You may be concerned about your Scion TC tire pressure light blinking.
We all know that the TPMS is responsible for alerting you once the tire’s air pressure has gotten low. There are many components that work together to give you this warning, as there are a few moving parts in your tire pressure monitoring system.
But one thing is for certain, when you see that the light switches on, it may be that the pressure is low, or there are other tire issues that your TPMS is detecting. Yet, what if the light is blinking or flashing? Should you be worried?
Keep reading to understand why this happens and what to do about it.
Causes Of Scion TC Tire Pressure Light Blinking
Your tire pressure monitoring system is responsible for monitoring your tires’ air pressure. The pressure tends to change over time because of numerous factors including air leaks, changes in ambient temperature, or wear and tear of your tires. Once the tire pressure has gotten low, this increases the chances of tire damage, risky driving conditions, and low gas mileage.
Thus, a drop in the tire pressure triggers the TPMS light to turn on – and it should stay on. This means that until you resolve the issue with your tire, it will not turn off. But in the event that the light flashes or blinks, this may leave you confused. What causes a Scion TC tire pressure light blinking condition?
Keep in mind that your tire pressure fluctuates because of changes in temperature. Although this may be normal, any fluctuations cause the pressure to go below the specifications, which instantly alerts the TPMS. Hence, your TPMS light switches on and off. A flashing light is not as serious as when the light stays on. Yet, it does not hurt to pull over and inspect your tire’s pressure just to be sure there is nothing wrong with it.
But there is another situation that may bring concern to you. If you notice the light flashes for 60 seconds or so, and this may have happened upon starting the car, check if the light stays on. If so, the TPMS may be having issues. So, you need to have this issue addressed sooner than later since you rely on your TPMS to make sure your tires are at a desirable pressure.
Other Factors To Consider
Perhaps you have noticed the tire pressure light is flashing after inflating the tires. If this is the case, you may have to reset the TPMS. This will help to record the correct tire pressure and make sure the data remains in the system.
Your TPMS measures the air pressure in your tires. Once the pressure goes down by 25 percent or so, your sensor sends out a signal to your computer module, which triggers the light to turn on. There is also an indirect type of TPMS, which means if one or more wheels rotate at a faster rate, this is registered as underinflated and will cause the TPMS light to turn on.
Once you see the tire pressure light switch on, it is important to stay calm. Stop driving and pull over to a safe place. Then, use your gauge to check the tires’ air pressure. If the tire appears noticeably flat, you may change it yourself if you have the tools ready, or you may contact a professional for assistance.
But if there seems to be no flat, it may be that the pressure is only low. So simply re-inflate your tires until the right pressure has been reached. Investing in a reliable tire gauge is important – and it can spare you from risky tire-related issues. This is why it is good to have it with you in the car.
Now, when the weather is cold, your warning light may turn on in the morning or when your vehicle has been parked for an extended period since the pressure is often lower. The colder the temperature, the greater your air pressure drops. If you have a direct TPMS, once the pressure is lower than 25 percent, the light turns on. So, you need to re-inflate the tires but be sure to keep it at the right level. Otherwise, you may put too much pressure, which can be just as risky.
Oftentimes, when you have re-inflated your tires, you will have to reset the tire pressure light. This is needed to register the new air pressure of your tires.
But what if you have already put air in and yet the light remains on? If so, you may be having some other issues with your tires or even the TPMS itself. You should be able to check this by using the gauge. This tool helps to re-check the tire pressure. But if it appears that the pressure is correct and the light stays on, then the tire pressure monitoring system’s sensors may be faulty. It could be possible that you need to get repair work done on the system.
Now, if your tire pressure sensor comes with a battery, your tire pressure light that is flashing could mean you need to change the battery. A sensor issue may also be happening, so it is important to have a specialist look into your TPMS to provide a definitive solution to your concern.
Once you have inflated the tires and the light still flashes, you need to do a reset. To do this, here are some steps:
1. Drive for 10 minutes at 50 mph or so. This causes the sensor to reset once you turn your vehicle on the next time.
2. Turn your car off and put the key to the on position, so it does not start your engine. Press your TPMS reset button. Wait for the light to blink thrice before letting go.
3. Start your vehicle and wait for 20 minutes until the sensor refreshes.
4. Fill the tires to 3 PSI more than the specified amount before you deflate them completely. After deflating, re-inflate according to the recommended pressure.
5. Keep the car turned off and use a wrench to disconnect your positive battery cable.
6. Turn your car on and honk your horn for about 3 seconds. This releases power stored in your car. Then reconnect the battery. Your TPMS light has just been reset!
Read More: Back Right Tire Wont Move? Causes And Fixes
Final Word
A Scion TC tire pressure light blinking may mean many things. So, it is important to check whether it is a tire pressure issue or something else. If you are having difficulties diagnosing the issue, do not hesitate to seek professional assistance when needed.