Tpms

freetime · 08-07-2009, 07:24 PM

My 2009 SX4 with 1545 miles on it has a problem with the TPMS malfunction lamp constantly coming on. The dealer (75 miles away) says just adjust the tire pressure and it will go away - wrong. I carry a tire pressure gauge to check when the lamp comes on and all tires are always the same pressure. Having a warning light on defeats the purpose, if you ignore it one time, sure enough you will have a flat. It is like ignoring the oil pressure light when it comes on because it sometimes malfunctions, not too smart.
How can this problem be corrected? If it can't be fixed, can the warning light be defeated?

F.B. · 08-07-2009, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freetime

My 2009 SX4 with 1545 miles on it has a problem with the TPMS malfunction lamp constantly coming on. The dealer (75 miles away) says just adjust the tire pressure and it will go away - wrong. I carry a tire pressure gauge to check when the lamp comes on and all tires are always the same pressure. Having a warning light on defeats the purpose, if you ignore it one time, sure enough you will have a flat. It is like ignoring the oil pressure light when it comes on because it sometimes malfunctions, not too smart.
How can this problem be corrected? If it can't be fixed, can the warning light be defeated?

The TPMS comes on if any tire is below 32-33 PSI. I pump mine up to about 38 to increase MPGs and tire life.

Jeff L. · 08-08-2009, 03:40 PM

How accurate is your guage?

Since Canadian SX-4s don't have TPMS I can't help you too much. It may be possible the TPMS is able to detect overinflation as well. As the above poster siad - set the tires at 33psi when they are cold. Like leave the car over night and check it in the morning before moving the vehicle. Pressures can increase 6psi or more when the tire is hot making ti seem like the tires at inflated properly when using your guage.
Test and adjust cold and let us know what happens.

If the problem persists you might have a defective sensor in one of the wheels but warranty should take care of that. You'll have the Suzuki SDT in order to scan the TPMS system though

freetime · 08-08-2009, 06:56 PM

The first time the TPMS light came on the tires appeared correctly inflated. I was on my way to the airport to catch a flight, I stopped at an Advance Auto store and bought a tire gauge. Upon checking the pressures they varied fron 40 psi ,37 psi, 33psi and 37 psi. I continued to the airport because I did not have time to mess with it. When I got back I pulled out the owners manual and read the TPMS section, then checked the recommed tire pressure plate and set the pressure to 33psi before I left the airport. 10 miles down the road the malfunction lamp came on. I stopped and checked and all tires were inflated. When I got home I called the dealer he recommened setting the tires at 36psi, OK I set them at 36 psi. next trip away from the house, 10 miles and the lamp is back on. When I set the pressure I used two gauges to compare accuracy, both agreed (one is a $70 dial I used when I raced in SCCA very accurate). The TPMS is supposed to detect a differential in pressures, all tires are the same pressure. Is this a common occurance with TPMS or an anomaly? I guess I have to make the 150 round trip to the dealer since the dealer that was local closed up shop last month.

Jeff L. · 08-09-2009, 01:09 AM

By malfunction lamp you are talking of the TPMS light right??

Jeff L. · 08-09-2009, 01:14 AM

I had a look through the service manual.

Is the TPMS light blinking for 75 seconds before staying on constantly? Or is it just coming on solid rigth away? If it blinks first it's indicating a system fault. If it's solid it indicates a low tire..or possible a faulty reading sensor in this case.

freetime · 08-09-2009, 09:59 AM

Yes the blinking light comes on and blinks first then becomes steady. Last night it went off after it had been on for a while, then after about 10 minutes it went back thru the blinking sequence and then to steady on. Can the entire TPMS system be defeated?

bobojay · 08-12-2009, 09:49 PM

Just had my first dealer visit for this very problem. No explanation for it and no codes in PCM.
All reset and working ok now.

bobojay · 08-23-2009, 11:49 AM

Learned something about the TPMS yesterday. We took about a 250 mile overnite trip the last couple days.
The air temperature overnite went from about 80 daytime to mid 50's overnite. (I had checked the tires with a gauge before we left, but during a relatively warm day)
After we had driven the next morning a couple miles, the TPMS light came on, which I knew why it did, I had checked the tires with a "tire thumper" like the truckers use. All were up and good, but, the actual pressure had gone down about 2 lbs. overnite because of the cool temps, and the cool temps the next day.
So after we got home and the car had sat out of the sun for a few hours, I rechecked the tires with a gauge, and they were down to 31 lbs. I added enough to bring them up to 33 lbs. Drove the car, and the light went out.
Haven't had a vehicle with TPMS before.
Interesting learning experience........

freetime · 08-24-2009, 09:41 PM

It sure is annoying though to have to keep stopping and check, just to be certain, that you don't have a low tire.