Service Tire Pressure System Jeep Warning: How Do You Fix?

Jeeps can have issues with their tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS) like any vehicle. When your tire pressure monitoring system malfunctions, you see the service tire pressure system Jeep warning. It’s likely caused by one of your sensor’s low batteries. Also, your sensor could be bad because when someone puts on your new tire, they damage it. Other reasons are low battery voltage/bad battery, blown fuse, low tire pressure, bad TPMS module, and tire pressure sensor failure. While there’s not always an easy, quick solution to your TPMS problem, this guide will help you troubleshoot what’s wrong. If you get the service tire pressure system Jeep error, you are in the right place!

What Is a Jeep Tire Pressure System?

It’s estimated that many vehicles hit the road daily with underinflated tires. However, using a tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS) to maintain your tires properly can help you avoid many dangerous collisions.

Jeep utilizes a direct TPMS setup with individual sensors mounted on each wheel. The corresponding TPMS sensor alerts your Jeep’s computer via radio when a tire’s pressure reading falls below the recommended levels specified by the manufacturer. As a result, you are informed of a pressure drop by the yellow dash icon and see the service tire pressure system Jeep error.

You don’t need to leave the car and check each tire separately if the TPMS light comes on. Instead, move to the tire pressure screen using the dash controls on your steering wheel. It will show you the tire pressure of all four tires. Afterward, you can go to the closest gas station air pump or refill a compressor or air tank.

If you are unsure of the proper tire pressure for your Jeep, check the owner’s manual or the specifications badge inside the driver’s door. Jeep advises a cold pressure of 35 PSI for the JL and JT versions and 37 PSI for most JK models for those using factory tires.

Once those tires are inflated to the proper pressure, drive for about 20 minutes at speeds greater than 15 mph to allow the system to reset.

What Is the Function of Tire Sensors?

Sensors installed into a tire can measure the tire’s internal pressure. Some tire pressure monitors are installed in the valve stem, while others are strapped to the rim using metal. These sensors work the same way, relaying real-time information on the tire pressure to the car’s central processing unit.

Wirelessly reporting PSI readings to the car’s computer thousands of times per second, these sensors are high-speed and accurate. This is done frequently in preparation for a sudden pressure drop. For example, the sensor can alert the driver when a tire’s pressure drops below a certain threshold. The tire sensors are like having a tiny, battery-powered computer embedded in each of your tires.

What Does the Service Tire Pressure System Jeep Warning Mean?

You got new tires, or you changed your spares. Suddenly, you notice the service tire pressure system Jeep warning and have “–” at each wheel for pressure on the EVIC. 

The service tire pressure system Jeep warning tells you there is a problem with the Tire Pressure Monitoring System. You don’t need to panic if you notice the TPMS light on. However, getting your car into the service department is essential.

Most tire pressure systems are built into the tires, which could fail if you hit a big pothole, or the sensors need to be updated. So most of the time, when you see the service tire pressure system Jeep warning light, you must replace parts that aren’t working right so the system can keep gathering data.

What Is the Difference Between a Service Tire Pressure System Warning and a Tire Light?

Your tire sensor can show one of two different messages. One is a notification that a pressure sensor has detected a pressure drop. A little orange icon in the dashboard will typically convey this message. This is your Jeep’s low tire pressure light, which the tire pressure monitoring system uses to alert you to a problem.

This message is different when the service tire pressure system warning appears. The TPMS is malfunctioning, as indicated by the Service tire pressure system Jeep notification.

What Causes the Service Tire Pressure System Jeep Warning?

There are several reasons why the service tire pressure system Jeep error might occur. Check each issue to see if it’s causing the error. 

Low Tire Pressure 

Sometimes when one of your Jeep tires is underinflated, it can cause the TPMS to activate. The system is intended to notify you when your tires need air so that you can stop and fill them.

If you’re getting a service tire pressure system Jeep error message, check your tire pressure before assuming there is an issue with your Jeep’s TPMS system.

Tire Pressure Sensor Failure

The most common cause is one or more tire pressure sensors going bad.

This is usually due to age and exposure to the elements and is often due to driving on potholed streets or under heavy load conditions (such as when pulling a trailer).

