most likely time to replace your sensors

TMPS comes on and stays on for low tire pressure

flashing indicates problem else where

year and mileage on car?

 

my tpms turns on when it is below 40F outside. I checked my pressures and they were not low. So I put black electrical tape over the flashing tpms light, cause flashing lights on the dash, are very bothersome when Im driving at night.

The reason my tpms gives false alerts is due to batteries having less power when cold.

last time I bought tires, I asked the shop to replace the sensors, but they said it was not needed, based on their testing. It was 85F at the time, and the light was not on.

 

One or all one your sensors will need to be replaced sometime soon. The battery/batteries are weak.

 

Thanks all. I suspected a failing sensor. Not sure of their age, the car is a 2011 with 208K miles. The drivers side stems look new so perhaps the passenger side ones will need replaced. Any way to determine which one? Or should I have them all replaced?

 

Any way to determine which one?

a tire shop has a scan tool that can answer that question

I suggest you ask for a written estimate, and leave to think it over.
So you can avoid being steamrolled into spending more money than necessary, under pressure from a salesman.

once you know how much money is involved, think it over
you might decide not to change your TPMS sensors, due to the cost of installation, which involves unmounting the tires from the wheels. Maybe reconsider the expense, sometime in the future, when you are buying new tires..

my opinion:
TPMS is not necessary, for me. I check my tires the old fashioned way, with a hand held gauge. The TPMS error, does not affect any other function of the car, so there is no harm in ignoring the light. I put a piece of black electrical tape over my TPMS light, years ago. I dont miss it. YMMV

 

I've had two different sensors go belly up on my 2010. On a cool day was the first time it acted up. Same symptoms, blinking then went solid. First time it did it, it went away on its own but eventually it did it every time I started the car. I did the black tape "repair" for a while, but we have annual safety inspections and any warning light lit up will not pass.

They were $66 to replace each one. The shop will just drop the bead and push the tire down to do the swap. It doesn't take long. Their scanner will be able to tell you which one(s) have stopped sending a signal.

If you are a DIYer, it may make sense to buy the scan tool, all four replacement sensors and DIY. As I mentioned, the tire does not have to be completely dismounted (although it is easier) to replace the sensor. It makes more economic sense if you have multiple vehicles with TPMS.

 

@jon - I agree, I am not a fan of TPMS as I check my pressure regularly. TPMS has been an annoyance due to temperature changes that occur this time of year and my trips to the mountains. They add cost and hassle with, IMO, little benefit.

That said I'll replace them if need be as I don't like lights on the dash and black tape isn't a solution for me.

 

totally respect your personal preference
and look forward to hearing the issue is solved, for less money than I feared ;-)

 

Stop off at a local Discount Tire store
@Discount Tire

 

@Duncan, I'll be doing that. Those guys are great.