What are the common causes of the Ford Explorer 2020's tire pressure warning light?

Common Causes of Tire Pressure Warning Light in Ford Explorer 2020

The tire pressure warning light in a 2020 Ford Explorer can illuminate due to several reasons. Understanding these causes is essential for proper diagnosis and resolution. Below are the most common causes:

1. Under-inflated Tires
2. Over-inflated Tires
3. Temperature Changes
4. Tire Damage or Punctures
5. Faulty Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensors
6. Spare Tire Pressure
7. TPMS System Malfunction or Reset Needed

Step 1: Visual Inspection

• Tools Required: None
• Procedure:
  • Inspect all tires visually for any signs of damage, punctures, or foreign objects.
  • Check the spare tire as well, as some models include it in the TPMS.

Step 2: Check Tire Pressure

• Tools Required: Tire pressure gauge
• Procedure:
  • Use a tire pressure gauge to measure the pressure in each tire, including the spare.
  • Compare readings to the recommended tire pressure found on the driver’s side door jamb sticker.
• Interpretation:
  • If any tire is below the recommended pressure, inflate it to the specified level.
  • If any tire is over-inflated, release some air until it reaches the recommended level.

Step 3: Temperature Check

• Tools Required: None
• Procedure:
  • Consider recent temperature changes (e.g., seasonal shifts) that may affect tire pressure.
  • As temperatures drop, tire pressure decreases; conversely, it increases in warmer weather.

Step 4: TPMS Sensor Reset

• Tools Required: OBD-II scanner (optional)
• Procedure:
  • If tire pressures are correct, you may need to reset the TPMS.
  • Turn on the ignition without starting the engine. Press and hold the TPMS reset button until the light blinks three times, then release.
  • Drive the vehicle for about 10 minutes at speeds above 50 mph to allow the system to recalibrate.

Step 5: Check for Faulty TPMS Sensors

• Tools Required: OBD-II scanner, TPMS tool
• Procedure:
  • If the warning light remains illuminated, use an OBD-II scanner to check for any TPMS-related trouble codes.
  • Use a TPMS activation tool to check if all sensors are functioning correctly.
• Interpretation:
  • Replace any faulty sensors as needed.

Repair Instructions

If the diagnostic steps indicate an issue, follow these repair instructions based on the identified cause.

Repair 1: Tire Inflation

• Procedure:
  • Inflate under-inflated tires to the recommended pressure using an air compressor.
  • For over-inflated tires, release air until the desired pressure is achieved.

Repair 2: Tire Replacement or Repair

• Procedure:
  • If tires are damaged or punctured, replace or repair them as necessary.
  • For a puncture, follow local regulations for repair (if allowed) or replace the tire.

Repair 3: Sensor Replacement

• Tools Required: TPMS sensor replacement kit, tire changing tools
• Procedure:
  • If diagnostics indicate a faulty sensor, remove the tire from the wheel using tire changing tools.
  • Replace the TPMS sensor by removing the old sensor and installing the new one.
  • Reinstall the tire and ensure it is properly balanced.

Repair 4: TPMS Reset

• Procedure:
  • After repairs, perform the TPMS reset procedure as noted in Step 4.

Conclusion

After completing the diagnostics and necessary repairs, monitor the tire pressure warning light. If it remains illuminated despite all checks, further investigation of the TPMS system may be required, potentially involving professional diagnostic equipment or assistance from a certified Ford technician.