A steady TPMS light may mean low tire pressure. A flash for roughly 60–90 seconds followed by steady light can indicate a system fault.
This reference supports the stated topic only. Model, model year, equipment, current rule or individual vehicle conditions may differ; check the original source before acting.
Read the NHTSA original: Tire Safety and TPMS Warning Behavior Source date: current web guidance; research checked: 2026-11-01.
Check actual pressure
Use a reliable gauge on cold tires and the vehicle placard pressure, not a tire sidewall maximum. Inspect for visible damage and consult the exact manual.
If it flashes then stays on
NHTSA says this sequence can signal a TPMS malfunction. The system may not report low pressure reliably, so have it inspected.
Measure pressure even when the tires look normal
NHTSA explains that underinflation is difficult to judge by appearance. Use an accurate gauge on cold tires and the pressure on the vehicle placard or in its manual. The sidewall maximum is a tire limit, not the vehicle's normal inflation target. If a tire is damaged or rapidly losing air, address that condition before trying to reset a warning.
A flashing sequence followed by a steady TPMS lamp can indicate a monitoring-system fault. In that state the system may not warn reliably about low pressure. Replacing a sensor is only one possible repair; wheel work, sensor programming, module support and the exact model-year procedure can matter.
What to write down
- How long the light flashes before staying on.
- Cold pressures of each tire and the placard target.
- Recent tire, wheel or battery service.
- Whether the warning repeats at each startup.
Sources and scope
- NHTSA — Tire Safety and TPMS Warning Behavior Document: current web guidance · Research checked: 2026-11-01
Research snapshot: 2026-11-01. Source documents may have newer revisions. Verify current instructions and VIN eligibility with the manufacturer.