When the Ford F150 tire pressure sensor fault or indicator comes on, it creates unnecessary anxieties and worries among some drivers, especially beginners.
Since they have little or no understanding of what could have gone wrong with their truck and the possible line of action to fix or correct the error.
This article will look at what the tire pressure sensor fault F150 means and what could cause this issue.
In 2009, the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) became a vital integration on new vehicles, as authorities work towards enhancing the safety of car owners and other road users.
The TPMS functions with the aid of sensors.
These sensors are integrated into the wheels to provide real-time information about the state of the pressure in each tire.
Every F150 owner must inflate their tires to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI for best performance.
However, there are situations where an F150 owner adheres to the PSI (not overinflated and not underinflated) and still has the pressure indicator shown on the dashboard.
In that case, a reset will fix the issue.
Contents
What Does The Ford F150 Tire Pressure Sensor Fault Mean?
The 2009 Ford F150 tire pressure sensor fault indicator may display on the dash, just like other models.
The fault display/indicator is the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) informing F150 owners to inspect their tires for possible problems.
In this situation, go straight to the tires and check each tire accordingly to detect the state of the air pressure.
Nevertheless, if the pressure seems okay, the error indicator could result from other issues that will be discussed in another part/section of the article.
It is important to leave the truck parked at home or in the garage for safety reasons until you verify the actual issue and fix it.
Symptoms of Tire Pressure Sensor Fault F150
As indicated earlier in this article, an inappropriate PSI, coupled with other issues, could trigger the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
For instance, when the tires are underinflated or overinflated.
The 2010 ford F150 tire pressure sensor fault message would indicate (turn on) on the dashboard.
The following are some of the signs/symptoms truck owners may experience due to inappropriate air pressure in their tires.
Especially if you are one of the people who ignore fault messages/indicators on the dashboard or an individual who does not know what each error light means or stands for.
- Uneven/premature wear on the tread
- Friction is lowered/increased significantly
- Suspension noise
- Irregular handling (driver may find it hard to steer the steering or maneuver appropriately)
- Irregular traction, which is more evident/pronounced while driving in extreme conditions like rainfall or snow
- A drop in fuel efficiency
If one or more of the identified symptoms are perceived, ensure you verify the air pressure in each tire to fix the issue.
In case the tires are bad or inadequate, make necessary replacements.
The Reasons For The Ford F150 Tire Pressure Sensor Fault
The tire pressure sensor fault light/indicator, also known as the TPMS indicator, may show up on the dash at any time.
This could be while driving, or immediately after you crack the engine to start the F150.
It doesn’t matter when the indicator shows up; the reasons are the same.
01. A Change in Temperature Or Weather May Impact The Air Pressure in The Tires
Ideally, when the temperature drops, especially during winter, the air pressure follows a similar pattern.
For instance, if the air pressure was regulated in the summer, a drop in temperature in the winter means the PSI would have been affected/reduced.
If you do not inspect the air pressure regularly, you may not have an idea of this change until the fault indicator shows up.
At this point, it is recommended that the tires should be inspected one after the other to identify the one (s) with a drop in air pressure and inflate it accordingly.
02. A Flat Tire Could Also Trigger The Tire Pressure Sensor Warning
If the tire rides over a sharp object or gets punctured, the air in the tire escapes.
Another reason why a flat tire may occur is a faulty valve stem.
Immediately the pressure drops below the recommended PSI in any of the tires.
It is enough reason for the indicator to come on.
If you notice the warning indicator while driving, find a safe place on the side of the road and park.
At first, a visual assessment of the tires should be done.
If there is no clear indicator of which of the tires could be affected.
Do not hesitate to pull out the pressure gauge to examine/confirm the PSI of each tire.
03. Tire Replacement
In some cases, the pressure sensor indicator may trigger if the new tires are bigger than usual are installed on the wheels.
If you have a sensitive tire pressure monitoring system, it could identify the replacement as a fault.
04. Faulty TPMS
When the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) fails or stops working.
The tire pressure sensor warning could come on.
05. Tire Replacement
Overinflated or underinflated tires, especially after replacing your old tires with new ones
How To Diagnose The Fault?
When the TPMS indicator comes on, the first thing that should come to mind is checking the state of the tires.
If your F150 displays the pressure reading on the dash, confirm the PSI information.
Ensure it tallies with the recommendation.
A pressure gauge can be used for an F150 that does not have a pressure reading.
If the tires are appropriately gauged, and there is no “flat” sign after visual/physical inspection.
A more significant issue may need to be detected and fixed without hesitation.
For individuals who don’t have enough technical or mechanical experience to inspect the tire sensors to find out if they are in perfect condition or possibly conduct the necessary replacements as the case may be.
The next line of action is to schedule a maintenance appointment with a certified Ford F150 technician around you.
An experienced mechanic will inspect the F150, diagnose the fault, and conduct necessary fixes/corrections so that it may be fit for the road/highway as soon as possible.
2009/2010/2011 Ford F150 Tire Pressure Sensor Fault Reset
Tools
- Tire pressure gauge
- New tires
- Modern air compressors
Time
Usually, the sensor fault indicator may go off on its own once the issue (s) has been diagnosed and fixed.
On the other hand, a reset might be the next call if the light stays on afterward.
Depending on the reset method you settle for, it takes about 10-20 minutes to clear the pressure sensor fault indicator off the dashboard.
