Dead or weak battery inside the front left TPMS sensor; Failed front left TPMS sensor electronics; Damaged or corroded sensor valve stem or internal antenna; Radio frequency interference from aftermarket electronics or nearby strong signals; Physical damage to the sensor from road debris or tire service; Loose or improperly installed sensor after a tire rotation or replacement; Faulty TPMS receiver or wiring (less common, but possible)

DTC codes / C09xx · Brakes, steering and suspension / C0950

C0950Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensor Front Left

Q: What does code C0950 mean?

Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensor Front Left. C0950 indicates that the vehicle's computer has detected a fault with the tire pressure monitoring sensor (TPMS) located in the front left tire, meaning the sensor is not reporting pressure data correctly or at all. The computer typically sets this code when it receives no signal, an invalid signal, or a low battery voltage indication from that specific sensor.

C0950 indicates that the vehicle's computer has detected a fault with the tire pressure monitoring sensor (TPMS) located in the front left tire, meaning the sensor is not reporting pressure data correctly or at all. The computer typically sets this code when it receives no signal, an invalid signal, or a low battery voltage indication from that specific sensor.

SystemChassis

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityLow

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaBrakes, steering and suspension

Symptoms you may notice

Tire pressure warning light illuminated on the dashboard
Often no symptoms besides the warning light
Incorrect or missing tire pressure reading for the front left tire on the TPMS display
A message such as 'Tire Pressure Sensor Fault' or 'Check TPMS System' on the driver information center
In rare cases, other TPMS-related warnings or a chime when starting the vehicle

Common causes, most likely first

Dead or weak battery inside the front left TPMS sensor
Failed front left TPMS sensor electronics
Damaged or corroded sensor valve stem or internal antenna
Radio frequency interference from aftermarket electronics or nearby strong signals
Physical damage to the sensor from road debris or tire service
Loose or improperly installed sensor after a tire rotation or replacement
Faulty TPMS receiver or wiring (less common, but possible)

How to diagnose and fix it

Verify the tire pressures with a handheld gauge and adjust to the specified placard values
Perform a TPMS relearn procedure as outlined in the owner's manual or service information
Use a TPMS diagnostic tool to read sensor data and confirm the front left sensor is not responding
Inspect the front left sensor and valve stem for physical damage or corrosion
Test the sensor's battery voltage and signal strength with a TPMS tool
Replace the front left TPMS sensor if it fails testing, then perform a relearn
If the sensor is good, check the TPMS receiver and wiring for faults

What Most Techs Miss on C0950

A dead sensor battery is the most common cause, but many people replace the entire sensor when only the battery is serviceable on some designs.
Aftermarket wheels or valve stem caps can block the sensor signal and set this code without any sensor fault.
The code can be set by a temporary loss of signal due to radio interference, so clearing it and driving may resolve it without parts.
Some vehicles require a specific relearn procedure after tire rotation, and skipping it can trigger C0950 even with good sensors.
A weak vehicle battery or charging system issue can cause multiple TPMS codes, so always check system voltage first.

Can I keep driving with C0950?

It is safe to continue driving with C0950 because the tire pressure monitoring system is disabled for that wheel, but you should manually check the front left tire pressure regularly until the fault is repaired. Avoid ignoring the warning light, as you lose the safety benefit of TPMS for that tire.

Tools that help

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Guidance is general and written for all OBD-II vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.