What it means
The tyre pressure monitoring system may not be able to monitor tyre pressures correctly. Amber generally indicates a system fault; some vehicles flash the light before it stays on, but exact behaviour varies by manufacturer.
What the symbol looks like: A cross-section of a tyre with an exclamation mark inside it, sometimes accompanied by “TPMS” or a flashing warning.
Why it comes on
- A TPMS sensor battery has run down.
- A tyre sensor is damaged or missing after tyre work.
- The system needs to be reset or relearn sensor positions.
- A fault in the TPMS receiver, wiring, or control module.
What to do
- Check the owner’s manual to distinguish a system fault from low pressure.
- Check all tyre pressures manually using a reliable gauge.
- Correct any low pressures to the vehicle’s specified values.
- If the warning persists, have the TPMS checked with suitable diagnostic equipment.
Can I keep driving?
You can generally drive cautiously if the tyres are sound and their pressures have been checked manually. Do not rely on the system to alert you to pressure loss until it is working again.
Symbols and colours differ between makes and models. Your owner’s manual shows the exact lights of your car.