I need some help with a problem I’m having. My dashboard alarm keeps saying “tire pressure sensor fault.” I’ve checked my tire pressure, and it’s fine. The alarm seems to go off after hitting bumps. I’m not sure how tire pressure sensors work. Could one be loose or failing? I have an OBDC reader but haven’t used it to check for codes. Could it help identify the issue?
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How old is your truck?
The battery might be going bad, which could be causing the problem.
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A sensor fault doesn’t mean your tires are low on air; it means there’s a problem with the TPMS system. It’s likely that you have a dead battery or a faulty sensor in one or more wheels. My 2009 truck had the same issue for a year before I sold it this spring. The problem started in cold weather when the battery’s power was low and then continued all the time.
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Sorry, it’s a 2009 XLT Supercrew with a 5.4 engine. I think the battery is under two years old, but I’ll start by checking that. I’m surprised it’s connected to this issue, but since two people mentioned it, I’ll check the battery first. I haven’t seen the sensor or how it’s attached, so I’m wondering if it might not be tight. Is that possible? Is the sensor just on the back of the valve stem and all one piece?
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Not the truck battery, but the batteries inside the sensors in the tires. They don’t last forever.
Yes, the sensor is on the back of the valve.
You’ll need to replace the whole sensor; you can’t just replace the battery.
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I’m dealing with the same issue on my 2010 model. It costs $260 at Discount Tire to replace all four sensors. At Ford, it’s about $450 for OEM sensors.
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That makes more sense, thanks.
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Good to know. There’s a Discount Tire in town, so I’ll probably go there.
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I had a battery go out in mine too. They don’t last forever. I’d just keep using it until you get new tires, then replace it.
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Mine does this if I use a certain USB charger
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