Proper Tire Pressure is Critical for Vehicle Performance and Safety. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) in Ford Fusion models is designed to alert drivers of low tire pressure, which can have serious consequences if left unchecked.
When the TPMS warning light illuminates or pressure readings become erratic, it likely indicates a fault with one or more tire pressure sensors. Identifying the root cause and properly repairing the fault is key to restoring system accuracy.
Explaining Tire Pressure Sensor Faults
The TPMS light coming on or seeing inconsistent pressures between tires are common symptoms. Ford Fusions mainly use direct TPMS, with sensors mounted inside each wheel that directly monitor internal air pressure.
Compared to indirect TPMS, direct systems provide more reliable and precise data. But they also rely on battery-powered sensors that eventually need replacement.
What Causes TPMS Sensor Failure?
- Sensor Battery Issues:
- Sensor batteries last approximately 10 years before dying out. It’s possible for multiple sensors to deplete simultaneously if the original tires/sensors were installed at the same time.
- Sensor Damage:
- Road hazards like potholes can physically damage the plastic casing around sensors, as can salt corrosion during winter months or improper sensor handling when tires are changed over. Sensors may also malfunction randomly due to internal electrical issues.
- Communication Problems:
- Wireless communication between sensors and the vehicle computer can suffer electrical interference from nearby devices. In rarer cases, software faults or sensor/vehicle incompatibility may interfere with normal operation.
- Environmental Factors:
- Sudden ambient temperature changes and fluctuations in elevation can trick sensors into reporting incorrect pressures. Aftermarket wheels and use of non-OEM external tire pressure monitors can also create sensor confusion.
Pinpointing the Faulty Sensor
First, manually check the air pressure in each tire using an accurate stand-alone gauge. Surprisingly low readings point to actual leaks rather than sensor issues. Readings that deviate between tires likely indicate one or more faulty sensors.
Professional shops have diagnostic scan tools that wirelessly read data from each sensor and receive fault codes that identify specific issues. This helps accurately determine which sensors are malfunctioning before attempting repair or replacement.
The Repair Process
Sensor Replacement:
Swapping out the problematic pressure sensor is necessary once identified. Carefully review costs – OEM sensors can be expensive, but provide reliable performance. Professional installation also tends to be more thorough. DIYers must ensure proper sensor torque specs and positioning.
The replacement sensor must precisely match the vehicle’s TPMS design and protocol. Mixing incompatible sensors will cause operational issues.
TPMS System Reset:
After installation, the vehicle’s TPMS should be reset by a shop or via the dashboard menu on newer Fusion models. This synchronizes the system with the new sensor readings.
Avoiding Future Sensor Faults
Checking tire pressures monthly using an accurate gauge is highly recommended, especially prior to long trips. Maintaining proper inflation promotes even tire wear and extends the operating life of sensors.
Regular tire rotation, wheel balancing, and suspension inspections help identify gradual air leaks early on. This keeps pressures consistent across all four sensors for optimal monitoring system performance. Professional tire shops are best equipped to catch issues ahead of total sensor failure.
John Smith, a Los Angeles-based car specialist and automotive writer, boasts over 20 years in the industry. With a background as a master technician and a decade-long writing stint at notable automotive publications, John now shares his expansive knowledge on CarFinite, simplifying car maintenance for readers.