Resetting the Ford’s Tire Pressure Sensor Fault

Last Updated on February 18, 2023 by Leepu Da Maxim

In order to reset the Ford’s tire pressure sensor fault you can hold down the TPMS reset button (typically beneath or near the steering wheel) until the dashboard light blinks three times. The light should turn off when you release the button and turn on the ignition. Add 3 PSI over the required amount of air to all tires (including the spare), and Voila! You’re sorted.

Key Takeaways

• In a Ford vehicle, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) continuously monitor the PSI readings of our tires to ensure efficiency and safety
• If the tire pressure sensor fault light is turn on then you have to ensure that all four tires are properly inflated according to the recommended tire pressure
• There is a reset button located under the steering wheel, press it to reset the pressure sensor
• If the TPMS light is turn on after reset then you should consult with a professional mechanic to address the problem

The system is powered by sophisticated sensors mounted on the valve stem. If you’ve just had your tires rotated, you may discover that the tire locations on your TPMS display are all off. 

You may need to reset the Tire Pressure Monitoring System and assist it in remembering the changed positions of your tire sensors because the sensors are situated within each tire.

Ensure your tires have the proper pressure including the spare tire using the PSI settings advised by Ford Motor Company. 

Do you still keep seeing that warning light on your dash screen with the error message suggesting that your tire pressures are low? If you’ve made sure your tires are set to their factory defaults, and the Ford’s tire pressure sensor fault still won’t turn off, let’s go through how to reset a tire pressure sensor fault on a Ford.

What is the Purpose of Ford’s Tire Pressure Sensor?

A tire pressure sensor is a safety element on a car that warns the driver if any of the tires are under-inflated. Depending on how the system works, each wheel might have a valve-mounted tire pressure sensor or a banded tire pressure sensor.

Fault Reset Guide for Ford Tire Pressure Sensors

In most countries, automobiles must include a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) as part of their safety features. In 2008, the US federal government required it on all passenger automobiles. 

A warning lights the dash screen, and the messages “Tire Pressure Sensor Fault” or “Tire Pressure Low.” This warning light will automatically switch off when your tire pressure is correctly filled.

Tire pressure sensor problems are becoming more common in newer tire-mounted types. Despite maintaining their tires at the default manufacturer tire pressure, many car owners complain that the warning light continues to display. 

The TPMS sensors may usually be reset or retrained in most situations of sensor failure. 

• Make sure your Ford’s ignition is turned off.
• Place your foot on the brake pedal. Let off the brake pedal.
• Cycle the ignition to the run position from the off position. Repeat this cycle three times, finishing in the run position. Do it as soon as possible, no more than 2 minutes apart. Throughout waiting for each key cycle, the Smart Junction Box (SJB) will time out, leaving you with little alternative but to repeat the processes.
• Press and release the brake pedal a second time.
• Switch the ignition to the off position from the run position.
• Turn the ignition to the start position and repeat step 4 three times more. You should now hear a horn beep and see the light on the TPMS illuminate. Then you’ll see “Train Left Tire” on your dashboard. This method entails deflating or adjusting the air pressure in each tire.
• Press and release the TPMS tool’s button. The horn will blow again, indicating that the module has identified the sensor.
• After the horn sounds, wait 2 minutes. Then, on the valve stem of the rear front tire pressure sensor, put the cover on, and repeat for the remaining tires. Be sure to include your spare.
• The horn will sound after the sensor training is complete. On your dash, a notification should appear, “Tire Training Mode Complete.” It’s worth noting that tire pressure sensor retraining varies by vehicle brand.

Additional Tips

• The resetting method should be carried out in an area with little radio frequency (RF) interference, which might interfere with the system’s signal. Make sure your automobile isn’t transporting anything or using an appliance.
• If your car does not have a message center, you can check for completion by turning off the ignition. The training technique was adequate if the horn did not emit a sound. Otherwise, the horn will beep twice, indicating that you missed one of the phases and an incomplete training procedure.
• Because a freshly purchased sensor requires activation, the resetting or retraining guide is not relevant.

How to Troubleshoot the Tire Pressure Sensor Faulty Warning Light 

Several things can cause the tire pressure sensor issue. Damaged tires, worn-out or malfunctioning sensors, and temperature variations are also factors to consider in addition to low tire pressures. 

If the measures above don’t work, it’s time to check into other possible problems.

Many independent businesses, even Ford dealers, may misdiagnose some of the defects since they are not inside the internal system itself, or if they are, they are just unexplained. The elements that cause the bothersome tire pressure sensor fault and how to fix the situation are listed below.

Failure to Detect the Reading by the Tire Pressure Sensor

While your wheels are in motion, the built-in direct system sends the reading back to the module every 30 to 120 seconds. An incorrect code for one or more tire pressure readings will get generated if it cannot obtain the reading.

Method of Reset: Drive your automobile for at least 10 miles at a continuous pace of 50 mph. Some car models reset at a faster rate than others. When you restart it, the sensors are re-calibrated.

The Sensor is Causing Interference

The signal technology of your TPMS is susceptible to interference. When interference is excessive, it can overwhelm or block the signal. As a result, the module cannot get a reading, resulting in the erroneous warning dash light.

Reset Method: The transmitters and electrical accessories in your automobile are the most prevalent sources of interference. Power inverters and chargers, particularly those that do not support the original equipment manufacturer, are the worst offenders. Ensure you avoid such devices in your car.

A Minor Issue Has Occurred in the System

Your car has a built-in computer that can do self-diagnostics. And, just like any computer, an operating system issue might arise unexpectedly, resulting in a malfunction.

Method of Reset: The simple solution is to detach and reconnect your car’s battery. Here’s a brief reference:

• Open the hood of your automobile. When doing this, make sure your automobile is turned off.
• Remove the positive battery cable using a wrench.
• For roughly 3 seconds, honk the automobile. That should remove any remaining power from the vehicle’s electrical system.
• Connect the battery again. The alert on your dash should be gone after it is reconnected.

All You Have to Know About the Ford Tire Pressure Sensor Fault 

Many people mistake Ford’s tire pressure sensor for a false alarm, yet it has the purpose of warning the driver of low tire pressure. Getting your tire pressure to the proper level may save you a lot of difficulties, especially when avoiding tire-related traffic accidents. 

Durable tires and higher fuel efficiency are two other advantages. So, before you reset that pressure sensor warning, double-check that your tires are correctly inflated and in line with Ford’s recommended pound-force per square inch (PSI) values, usually posted near your car’s door. 

After you’ve pumped your tires to the proper PSI level, it may take 20 minutes of driving above 20 miles per hour for the light to turn off.

Conclusion

Inflating your Ford car tires with the correct pressure benefits you as a motorist. It saves fuel consumption and ensures that your tires last longer. Tire pressure sensors might display a faulty warning due to various reasons. Ensure you diagnose the cause before attempting to troubleshoot the issue.

Reference1: Ford Owner: Resetting a Tire Pressure Sensor in Different Ways – Tire Dealer Sites

Reference 2: how to troubleshoot ford’s tire pressure sensor fault – Bing video