Cost
There is no significant cost involved in resetting the pressure sensor fault indicator.
Nevertheless, you would pay a certain amount to inflate your tires.
On average, this may cost between 1-3 dollars, depending on your region.
Sensor Fault Reset Steps
This section will look at the various techniques that can be adopted for 2009, 2010, and 2011 ford f150 tire pressure sensor fault reset.
Step/Technique 1 (Inflate Your Tires Accordingly)
- Check the air pressure and ensure it is accurate
- If there is a drop or increase in the recommended PSI, make the necessary correction
- Immediately the PSI is within the recommended rate. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) should automatically pick up this information and clear the fault message/indicator
Step/Technique 2 (TPMS Reset Button)
If the step/technique indicated above fails to work, you can try this 2nd technique.
- Press the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) reset button, and hold it down for as long as possible until the indicator flashes thrice
- Once the tire pressure indicator flashes the third time, take your hand off the button
- Ignite the engine
- Ensure the engine keeps running for about 20 minutes to allow a reset to be performed on the sensors. The fault indicator should turn off within this period
Step/Technique 3 (Inflate, Deflate, And Re-Inflate All The Tires)
- Check the recommended PSI for your F150
- Inflate all the tires, adding three (3) PSI to the actual value. For instance, if the manufacturer’s recommendation is 35 PSI, make it 38 PSI instead
If your spare tire also has a tire pressure sensor integrated into it, do not hesitate to do the same.
- Now that all the tires have been inflated (including the spare), 3PSI above the recommended value. Deflate the air totally
- Immediately the air is deflated, you can now inflate the tires again
However, the PSI this time around would be adequate. Follow the manufacturer’s manufacturer and apply it accordingly
Step/Technique 4 (Take Off The Battery Cable)
The 4th tire sensor fault reset technique you can adopt is to drain all the power that may be stored within the vehicle.
- Turn off the F150 engine
- Take out the battery cable (+ve) from the terminal
- Turn on the vehicle
- Press/engage the horn. Ensure it lasts for about three (3) seconds
This process will drain/ release extra power possibly stored within the vehicle.
- Reattach the battery cable (+ve) back to its position
Ideally, if the issue is minor, any of the techniques on our list should reset the sensor accordingly.
However, if none of the techniques fix the problem or clear the tire pressure sensor fault indicator.
You may need to turn your F150 in at the nearest workshop in your area.
There may be a more serious issue to be fixed or a replacement/repair to be conducted.
Step/Technique 5 (Clock More The 50 Mph)
- Drive around your neighborhood, maintaining a speed of over 50 miles per hour. The drive should last for about ten minutes
- Turn off the engine
The next time the vehicle comes on, it is possible that the sensors have performed an automatic reset to clear off the indicator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is The TPMS Indicator Blinking/Flashing?
A blinking sensor warning/fault indicator could signify a weak pressure sensor battery (if your sensors run on one).
You may want to swap the battery.
Also, it could be an SOS call, indicating the poor state/condition of one of the sensors.
Where is The Tire Pressure Monitoring System Reset Button Located?
The button is positioned/placed under the steering.
If you check this location and can’t lay your hand on the button.
The next thing is to go through the owner’s manual to identify the spot where it is placed.
Where Are The Air Pressure Sensors Located?
Each tire has a sensor that monitors the state of operation or performance.
The sensor is integrated inside the wheel and can only be seen when you detach or take the tire off.
What Does The Air Pressure Sensor Look Like?
The sensor is a cylinder-like component.
It is small and easily recognizable once you take the tire from the wheel.
What Should I Do When The Sensor Fault Indicator Comes on?
Once the indicator shows up on the dash, the first thing you need to do is check each tire’s PSI to confirm if it’s appropriate.
If the air pressure seems accurate, you may want to visit a Ford-certified mechanic around you to have the issue diagnosed.
Can I Deactivate The TPMS?
The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) can’t be deactivated on your F-150.
The maximum you can go/do is perform a reset to clear the error code.
What is The Recommended PSI For F150?
On a bigger scale (for many F150 models/designs), the recommended PSI across all four tires is 35.
Where Can I Find The PSI Information?
F150 owners can check the driver’s door for easy access to the PSI information.
However, in case the information has been possibly wiped off, or you can’t access it for one reason or another.
The driver’s manual can be checked.
The manual contains all the information or details you need about your F150, including the recommended PSI.
Why Should I Stick To The Recommended PSI?
Sticking to the manufacturer’s PSI recommendation comes with a lot of benefits.
For instance, it improves the stability, handling, traction, fuel efficiency, traction, friction, and load-bearing abilities of your F150.
All of these benefits combine excellently to ensure adequate safety on the road.
Final Thoughts
So far, we have discussed the various reasons why the Ford F150 tire pressure sensor fault may occur. If you have followed each segment/section of this article.
The indicator doesn’t always have to create panic or anxieties as the case may be.
Worry or anxiety is a popular reaction among car owners who may be experiencing it for the first time and do not know what could be the issue.
When you understand the issues that could trigger the sensor indicator and address them, it should clear off automatically in no time.
However, after considering all the possible means/techniques, if the light stays on. Do not hesitate to reach out to a certified F150 technician/mechanic to conduct a proper diagnosis/inspection of your vehicle.