Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illumi-
nates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving
on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to
overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also
reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life and may affect
the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper
tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has
not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS
low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not
operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the low tire pressure telltale.
When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will
flash for approximately one minute and then remain
continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue
upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the mal-
function exists. When the malfunction indicator is illumi-
nated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low
tire pressure as intended.
TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons,
including the installation of replacement or alternate tires
or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from
functioning properly. Always check the TPMS malfunc-
tion telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on
your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate
tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function
properly.
114 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL