Tire pressure sensor not working properly

STRYKERP

MEMBER
2008 PONTIAC G5
2.4L
5 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
82,000 MILES

Recently my tire pressure sensor has been coming on. Three of the four tires it monitors come up with pressure readings. The one that does not either shows 0 pressure which makes engine light come on or it reads - - which makes light go off or it will start at 0 then slowly rise in pressure progressively then stop and go to 0 or- - again. Even though all tires have correct pressure. Until recently my tire sensor worked perfectly. Can you recommend solution? Also my car is the GT model.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,164 POSTS

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.

First, if you live in an area where the temperature drops overnight, it isn't uncommon for the light to come on. Air contracts when it gets cold, so the pressure lowers. That is a common issue. However, the sensor that is indicating 0 psi is a different issue. I will tell you that each sensor (total 4) have a battery inside them. The battery will usually last between five and eight years before it fails. So, that is a possible issue. Or, the sensor is just going bad.

I own a tool that checks for a signal from each sensor, so when I have an issue, I simply walk around the vehicle checking each wheel. When checking, I know if the sensor is working, the battery condition, tire temperature. That makes it easy, but most likely you don't have such a tool.

So, there is a good chance one of the sensors is failing. Therefore, you need to have the system checked to determine which one it is that causes the problem. Then, it will need replaced. To replace it, the tire will need removed and dismounted from the wheel. Then, the sensor can be removed from the wheel. The valve stem is actually part of the sensor on your vehicle. I attached a picture of the sensor's location in the wheel.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe

Image (Click to make bigger)