Are you a Honda Pilot owner? Have you noticed a strange light recently on your dashboard that says TPMS? Don’t panic, we’re here to help!
In this article, we will discuss what the TPMS light means, why it’s on, and what steps you can take to address it. So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of TPMS lights on Honda Pilots!
What Does TPMS Mean on a Honda Pilot
The TPMS light stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System and it is a safety feature that is required by law in all vehicles produced after 2008.
It works by using sensors to monitor the tire pressure in each of your tires, and if there is a significant pressure drop, the TPMS light will turn on to alert you.
This ensures that you are aware of any potential issues with your tires and can take action to prevent accidents or damage to your vehicle.
On a Honda Pilot, the TPMS light will illuminate your dashboard if there is an issue with one or more of your tires.
The TPMS sensors are typically located inside the tire, and attached to the valve stem. In some cases, they may also be attached to the tire’s inner lining or mounted on the rim of the wheel.
Why is the TPMS light on in my Honda Pilot?
The most common reason for the TPMS light turning on is when one or more of your tires are underinflated. This can happen due to changes in temperature, natural air loss over time, or even a puncture in the tire.
When one or more tires are underinflated, it can affect your car’s handling and fuel efficiency, making it important to address the issue as soon as possible.
- Underinflated tires
- Changes in temperature
- Natural air loss over time
- Punctured tire
- Damaged or malfunctioning TPMS system
- Low spare tire pressure
- Battery in the TPMS sensor needs to be replaced
- Tire pressure not calibrated properly during service
- Faulty wiring or connection with the TPMS system
Underinflated tires
As mentioned before, underinflated tires are the most common cause for the TPMS light to turn on.
Reasons: This can happen due to a variety of reasons, such as not checking tire pressure regularly or ignoring warning signs like the TPMS light itself.
Risks: Underinflated tires can pose several risks to your Honda Pilot, including decreased handling and stability while driving, increased braking distance, and decreased fuel efficiency.
In extreme cases, it can also lead to tire blowouts or uneven tire wear. As a result, it is essential to regularly check and maintain proper tire pressure on your vehicle.
Changes in temperature
High or low temperatures can cause changes in tire pressure, leading to the TPMS light turning on.
Higher temperatures can cause tire pressure to increase, leading to overinflated tires and eventually triggering the TPMS light.
Conversely, lower temperatures can cause tire pressure to decrease, leading to underinflated tires and the TPMS light turning on.
Reasons: This is because air expands in warmer temperatures and contracts in colder temperatures, affecting the pressure inside the tire.
According to experts, for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit change in temperature, tire pressure can change by about one psi (0.0689476 bar).
Risks: Ignoring changes in temperature and not adjusting tire pressure accordingly can lead to underinflated or overinflated tires, which can be dangerous while driving.
Natural air loss over time
Over time, tires can lose air naturally due to tiny punctures or permeation through the rubber. This gradual air loss can cause tire pressure to drop and eventually trigger the TPMS light.
It is considered normal for tires to lose air over time. On average, tires can lose 1-2 psi (0.0689476 – 0.137895 bar) per month.
Reasons: The constant weight of the vehicle on the tires combined with external factors like temperature changes can cause slow air loss over time. Natural air loss can also happen due to the type of rubber used in the tire, temperature changes, and even daily wear and tear.
Risks: If you don’t keep a check on your tire pressure regularly, natural air loss can lead to significant underinflation, affecting the performance and lifespan of your tires. It can also increase the risk of accidents due to decreased traction and control while driving.
Punctured tire
A punctured tire is a common reason for the TPMS light to turn on. A sharp object like a nail, screw or debris on the road can cause a puncture in the tire, leading to air leakage and a decrease in pressure.
Reasons: Punctures can happen due to various reasons, such as driving over rough terrain, hitting curbs or potholes, and even faulty tire installation.
Risks: Ignoring a punctured tire can lead to further damage and potentially cause a blowout while driving. It is important to get the tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible to ensure safe driving conditions.
Damaged or malfunctioning TPMS system
In some cases, the TPMS light may come on due to a damaged or malfunctioning system rather than an issue with tire pressure.
