TPMS Sensor Replacement Cost

Know what price you should pay to get your vehicle fixed.

The average cost for a TPMS sensor replacement is between $444 and $1,921. Labor costs are estimated between $52 and $67 while parts are priced between $392 and $1854. Estimate does not include taxes and fees.

How do Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensors work?

The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) control module will receive information from the tire pressure monitoring sensors at all times the vehicle is on. In most vehicles, the only purpose of the TPMS control module is to illuminate the TPMS warning light when the tire is under or overinflated. The sensors in the tire are incorporated at the air stems, and automatically adjust their output signal as the pressure in the tire changes.

What are the symptoms of a bad Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensor?

When a tire pressure monitoring sensor fails, the tire pressure monitoring system control module will recognize a loss in communication and turn on the warning lamp which indicates the failure. This is most often the case. However, the tire pressure monitoring sensor may also fail by reporting incorrect tire pressures. This could cause a flat tire to go unrecognized, or a properly inflated tire to signal a low or high tire pressure warning.

Can I drive with a bad Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensor?

The TPMS warning light comes on all the time, but that does not mean it should be ignored. The light is designed to give you fair warning of deflation before damage is done to the tire or wheel, and to prevent unsafe driving when a tire goes flat. Anytime the light comes on, pull over and check the air pressure immediately when it is safe to do so.

How often do Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensors need replacement?

As stated before, this occurs all of the time. In fact, this may be the most commonly seen warning light on the instrument cluster, but that does not call for immediate replacement. In nearly all cases the light will go off a few minutes after adjusting the air pressure in all four or six tires. This leaves a relatively small number of times where the TPMS sensor(s) must be relearned or replaced. Again, this is common, especially if the roads local to the vehicle have potholes and bumps, and all vehicles with TPMS will eventually have the sensors replaced.

How are Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensors replaced?

Replacing the sensor is much like changing a tire with an additional step. The original tire, if in good condition, can be reused, but the wheel and tire must be separated. The wheel will be removed from the vehicle, the tire removed from the wheel, and the sensor will be removed from the inside of the wheel by disconnecting the hex nut on the outside. Once the new sensor is installed, the tire can be replaced, and the tire pressure on all four or six tires will be adjusted to factory specifications. Once the wheel is back on the vehicle, the lug nuts or wheel bolts will be torqued to factory specifications, and the vehicle will be driven a short distance or the sensors will be manually relearned.

RepairPal Recommendations for Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensor issues

We always recommend contacting the repair center where the tires were last installed. Although the tire pressure sensors are fairly inexpensive, it is best to use the warranty if purchased.

What to look out for when dealing with Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensor issues

It is essential to understanding where to locate the tire pressure information for the vehicle you drive in the event that you need to check, inflate, or deflate the tires. The information is likely posted on the driver door frame, inside the fuel tank lid, or in the owner's manual. Inflating a tire to the maximum allowable limit printed on the sidewall will be incorrectly overinflated every time.

Can I replace a Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensor myself?

Checking the air pressure in the tires is something anyone can do, and this solves the majority of issues arising with the TPMS warning lamp. However, if a tire goes flat without the TPMS warning light being displayed, or the warning lamp does not turn off with correct pressure, diagnosis will need to be performed with a professional scanner, and changing the tire pressure sensors will require professional equipment.

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