North American Motoring

Mini Cooper: Why is My Tire Pressure Light On?

The TPMS is not all that complicated to troubleshoot. Check out some common problems and solutions that can cause that annoying light to turn on, on your dashboard.

By Neftali Medina - June 29, 2016
Contributors: NorthAmericanMotoring, Honda

This article applies to the Mini Cooper (2001-Present).

Since the late 90's newer vehicles started using a technology that allowed the car's computer to sense whether or not the tires were properly inflated. These components are part of TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System), and they mount under the tire on top of the wheel. When the air pressure is under the factory specification, the sensor sends information to the computer, which turns on the TPMS light to alert the driver. Sometimes issues can occur within the operating system, resulting in the TPMS light turning on the cabin. The following list will illustrate some common problems found on your Cooper that can cause the TPMS light to turn on.

Mini Cooper: Why is Tire Pressure Light On?

Materials Needed

  • Tire pressure gauge
  • Air pump

Step 1 – Check your air pressure

Your air may be too low.

This should be the very first thing you check for! The TPMS system is built to alert you if there are any irregularities in the tire pressure, so if the air is simply too low, the light will turn on. Grab your pressure gauge and check each wheel. If one or more of the tires is too low, add air to them until the proper pressure is achieved.

Checking tire pressure using pressure gauge
Figure 1. Use an air pressure gauge to check the tire PSI.

Pro Tip

If the air pressure is far too low, then you should inspect the tires for leaks. Most reputable tire shops will do free leak tests.

If the pressure has been checked and the light is still on, then continue to Step 2.

Step 2 – Reset the light

The system may just need to be reset.

So what happens if you complete Step 1, but the light still stays on? Well, now you have to complete the reset procedure. It is very simple to do. While the engine is running, just locate the button by the handbrake and press it down for thirty seconds. The light will blink, then eventually turn off.

Resetting tire pressure light on Mini Cooper
Figure 2. Press the TPMS reset button.

Pro Tip

Some have had success holding the button for less than thirty seconds.

If the light is still on even with the TPMS reset, keep on troubleshooting.

Step 3 – Check the sensor

One may be bad.

If all the above does not solve the problem, there may very well be a bad sensor. Unfortunately, to check the sensors you have to un-mount the tires and unless you have a tire machine in your garage, you will have to go to a shop. These sensors can range from $50 to $100 each.

TPMS sensor for Mini Cooper
Figure 3. Replace the TPMS sensor.

Pro Tip

TPMS sensors are prone to damage from tire mounting machines, so it's important to use knowledgeable technicians when replacing old wheels.

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