Tire Pressure Sensor Service Video

A tire pressure sensor sits inside each wheel, mounted to the valve stem, and reports real-time pressure to the TPMS module. When one fails or loses signal, the warning light stays on even after you add air.

This video shows where the sensor sits inside the wheel and what a dead sensor looks like next to a fresh one. It also explains why the warning light sometimes refuses to clear.

A light that stays on with all four tires correctly inflated is the clearest sign of a dead sensor. A light that flashes for about a minute at startup, then stays solid, usually points to a system fault instead.

Each sensor seals its battery inside the body, so a dead battery means replacing the whole unit. An inspection reads every sensor's ID, signal, and battery first, since a corroded stem can leak air the sensor reports correctly. When testing confirms a failed sensor, our suspension, steering, and wheel service explains the full process.

Road salt and winter brine around Grant County corrode the aluminum valve stem where it meets the sensor body. Over time, that breaks the seal and lets air escape.

If your tire pressure light will not clear, call Affordable Automotive Services at (509) 764-0000. Drivers from Ephrata and Quincy bring TPMS warnings to a mechanic in Moses Lake who tests every sensor before replacing one.