsautomotive.com/...ystem

[Red Devil]

Our TPMS relays only low pressure. When it blinks it's indicating an error and it will stay on after 1 minute. The system also doesn't operate under 16mph.

Beastie, did you put any flat sealant into tires(i.e. Slime) That could cause an error in the TPMS. It's all in the owners manual.
Modified by Red Devil at 4:58 PM 4/24/2009