Reasons: This could be caused by faulty sensors, wiring issues, or problems with the central control unit. This system relies on sensors in each tire to measure the air pressure and send signals to the central control unit.
Risks: A damaged or malfunctioning TPMS system can lead to inaccurate readings and false alarms, making it difficult to detect actual tire pressure issues. This could confuse and potentially lead to unsafe driving conditions.
Low spare tire pressure
The TPMS light may also come on if the spare tire is low on pressure. Many vehicles are equipped with a TPMS for the spare tire as well, which can trigger the light if it is underinflated.
Reasons: The spare tire may not have been checked or inflated regularly, leading to low pressure over time. In some cases, the spare tire may also be old or damaged, causing it to lose air more quickly than expected.
Additionally, if a temporary fix has been used on the spare tire before, such as a patch or sealant, it may not hold air as well as a brand new tire.
This can result in the spare tire being consistently underinflated and triggering the TPMS light.
Risks: A low spare tire can be unusable in case of an emergency and can also affect the overall handling and performance of the vehicle. It is important to regularly check and maintain proper pressure in the spare tire as well.
Battery in the TPMS sensor needs to be replaced
The TPMS light can also come on if the battery in one or more of the sensors has died. These sensors have a limited lifespan and will need to be replaced at some point.
If the battery dies, it cannot send signals to the central control unit, causing the TPMS light to illuminate.
The cost of replacing a TPMS sensor battery on a Honda Pilot can vary, depending on the dealership or repair shop you go to. On average, it can cost around $50 to $200 per sensor, including labour costs.
Reasons: The batteries in these sensors can wear out over time, especially in extreme temperatures. Low battery life can also be caused by constantly driving on rough or bumpy roads.
Risks: A TPMS sensor with a dead battery will not be able to accurately monitor tire pressure, leading to potential issues with underinflated tires going undetected.
It is important to have the sensors replaced as soon as possible to ensure the TPMS system is functioning properly.
Tire pressure not calibrated properly during service
Another possible cause of the TPMS light coming on in a Honda Pilot is improper tire pressure calibration during routine maintenance or service. If the tires are not properly inflated to the correct pressure, the system will detect this as a low tire and trigger the TPMS light.
Risks: Driving with underinflated tires can lead to decreased fuel efficiency, uneven tire wear, and potentially even a blowout.
Faulty wiring or connection with the TPMS system
In some cases, the TPMS light may come on due to faulty wiring or connection with the system. This can happen if there is damage to the wiring harness or an issue with the connections between the sensors and the central control unit.
Reasons: The wiring and connections in a vehicle can be susceptible to wear and tear, especially if exposed to extreme weather conditions or rough driving conditions.
Risks: If not addressed, faulty wiring or connections can lead to inaccurate readings from the TPMS sensors, potentially causing unsafe driving conditions.
how to self fix Faulty wiring or connection with the TPMS system
How to fix: If you suspect faulty wiring or connections are causing the TPMS light to come on, it is best to take your Honda Pilot to a certified mechanic for proper diagnosis and repair.
Attempting to fix electrical issues yourself can be dangerous and may result in further damage to the vehicle. It’s always best to leave these types of repairs to the professionals.
Honda Fit TPMS Light on but the Tires are Fine
If the TPMS light is on but your tires are properly inflated, it could be a sign of a faulty sensor.
Here are the possible solutions:
- Reset the TPMS system: Sometimes, a simple reset of the TPMS system can fix the issue. Refer to your Honda Pilot owner’s manual for instructions on how to reset the system.
- Inspect and replace faulty sensors: If resetting the system does not work, it is likely that one or more of the TPMS sensors are faulty and need to be replaced. This type of repair should be done by a certified mechanic.
- Update the TPMS software: In some cases, updating the TPMS software can resolve issues with the system. Check with your local Honda dealership for any available updates.
- Check tire pressure regularly: To avoid false readings from the TPMS system, make sure to regularly check and maintain proper tire pressure.
How to Reset the TPMS Light on Your Honda Pilot?
If the TPMS light has been illuminated due to low tire pressure or a faulty sensor, it is important to address the issue and reset the system.
Here are the steps to reset the TPMS light on your Honda Pilot:
- Park your vehicle in a safe location and turn off the engine.
