TPMS Hyundai Sonata: Why Is It Blinking and What To Do?

Like most other automobile product brands and modern car models, Hyundai Sonata also offers a TPMS system to help drivers monitor the tires.

Most confused drivers, however, tend to be quite clueless about the TPMS functions and even ignore their message altogether.

I hope my detailed guidelines on the TPMS Hyundai Sonata can address some of the most popular reader inquiries. Keep scrolling.

What Is A TPMS Hyundai Sonata? 

tpms hyundai sonata

“TPMS” is short for tire pressure monitor system for Hyundai Sonata.

It refers to an electronic monitoring system for the vehicle’s amounts of tire pressure, which immediately transmits a warning indicator to you when the tires are over- or under-inflated.

Long story short: whenever the TPMS warning light blinks, it indicates troubles. What troubles it exactly is will be further discussed in the latter half of my article.

Although Hyundai is among the oldest vehicle giants in the industry, the TPMS installment is not present in all of its models. In fact, aside from the Sonata series, you can only find them in:

2003 to 2011 models

  • Accent
  • Elantra
  • Accent
  • Tucson
  • Azera
  • Veracruz
  • Santa Fe
  • Entourage and Tiburon

Why Is The TPMS Hyundai Sonata Light Blinking? What Should You Do?

Underinflation is the traditional, most common reason behind a blinking TPMS light on Hyundai Sonata. Punctures/leakages might also be a reason your car loses PSI faster than expected.

And the problem might also lie in the TPMS system itself.

Underinflation

Sometimes, the tire pressure monitoring system lights might blink due to extremely cold weather (often when you leave the car out in the yard overnight).

As such, the PSI drops below the recommended/correct tire pressure.

What To Do?

First, turn to your vehicle’s manual or the door side sticker to double-check the ideal tire pressure (do not mistake that with the PSI number embedded on the road wheels.

It refers to the maximum safety pressure, not the PSI level you should pump your tires to).

Once done, grab the tire gauge to measure whether each tire is at the proper tire inflation pressure.

If you have no tire gauges around at that moment, just drive to a close tire shop/gas station to borrow their measurement tools.

Even if the PSI does not exactly match the number in your manual, it should be close enough (around a 3-4 PSI difference).

Should your front or rear tire pressure fail to live up to the standard, refill them until they are well-inflated (overinflation is acceptable, guaranteed it is not 5 PSI higher than the manufacturer’s recommendation).

Check the Hyundai Sonata TPMS light to confirm it has been properly turned off.

Leakage

What if you have performed a Hyundai Sonata tire pressure check and inflated the tires with wheels according to instructions – yet the tire pressure sensor lights stubbornly remain? 

Chances are punctures or leakages are the culprits; no wonder the air keeps escaping despite all your inflation efforts.

What To Do?

Bring the car to a mechanic as soon as possible. The experts will inspect whether your tires can be repaired.

If yes, the punctures only need minor plugging or patching. If not, be prepared to invest in alternate tire replacements at tire changer manufacturers.

Malfunctioning TPMS Light Or Other Car Features

Normal air pressure? Checked. No leakage? Checked. Then why does the tire pressure light refuse to disappear? 

My two cents are that there might be some technical issues with the metal valve, tire beads, or even the light itself. That’s why you sometimes see air loss but no leaks found.

What To Do?

  • For broken tire beads and sensor valve stems: Fixing/replacing them is obviously the best solution.
  • For faulty tire pressure monitoring that sends incorrect warning: Drive your car around for about ten minutes (minimum) at 30 MPH.

Hopefully, your car can warm up and, in turn, switch off the TPMS light.

Another method is to try a manual reset for the light and see whether the light could be disabled. When that does not work, seek some professional help.

Is It Safe to Ignore The Hyundai Sonata TPMS Sensor Light and Its Blinking?

hyundai sonata tire pressure sensor

No. Ignoring the TPMS lights on your Sonata is one of the biggest mistakes you could ever make.

After all, the lights come on for a reason, indicating problems with your road tires or your monitoring system (mostly the former, by the way).

Failure to get down to the root of your issues might lead to tons of safety concerns, such as:

Worsened Car Performance

Tire pressure goes hand in hand with the vehicle speeds, traction, handling, and performance (that should come as no surprise.

Compared to other car compartments, high-performance tires have the most frequent contact with road surfaces!

Hence, cars with wrongly-inflated tires will inevitably experience a dramatic stability decrease, compromised control, and long braking distance.

Tire Failure or Damage

Uneven pressure distribution leads to uneven tread depth and flat tires. Tire failure will only be a matter of time; worse, they might even blow out or explode while driving! 

Worse Fuel Efficiency

Underinflated tires have to work harder than usual to push the car forward, which increases your car’s rolling resistance and fuel consumption.

Do not be surprised if the car eats up much more gas than expected!

The longer you ignore the light, the more fuel costs you will waste. So do not put off the problem any longer; it’s time to do the right thing.

Higher Accident Risks

Obviously. How can a car with low-quality handling and stability ensure a smooth, no-hassle trip? 

With limited steering/vehicle control, there is no way you can stop or change direction on time during emergency situations.

In the most fortunate scenario, you may only suffer minor clashes or injuries. But if fate is not by your side… you know what would happen, right? 

FAQs

sonata tire pressure sensor

How Do You Turn Off / Perform A TPMS Reset Hyundai Sonata? 

To perform a Hyundai Sonata TPMS reset, you need to find the TPMS reset button first (usually underneath or at the right corner of your steering wheel).

Press the button, then hold it until the light flashes 3 times. Release your fingers, and that’s it! 

To seal the deal, start your Hyundai Sonata and leave its engine on for about 20 minutes.

Can TPMS Run Out of Battery? 

Yes. These batteries surely last long (about 5 to 10 years), but they cannot keep running forever. Once the batteries break down, you must replace them at a tire center.

Conclusion

When the TPMS Hyundai Sonata indicator lights flash, double-check the tire’s pressure (inflate it if necessary) or fix the puncture/leakage holes.

If your car encounters no tire problems, then repair or replace the TPMS itself. Sounds straightforward enough!

Keep a regular tire maintenance and tire rotation schedule, and feel free to write to me if you still want more help on your TPMS light Hyundai Sonata. I am always available.

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