2018 Mirage G4 - TPMS light flashing then solid, P0455 code after gas cap replacement

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 22, 5:33 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2018 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 ES

Hi all,

I've got a weird one with my 2018 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 ES. A few weeks ago, my TPMS light started flashing for about a minute after startup, then stayed solid. I checked all tire pressures, and they're fine. I even tried the reset procedure (driving for 10-15 minutes above 20mph), but no luck.

To make things more confusing, I recently replaced my gas cap because I was getting a P0455 (Evaporative Emission System Leak Detected - Large Leak) code. The P0455 is gone now, but the TPMS light is still acting up. Are these two issues related, or is it just a coincidence? Could a faulty TPMS sensor be causing this, or maybe something with the BCM? Any ideas on how to tackle this?

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

It's highly unlikely that your TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) light issue and the previous P0455 EVAP code are directly related. The P0455 code is specific to the evaporative emissions system, typically resolved by a new gas cap or other EVAP system component repair. The TPMS system operates independently.

Understanding the TPMS Light Behavior:

  • Flashing then Solid: This specific behavior indicates a malfunction within the TPMS system itself, not just low tire pressure. It means the system isn't able to properly monitor tire pressure, often due to a faulty sensor, a communication issue, or a problem with the TPMS control module.

Common Causes for TPMS Malfunction:

  1. Dead or Weak TPMS Sensor Battery: Each sensor in the wheel has a battery that typically lasts 5-10 years. Given your 2018 model, it's possible one or more sensor batteries are dying.
  2. Damaged TPMS Sensor: Sensors can be damaged during tire rotations, replacements, or by road debris.
  3. TPMS Control Module Issue: Less common, but the module that receives signals from the sensors could be faulty.
  4. Sensor Not Programmed/Relearned: If a tire shop replaced a sensor, it might not have been properly programmed to your vehicle's TPMS system.

Diagnostic Steps & When to See a Shop:

  1. Professional TPMS Scan: A tire shop or dealership can use a specialized TPMS scan tool to read each individual sensor. This tool can tell you the battery status, pressure reading, and ID of each sensor, quickly identifying which one (if any) is faulty.
  2. Check for TPMS-Specific DTCs: While a generic OBD-II scanner might not show TPMS codes, a professional scan tool can access the TPMS module and reveal specific diagnostic trouble codes (e.g., C1200 series) that pinpoint the exact problem.
  3. Sensor Replacement and Relearn: If a sensor is identified as faulty, it will need to be replaced. After replacement, the new sensor must be 'relearned' or programmed to the vehicle's TPMS module. This often requires specific tools and procedures.

When to See a Shop: You should take your Mirage G4 to a reputable tire shop or Mitsubishi dealership. While the flashing light isn't an immediate safety hazard like low tire pressure, a malfunctioning TPMS means you won't be alerted to actual low tire pressure, which is a safety concern. They have the specialized equipment to diagnose and fix TPMS issues accurately.