There are many cases about a car that can get you heated up and one of them is to have your pressure light still on even after filling your tires with the exact air needed. It could get the mind traveling through different assumptions and possibilities as to why this is happening.
If your tire pressure light is still on after filling the tires, it could indicate a malfunctioning sensor, a slow leak, or incorrect pressure settings. All you have to do is ensure that all tires are filled to the recommended level and consider having the sensors inspected for issues.
Unfortunately, if you’re driving through the streets and your pressure light turns on after doing a refill, what you need to do is conduct a reset.
What Are Pressure Lights?
A Pressure light is a device modified to alert you when there is low pressure or high pressure on your tires. This most times only comes up when the pressure is excessively low or when it’s outrageously high. It’s called the TPMS which means Tire Pressure Monitoring system.
As the name implies, it monitors and indicates flashes of light when tire pressure is excessively low to manage a safe driving condition or when the pressure is totally too high to manage a few minutes of driving. Your Pressure lights watch over the system.
It’s normal to have your heart spike up a little when you notice the flash from your pressure light is indicating. The body nerves are probably assuming the air pressure in the tire isn’t enough which in most cases can be the problem but it could be a little much more.
It is possible to have your pressure lights turned on without tire pressure leaking or below the required pressure standard. More a reason you need to know more on how to get out of the hook of being stuck with this situation whenever it comes.
Can The Pressure Light Still Be On After Filling Tires?
Yes, your pressure light can still be on even after filling up your tires with the right air quantity. This is probably a minor problem, yet if not considered, could have other toughness to itself.
Almost every car will turn on the pressure light a few seconds after a refilling is done. This isn’t a bad sign; it is just a process to turn off the error code completely. The car isn’t entirely wrong if after a refilling is done the pressure light is still on; give it a break to turn it off by itself.
If after a few seconds or a few drives the light still pops up without flickering, there could be a problem with the sensor or the sensor battery.
Why is the Pressure Light Still On After Filling the Tires?
There are a few “whys” you can tag with a car with the pressure light still on after a refilling is done. Here are a few to consider.
1. There Is A Leak in the Tire
This is normal to happen, most especially when it is a very small leak that isn’t quickly noticeable. When there is a leak, the air pressure in your tire escapes into the atmosphere causing low-pressure air in your tire.
When there is low-pressure air, the TPMS remains on. The light probably came up to tell you there is a problem with your tires and that you should have the tire patched and refilled or replaced in the worst case possible.
2. The Pressure Isn’t Enough
This could also be a reason why your pressure light comes up even after filling the tires. No one is above mistakes, possibly. If the pressure given to the tire is not enough, it will trigger the tire pressure light to come on
3. The TPMS is Bad
TPMS sensor going bad is mostly the reason why your tire pressure light keeps being on even when your tire is OK.
I have a friend whose 2008 Honda Accord TPMS light was on even when his tires were all ok with the right pressure When he took the car to an auto shop, he was asked to replace the tire sensors which he did and the problem went away immediately.
4. You May Need to Reset the Code
Resetting the tire pressure light (TPMS) has different procedures based on what type of car you drive. Some car allows the manual process which can be time-consuming but a few more cars will conduct an automatic reset process.
When all odds are ticked and the pressure light is still on, you could probably try doing a reset to clear up the error code.
How to Reset Tire Pressure Light After Filling Tires
Resetting your pressure light can be a little technical for people without so much interest in the “know-how” about how to attend to petty car problems that might come up. It can also be time-consuming.
Here is how to reset the tire pressure light after filling the tires:
Drive At 50mph For 10 Minutes
You need to drive at 50mph for 10 minutes to allow the tire pressure sensors to do an automatic reset.
Tune Your Car Key To “On” But Don’t Start It
You know that middle point when your car key is between “on” and “off”. Yes, that point is where you should tune your car key but don’t start the car.
After doing that, Hold on to the TPMS reset button (which is always below the steering wheel) until there is a blink from the pressure sensor. At least 3 blinks.
After the blink, release the button. If you can’t find your TPMS reset button, you can refer back to the user manual for better visuals.
After you have started the car, don’t be in haste; leave it for at least 20 minutes to refresh the pressure sensor.
Deflate And Inflate All Tires
I wouldn’t recommend this procedure as it can be a little time-consuming but it’s worth the time. Ensure you inflate all tires to a 30PSI, above the recommended amount, and then have them deflated again completely.
After deflating, don’t forget to re-inflate again. You need to get those airs back where they belong.
Disconnect The Positive Battery Cable
Disconnect the battery for 5 minutes and reconnect it afterward. Start the car and the light should be gone. If this doesn’t take away the light, then the major problem causing is yet to be fixed.
As stated earlier, this can be a little too much to comprehend as a newbie behind the wheel. You should reach out to your mechanic for a faster, yet safer process.
How Long After Filling Tires Does The Light Go Off?
You would probably travel a few distances, up to 10 miles for the light to go off, which is about a few minutes. If after 10 miles you still have the lights on, it could be that your TPMS will need to undergo a resetting.
That is to say that if you parked your car and the tire got deflated, after filling it by yourself, drive it for a while for the pressure warning light to go away.
Where Is The TPMS Reset Button?
The TPMS reset button in most cars will be found underneath the steering wheel. But if you can’t find yours under the steering wheel, you should refer to the user manual for more clarity.
Conclusion
Pressure light coming up isn’t much of a danger per se, it could be that you need to chill a little bit and drive a few miles for it to go off because you just concluded a refilling but if after a few miles, the TPMS is still as bright, shinning excellently into your eye, it could be that your TPMS needs a reset or the sensor is bad. If you can’t get it done yourself, reach out to a mechanic for a safe and trusted solution.