- Check all four tires with a gauge and make sure they are properly inflated to the recommended tire pressure.
- Turn the ignition switch to the ON position (without starting the engine).
- Press and hold the TPMS button located under the steering wheel until the TPMS light blinks twice.
- Release the button and start driving your vehicle, making sure to reach a speed of at least 28 mph for several minutes. This will initialize the system and reset the TPMS light.
- If the TPMS light does not turn off after following these steps, there may be an issue with one of the sensors or the system itself. It is recommended to have your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic to diagnose and fix any potential problems.
Replacing a TPMS sensor on a Honda Pilot
If one or more of the TPMS sensors need to be replaced on your Honda Pilot, it is important to have them replaced with genuine OEM (original equipment manufacturer) sensors.
Signs of a faulty TPMS sensor: The most obvious sign of a faulty TPMS sensor is the illumination of the TPMS light on your dashboard. However, you may also notice that your tire pressure readings are constantly inaccurate or that one or more tires seem to be losing air even when they are properly inflated.
Benefits: Genuine OEM sensors are designed specifically for your vehicle and will ensure accurate readings and proper functioning of the TPMS system.
Cost: The cost of replacing a single TPMS sensor on a Honda Pilot can range from $50 to $100, depending on the specific model year and type of sensor needed. This cost may be covered under your vehicle’s warranty, so be sure to check with your dealership or manufacturer.
DIY vs Professional: Replacing a TPMS sensor can be a complex and delicate process, especially if the sensor is located inside the tire. It is recommended to have this done by a professional mechanic to ensure proper installation and functioning of the new sensor.
How to check the tire pressure in your Honda Pilot?
To properly maintain your tires and prevent the TPMS light from turning on, it is important to regularly check your tire pressure. Here’s how:
- Park your Honda Pilot on a level surface and turn off the engine.
- Locate the tire pressure information sticker on the driver’s side door or in the owner’s manual.
- Remove the cap from the tire’s valve stem and place a tire gauge on it.
- The gauge will give you a reading of the tire pressure in PSI (pounds per square inch). Compare this to the recommended level on the sticker or in the owner’s manual.
- If necessary, add air to your tires using an air pump at a gas station or home with a portable air compressor.
- Recheck the tire pressure after adding air to ensure it is at the recommended level.
- Repeat this process for all four tires, including the spare if applicable.
FAQs
TPMS light on Honda Pilot 2007
If the TPMS light on your Honda Pilot 2007 model is constantly illuminated, it may indicate a malfunction in the system. In this case, it is recommended to have your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic as soon as possible.
In some cases, the TPMS light may flash for one minute and then remain solid. This could be due to a temporary issue, such as low tire pressure due to cold weather. In this case, you can follow the steps above to check and adjust your tire pressure accordingly.
If the TPMS light continues to flash even after checking and adjusting the tire pressure, it could indicate a more serious issue with the system that requires professional attention.
TPMS light on Honda Pilot 2008
The TPMS light on a Honda Pilot 2008 model operates in the same way as the 2007 model. If it remains illuminated or flashes for an extended period of time, it is recommended to have your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic.
It is also important to note that the TPMS light may not necessarily indicate a problem with the system itself. It could also be triggered by a faulty sensor or a malfunctioning tire pressure gauge. In this case, a technician will be able to diagnose and resolve the issue for you.
TPMS light on Honda Pilot 2009
The process for addressing the TPMS light on a Honda Pilot 2009 model is similar to the previous two models. If the light remains illuminated or flashes, it is best to have your vehicle checked by a professional mechanic.
It is important to regularly check your tire pressure and ensure that it is at the recommended levels. This will not only prevent issues with the TPMS system but also promote safe driving.
Conclusions
Remember, the TPMS light serves as an important safety feature in your Honda Pilot. It alerts you when there may be a problem with your tires, allowing you to take necessary actions and avoid potential accidents. So, if the light does come on, don’t ignore it and make sure to address the issue promptly.
In conclusion, understanding how your TPMS system works and keeping up with regular maintenance can help ensure that your Honda Pilot runs safely and smoothly. If you ever have any concerns about the TPMS light or overall tire health, don’t hesitate to consult a professional for assistance. Stay safe and happy driving!