The main causes of a TPMS sensor fail is due to battery failure or improper service procedures. But, most service technicians know how to install, check and service a vehicle’s TPMS system effectively.
- The sensor battery can become discharged and fail – the internal lithium battery is not serviceable, it is a primary battery. The ideal design from OE is 10 years of battery life, but the actual use in accordance with the owner's driving habits, driving environment different, the general life expectancy of approximately 5-7 years or 80K-100K miles. All TPMS sensors should have a 100% replacement rate。
- Improper Installing the valve core will cause failure – TPMS sensors require a special nickel-plated valve core instead of the regular copper or brass valve core。
- Normal tire changing procedures can damage a TPMS sensor – this includes flat repairs, new tire replacement, snow tire change or a wheel upgrade。
- A snap-in rubber valve could also be used for normal speed vehicles (The speed can’t exceed 180km/hr). During the installation, pulling a typical looking rubber valve stem out of the wheel will lead to a broken sensor. TPMS systems now use either metal or rubber valves。
- Over tightening a new sensor valve will result in a broken sensor。
- Typical road hazards - collisions, potholes, curbs - can damage the TPMS system。
- TPMS sensors contain delicate electronics that are subject to failure over time。