This is the system's way of saying a sensor itself is bad - not that your tires are low. The light flashes for 60-90 seconds at startup, then stays solid. Almost always a dead TPMS sensor battery (5-10 year lifespan), or a sensor that fell out of sync.
A flashing-then-solid TPMS light disables the pressure warning function. You will not be alerted if a tire actually goes low. Get it diagnosed within a few weeks.
Each sensor has a sealed lithium battery that lasts 5-10 years. Not replaceable separately - the whole sensor goes. Common on 2012-2016 cars right now.
After tire rotation, swap, or battery disconnect, the car may not know which sensor is where. Drive 10-20 min or run a relearn procedure.
Sensor body cracked or grommet corroded from improper tire mounting. Visual inspection by shop.
Some trucks and SUVs have a spare tire sensor. If yours does and it died, the dash flashes even with 4 good road tires.
| What You Notice | Likely Diagnostic Step |
|---|---|
| Flash 60-90 sec then solid | Sensor fault - not pressure |
| Solid only, no flash | Pressure low somewhere - check all 5 tires |
| Flashing for 1+ minute every start | Sensor fault confirmed - scan for code |
| Just rotated tires | Probably lost sync - relearn |
| Replaced battery yesterday | Reset normal - drive 10-20 min |
Tell us your year/make and we'll tell you the exact relearn procedure - or whether you need new sensors.
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A flashing TPMS light (typically 60-90 seconds at startup then solid) indicates a sensor system fault - usually a dead sensor battery or a sensor that has lost sync with the vehicle. It is NOT low tire pressure.
5-10 years on average. Battery is sealed inside. Once it dies, the whole sensor must be replaced. Cars from 2012-2016 are in the typical failure window right now.
Legally yes, but the pressure warning function is disabled - you will not be alerted to a real low tire. Check pressures manually weekly until repaired.
$40-$80 per sensor plus $20-$30 labor each, so $200-$400 for a full set installed. A single sensor replacement is around $100-$160.
Not required, but recommended if your sensors are 7+ years old. Same-age sensors tend to fail in sequence and you save the second tire-mount labor charge.
Yes - brands like Autel, Schrader, and ATEQ make programmable universal sensors for $25-$45 each that any tire shop can clone to your vehicle.