If one/more tire pressure sensors fail, the service tire pressure system Jeep error message on your dashboard will come on.

90% of the time, this is caused by a bad sensor, not a problem with the tire pressure monitoring system.

The Sensor’s Battery Is Dead

The sensors are constantly being used. So their batteries are continuously drained. After faithfully checking up on your tires for years, the batteries that power your TPMS sensors reach the limit of their useful lives. And you get a service tire pressure system Jeep error. The batteries in the sensors are mandated to last five years, so if your car is getting close to 5 years old, it’s about time to replace them! Since the sensor battery is embedded, it can’t be replaced. So, you’ll need to replace the entire TPMS sensor.

You’re Using an OEM TPMS Sensor With Aftermarket Tires

If you use OEM TPMS sensors on aftermarket tires, the system will not give you an accurate reading. You can use your old factory tires if your new ones don’t have sensors. But you’ll have to reprogram them.

Bad TPMS Module 

The tire pressure monitoring system module is responsible for receiving the tire pressure information from each sensor, processing it, and sending it to your car’s computer.

If this module fails, you will receive a service tire pressure system Jeep error message on your dashboard.

The module rarely fails on Jeeps, but it does happen. If you replace the sensors and still get the error message, the TPMS module will likely malfunction.

Interference With the Sensor’s Radio Waves

The TPMS sensors are attached to the valve stem inside each tire. Since they use radio waves to communicate with the car’s computer, they can have their signal disrupted or jammed by certain things. These include tinted windows, tire chains, snow, ice, etc.

The service tire pressure system Jeep error message will appear in that case.

Blown Fuse 

Again this rarely happens, but fuses do occasionally blow. The TPMS module uses a fuse to protect the system from getting damaged by other electrical components in your Jeep. If it blows, the system will not activate, and you won’t get any error messages on your cluster display.

Low Battery Voltage/Bad Battery 

The Battery in your Jeep controls a lot of electronics. If the voltage or battery is low, it can cause some issues with your TPMS system. The TPMS module requires a minimum of 12 volts to operate correctly, so if your battery is low, this could cause the service tire pressure system Jeep error.

Another thing could be a bad battery itself, batteries deteriorate over time, and if yours is old, it may not be able to keep up with the demands of your Jeep’s electronics.

Sensor Damage During a Tire Change

Your sensor could be bad because when someone put on your new tires, they broke the TPMS sensor. If this is the case, you need to take it back to where you had the tires installed and get them to replace the sensor they broke.

So, it is always a good idea to have the knowledge and proof of knowing if your TPMS light is working correctly before you take it to the shop to get new tires.

If broken during the tire change or replacement, the TPMS light will appear flashing on your dash shortly after leaving the shop, and you will get a service tire pressure system Jeep error message on your dashboard.

What Other Considerations Should You Keep in Mind Regarding the Service Tire Pressure System?

When diagnosing the Service Tire Pressure System warning, you should keep the following considerations in mind:

• A common mistake people make when repairing a flat tire is using tire sealant. Some tire sealants are injected through the tire’s valve stem and have a thick consistency. The valve stem may be incorporated into some tire sensors, increasing the chance of sealant clogging the sensor. Consequently, the sensors will experience an inconsistent state, which will cause the tire service monitor alert to be triggered. 
• The fact that the car was built with TPMS technology before it was mandated by law is another common explanation. As a result, every time you drive an older vehicle, you must calibrate the sensors. A specialized instrument is required to calibrate the tires and record the sensors’ new location. The service tire pressure system will activate if the TPMS detects that the front sensor has been moved to the rear but has not yet been registered.
• Also, check your tires for external damage, such as nail punctures. 
• Keep in mind that these things are sensitive to changes in temperature. As the outside temperatures drop, the air pressure in the tires drops enough to throw the low tire pressure warning, but it goes away after the tires are warmed up in a few miles. Seems to happen more around the first few touches of frost in the fall, not so much in the dead of winter.
• For some older cars, the service tire pressure system notice will appear after a tire rotation if the sensors are not re-calibrated. The second most frequent cause of the service tire pressure system Jeep alert is the installation of new sensors without adequate calibration using the TPMS tool.
• Of course, the service tire pressure system Jeep warning light is also quick to light up if something wild happens, like you bust a bead or pick up a metal shank on the drive to work. But when something like that occurs, you’ll usually know there is an issue anyway, just by how the Jeep suddenly handles it.

