The flat tire light went on last evening. I checked and all the tires are fine. is there a way to reset it or is it malfunctioning and I need to bring it to the dealer ? thanks

 

There's a button located under your emergency brake. Press it until the light turns solid. Then turn the car off. WHen you turn it on again, it should be reset...

 

Yeah, I've had several false warnings. Just reset as above and you're good to go.

 

thanks guys. but what causes false alarms ?

 

The sensor(s) read wheel rotation, not tire pressure. Theoretically, if a tire is low on air it will turn slower than the rest - which will set off the warning light. Mine flukes on once in awhile too, but I just reset the light when it happens. My tire pressure might be low on one of them, which may be your issue as well.

Remember, to reset the light you have to push and hold that button for five (or so) seconds after turning the key on, but before you start rolling. Light should go out once you do roll.

 

I agree with Filmy. I had the light come on last week, and for me, it was a difference in the air pressure in one of the tires. Interestingly, the tire guy told me that all four were over-inflated, it was just that one was a lower than the rest.

 

Or, if you just rotated your tires, the light will come on.

 

Just a glitch in the system, as far as I can tell. A few misplaced electrons.

 

I had this issue as well. Is was actually the first and only problem i have encountered on the mini. Thanks for the quick fix!

 

And as a follow-up to my post above...

Just (finally) checked my tire pressure. Newer Pirelli conventional tires on all four corners. 43 lbs in three tires (WTF? - previous owner) and 20 lbs in the front right. There was my TPS problem.