Every driver understands the importance of keeping their tires fully inflated. Under or overinflated tires can trigger many issues, including poor traction, irregular tire wear, and excessive vibrations. If left unchecked, such tires increase the likelihood of a blowout or an accident.
Luckily, modern cars have a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that keeps track of your car’s tire pressure. If there’s an issue with your Chevy Malibu’s tire pressure or the TPMS, you’ll see an ‘SVC Tire Monitor’ light on the dashboard.
So what is SVC Tire Monitor Chevy Malibu, and why does this message appear on the dash? I take you through everything you need to know about the ‘SVC Tire Monitor’ alert on Chevy Malibu. Let’s explore!
Question: What Does the ‘SVC Tire Monitor’ Alert Mean?
The SVC or Service Tire Monitor warning indicates a fault with the TPMS or an issue with the tire pressure. The TPMS will trigger this alert if one or more tires have inaccurate pressure. Generally, this alert will show up when tire pressure is 25% less than the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Depending on your vehicle model, the monitoring system may let you know how much air pressure each tire has. Typically, this warning light disappears after driving for a while if low tire pressure is the cause. However, if the light persists, the monitoring system could be defective.
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) tracks your Chevy Malibu’s tire pressure. It uses sensors attached to the rims to track the air pressure.
If tire pressure is inaccurate, a sensor will send signals to the car’s computer. Then, the computer (PCM) processes the data and triggers a TPMS light or the SVC Tire Monitor warning on your dash. Sometimes, you’ll receive both the light and warning message.
The TPMS sensor can malfunction and fail to monitor air pressure in your tires. In this case, the car’s computer will detect this problem and trigger the ‘SVC Tire Monitor’ notification. The warning will persist on the dash until you address the underlying problem.
Question: What Causes SVC Tire Monitor Chevy Malibu?
The alert can pop up on your Chevy Malibu’s dashboard due to the following reasons:
- Low tire pressure
- Faulty TPMS sensor
- Dead TPMS sensor battery
- TPMS sensor calibration issues
Low Tire Pressure
The leading cause of the ‘SVC Tire Monitor’ warning and the TPMS light is the inaccurate air pressure in your tires. The monitoring system detects this issue and communicates with the car’s computer. Consequently, the computer triggers the warning notification.
Usually, tire pressure can drop by 1-2 PSI when it’s cold, particularly with 10 degrees drop in temperature. The good news is that tire pressure returns to normal after driving for a while or when the temperature increases. As a result, the warning message disappears.
However, if low tire pressure results from a puncture, the warning message and a TPMS light remain on the dash. You must fix the puncture or replace the tire. Then, inflate your tires to the recommended psi to clear these warning lights.
Faulty TPMS Sensor
Another common cause of the SVC Tire Monitor warning is a defective TPMS sensor. Each wheel has a sensor that monitors air pressure. If the sensor is faulty, it might send incorrect data or not send any data at all.
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) will detect the TPMS sensor’s problem and trigger a warning notification.
TPMS sensors should last 5-10 years without going bad. However, they’re more prone to failure due to where they’re located. Vibrations, road debris, corrosion, and high temperatures can cause these sensors to fail.
Thankfully, you can test or visually inspect the sensors and replace them if damaged. If dirt or corrosion is to blame, clean them with a rag or rust remover.
Dead TPMS Sensor Battery
Each TPMS sensor has a built-in lithium-ion battery that allows the sensor to communicate with the car’s computer. This battery lasts about five years.
A dead battery will cause a tire pressure sensor to lose memory. The sensor won’t monitor air pressure or send signals to the car’s computer. And when the computer detects this issue, it’ll trigger the ‘SVC Tire Monitor’ message.
If one of the sensors has a dead battery, the rest are on the verge of going flat. To avoid tire problems, replace all the sensors.
TPMS Sensor Calibration Issues
TPMS sensors must be calibrated after a wheel change, tire rotation, or sensor replacement. Failure to calibrate the sensor leads to the SVC Tire Monitor Chevy Malibu. Calibration allows the sensors to work efficiently with the car’s computer.
You should also recalibrate your old sensors if they lose connection with the car’s computer. A TPMS calibration tool will help you get the job done. If you can’t calibrate the sensors at home, drive to a local auto shop for help.
Answer: How to Reset SVC Tire Monitor on Your Chevy Malibu
The first step to resetting the SVC Tire Monitor message is fixing the underlying problems. This may include adjusting the tire pressure or fixing malfunctioning TPMS sensors. After resolving the root cause, the warning notification should reset itself.
If it doesn’t, try the following methods:
- Drive your Chevy Malibu for 10-15 minutes. Ensure that you maintain a speed of 50 mph or more. Then, stop the car, turn the engine off, and restart it. Doing so should clear the warning light.
- Turn the ignition key to the “ON” position. Do this without starting the engine. Then, look for the TPMS reset button (usually below the steering wheel) and push it three times. Finally, start the engine and allow it to run for 15-20 minutes.
- Overinflate your tires (3-4 psi above what’s recommended). Then deflate them. Inflate your tires to the recommended level.
- Disconnect the battery’s terminals to reset your car’s electronic functions. You’ll also need to turn the key on and wait. This process drains the remaining power in the electronic components and resets the warning light.
Question: Can You Drive With the SVC Tire Monitor Alert?
The SVC Tire Monitor warning doesn’t make your Chevy Malibu inoperable. So, you can continue driving if that doesn’t put you at safety risk.
Remember, this warning can show up if there’s low tire pressure. Driving with low tire pressure is risky as it could lead to loss of traction, tire burst, or an accident. Identifying and resolving the root cause is essential to avoid such issues.
Wrap Up
The SVC Tire Monitor Chevy Malibu indicates an issue with the tire pressure or the TPMS. If this warning appears on your dash, check for low tire pressure and resolve it. However, if the monitoring system is to blame, replace or calibrate the sensors.
After fixing the underlying problem, you should reset the warning light. Lastly, take your Malibu to a professional to resolve any SVC Tire Monitor problem you can’t fix at home.