What Should You Do When the Service Tire Pressure System Jeep Error Message Comes on?

Whether you have factory tires that initially came with the Jeep or you’ve put on mammoth tires with thick sidewalls and big tread patterns, they all expel air at a low rate — generally around 1-3 pounds per square inch each month, depending on the tire.

In colder weather, that pressure can dip by around 1 PSI per 10 degrees of temperature variance.

This doesn’t mean there is a problem with your tires, or they must be replaced. Just that they need to be watched. Ignore refilling the air in your tires long enough, and you’ll soon see that yellow exclamation point light illuminate your dash.

Service tire pressure system Jeep alert frequently indicates that a sensor’s battery has run out of juice. The lithium-ion batteries used in tire sensors typically last for about five years. They eventually become useless and must be replaced.

You may also have to reset or replace the TPMS during the vehicle’s lifespan if the sensor somehow loses signal or becomes damaged. 

Resetting Your Tire Pressure System on Your Jeep

To fix the issue and turn off your TPMS light, you can reset the system as follows:

1. Drive at least ten minutes at 50 mph. Your TPMS light should then reset the next time you start your car.
2. If your car is running, turn it off. Continue by turning the key to the “On” position. When the tire pressure light blinks thrice, hold down the TPMS reset button (typically located under the steering wheel). Then release the button.
3. Launch the vehicle, then turn it off. To refresh the TPMS system sensors, wait 20 minutes.
4. Inflate each tire on your car to 3 PSI more than the suggested pressure. Next, deflate them completely. Include the spare tire as well because it might have a sensor.
5. Once your tires are deflated, reinflate them to the recommended tire pressure.
6. Disconnect the positive battery cable with a wrench with the vehicle turned off.
7. Start your vehicle and honk the horn for roughly three seconds. This should discharge any power still stored in the car.
8. Reconnect the battery.
9. The above steps should reset your TPMS light and sensors!

If resetting the TPMS does not fix the Service Tire Pressure System Jeep message, try the following instructions.

Inflate, Deflate, Then Reinflate Tires

Inflate every tire (including the spare) to around 3 PSI over the proper pressure value. Then, deflate them to a bit below the correct pressure. Finally, reinflate to the appropriate pressure.

Drive for 20 Minutes

Driving for 20 minutes above 15 mph should also get the light to turn off. If your tires are at the correct PSI, this should get them warm enough for the system to reflect the reinflation.

Check With the TPMS Programmer

If all else fails, a TPMS programmer might be needed. This means a sensor has gone bad and needs to be reprogrammed. It’s likely not worth buying your own.

Replace TPMS Sensor

If the TPMS programmer does not solve the issue, the sensor will likely need to be replaced. Some TPMS programmers will even tell you so. Replacing the sensor is a pain to do in your garage, and the individual sensor costs about $100 for an OEM unit. Fortunately, aftermarket TPMS units that work just as well can be bought for less than half that. As I mentioned above, 90% of the time, this will solve the problem.

How Much Does a TPMS Sensor Cost to Replace?

Replacing a TPMS sensor typically costs $50 to $100, covering both the sensor and labor. This cost might change based on whether the sensor can be replaced without removing the entire wheel. Some cars allow this, which can be less expensive. Remember, the price could vary depending on your car’s make and model year, as different vehicles use different TPMS technologies.

Check the Battery Voltage 

If replacing the TPMS doesn’t solve the issue, then you should check the condition and voltage of your battery.

Check the TPMS Module and Fuse

If the battery is good, check for a TPMS fuse and see if it’s blown. If it is, then replace it and see if that helps.

Should You Pay Attention to the Service Tire Monitoring System Warning on Your Jeep?

Absolutely. It’s not just about reminding you to service your TPMS; it can signal other crucial issues, too. When the alert comes on, it could mean your tire pressure has dropped below optimal levels or even to unsafe levels. It might also indicate tire damage, preventing them from maintaining proper pressure. Ignoring these warnings can lead to problems like decreased fuel efficiency, compromised vehicle handling, lower payload capacity, and, in the worst-case scenario, a blowout or flat tire.

