Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) – messages
The tire pressure monitoring system uses sensors mounted in the tire valves to check inflation pressure levels. When the vehicle is moving at a speed of approximately 20 mph (30 km/h) or faster, these sensors transmit inflation pressure data to a receiver located in the vehicle.
Erasing warning messages
When a low tire pressure warning message has been displayed and the tire pressure warning light in the instrument panell (
) has come on:
Use a tire pressure gauge to check the inflation pressure of all four tires.
Re-inflate the tire(s) to the correct pressure (consult the tire pressure decal on the driver's door opening).
In certain cases, it may be necessary to drive the vehicle for several minutes at a speed of 20 mph (30 km/h) or faster. This will erase the warning text and the telltale will go out.
Note
- The tire monitoring systems use a temperature compensated pressure value. This pressure value is dependent on tire temperature and ambient temperature, which can differ from the recommended cold tire pressure in the tire inflation table and on the tire pressure placard located on the driver's side B-pillar (the structural member at the side of the vehicle, at the rear of the driver's door opening). This means that it may sometimes be necessary to inflate them slightly above the recommended cold pressure value (approx. 3-4 psi or 0.2-0.3 bar) in order to reset a low tire pressure warning.
- To help avoid incorrect tire inflation pressure, if possible only inflate the tires when they are cold. The tires are considered to be cold when they have the same temperature as the surrounding (ambient) air. This temperature is normally reached after the vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours. After driving a distance of approximately 1 mile (1.6 km), the tires are considered to be hot.
Important
- After inflating the tires, always reinstall the valve cap to help avoid damage to the valve from dirt, gravel, etc.
- Use plastic valve caps only. Metal caps could corrode and become difficult to remove.
Warning
- Incorrect inflation pressure could lead to tire failure, resulting in a loss of control of the vehicle.
- Tire monitoring systems cannot indicate sudden tire damage caused by external factors (e.g., a blowout) in advance.