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DTC codes / C09xx · Brakes, steering and suspension / C0952

C0952Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensor Rear Left

C0952 indicates that the vehicle's computer has lost communication with, or received invalid data from, the tire pressure monitoring sensor mounted in the rear left tire. The body control module or TPMS module sets this code when the sensor's radio frequency signal is missing, weak, or implausible during the self-test or while driving.

SystemChassis
Code typeGeneric (all makes)
SeverityLow
Fix difficultyIntermediate
AreaBrakes, steering and suspension

Symptoms you may notice

  • Tire pressure warning light illuminated steadily on the dashboard
  • A message such as 'Tire Pressure System Fault' or 'Service Tire Monitor' displayed in the driver information center
  • No pressure reading shown for the rear left tire on the TPMS display
  • Intermittent warning light that comes and goes with temperature changes or driving distance
  • Often no symptoms besides the warning light, with all tires correctly inflated
  • Other TPMS-related codes stored in the module alongside C0952

Common causes, most likely first

  1. Dead or weak battery inside the rear left TPMS sensor
  2. Failed rear left TPMS sensor electronics or damaged valve stem
  3. Radio frequency interference or signal blockage from aftermarket accessories near the rear left wheel
  4. Corroded or damaged wiring between the TPMS receiver and the body control module
  5. TPMS module software glitch or lost sensor registration after a tire rotation or wheel replacement
  6. Physical damage to the sensor from road debris, curb impact, or improper tire mounting
  7. Incorrect or mismatched sensor installed in the rear left wheel

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Verify all four tire pressures with a calibrated gauge and inflate to the door placard specification
  2. Perform a TPMS relearn or registration procedure using a scan tool or the vehicle's built-in relearn sequence
  3. Use a TPMS activation tool to check whether the rear left sensor transmits a signal and reads battery status
  4. Inspect the rear left wheel for a damaged valve stem, cracked sensor housing, or missing sensor
  5. Check the TPMS receiver and body control module connectors for corrosion, water intrusion, or loose pins
  6. Replace the rear left TPMS sensor if it fails activation or shows a weak battery, then perform the relearn procedure
  7. Clear the code and road-test the vehicle to confirm the warning light stays off and live pressure data updates

Why the rear left sensor code often misleads

  • A tire rotation that moves wheels without re-registering the sensors is one of the most common reasons C0952 appears even though every sensor is healthy.
  • Aftermarket phone chargers, dash cams, or GPS units plugged into the rear power outlet can emit radio frequency noise that blocks the rear left sensor's signal and sets this code intermittently.
  • The sensor's battery life typically runs five to ten years, so a rear left sensor that worked last winter may fail in cold weather when battery voltage drops under load.
  • C0952 does not always mean the sensor is dead; a weak signal caused by a pinched wire or a bad ground at the TPMS receiver can produce the same stored code.
  • Some vehicles require a specific wake-up tool or magnet procedure for the rear left sensor, and a generic scan tool that cannot perform the relearn will leave the code returning after every key cycle.

Can I keep driving with C0952?

The vehicle remains safe to drive because the tire pressure warning is an informational system, but you should check all tire pressures manually with a gauge until the fault is repaired. Avoid ignoring the warning light, since a genuine low-pressure condition in the rear left tire could go unnoticed and lead to a blowout at highway speed.

Tools that help

Tools we recommend are in the Auto Veteran shop on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

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

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