So, taking the TPMS warning seriously and promptly addressing any underlying issues to ensure your safety and vehicle performance is essential.

Is It Safe to Drive With a Service Tire Monitor System Warning?

Driving safely with a TPMS light on has always been a concern. Yes, you can drive. But check the pressure of your tires as a precaution.

Make sure nothing is causing your tire to leak as well. Checking your tires before you start driving is always a good idea. Ensure your tire pressure is not excessively low or high before addressing any TPMS lights.

Off-Roading and the TPMS: How Are They Related?

Off-roaders and even Jeep recommend airing down your tires before going off-road. For most terrain, you’ll typically want to take them down to 15-20 PSI.

Even though this is the proper procedure, it will generally set off the TPMS light. Most will ignore the minor annoyance of the warning light until they increase the tire pressure again. Some even allow you to completely turn off your TPMS warning, but you may have to sign a digital waiver to get this feature.

The TPMS light can also be an issue for those purchasing aftermarket tires, which still need to correctly reprogram the TPMS sensors. This will usually be done at a dealership or tire shop.

How Do You Maintain Your Jeep’s Tires?

Maintaining your current Jeep tires is crucial for saving money, especially considering the high cost of new ones. By properly caring for and preserving your existing tires, you can ensure they have a longer lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements and saving you money in the long run.

Regular Tire Rotation

To ensure your tires last longer, rotating them regularly is important. Since every driver’s habits differ, this can affect tire wear. Also, the terrain you drive on significantly affects tire lifespan. To even out wear, switch the front and back tires every 6,000 miles or as professional advice.

Monitor Air Pressure

Keeping an eye on your tire’s air pressure is crucial for extending its lifespan. Each Jeep model has specific tire specifications, which can affect performance. You can check the air pressure using your vehicle’s manual or the side sticker on the door. For Jeeps without TPMS, use a pressure gauge, referencing the spare tire for Wrangler Jeeps.

Check Tire Tread

Regularly inspect your tire treads to ensure even wear. Uneven tread wear can reduce traction, especially in wet conditions, making driving hazardous. To measure tread depth, apply the penny test. When inserting the penny, if Lincoln’s head is visible, it is time to replace your tires.

Proper Inflation

To avoid TPMS alerts and guarantee safe driving, keep your tires properly inflated. Overinflated or underinflated tires can affect braking and steering. Check tire pressure at least once a month, especially if you drive frequently.

Wheel Alignment and Balancing

Regularly schedule wheel alignment to prevent premature tire wear. Misaligned wheels can lead to accidents and accelerated tire degradation. Additionally, ensure your tires are properly balanced, especially after tire changes.

Frequent Inspection

Regular visual inspections of your tires are essential. Look out for punctures, cracks, or bulges, and address any issues promptly. Prompt action can guarantee safety and stop additional harm.

Seasonal Tire Changes

Consider seasonal tire changes to optimize tire performance. Use winter tires for cold and wet conditions and summer tires for dry and warm weather. Avoid mismatching tires to prevent uneven wear and tear.

Prompt Replacement

If you find foreign objects embedded in your tires, consult a mechanic for advice. Depending on the severity of the damage, repair or replace the tire immediately to maintain safety on the road.

Proper Storage

When storing unused tires, ensure they are clean and foreign substance-free. Store them indoors in a cool, dark area away from sunlight. Use waterproof materials to protect tires from moisture and degradation. Proper storage can prolong tire lifespan when not in use.

Also Read:

• What Does the Performance Limited Service Fuel System Warning Mean? What to Do?
• Service Electronic Stability Control Jeep Warning: 9 Tips to Fix the Issue

Final Words

Why is it important to keep those tires at the proper pressure? Simple. The correct inflation pressure in each tire ensures those tires will wear properly, thus extending their lifespan. It also allows the Jeep to handle safely at speed and during braking or cornering and helps boost the fuel economy.

When you see a service tire pressure system Jeep warning, more often than not, though, it indicates that your TPMS sensor battery has died. Your tire pressure system can go bad for several other reasons. Don’t overlook this warning; act quickly to fix the issue. Hopefully, this guide will help you easily sort things out.

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