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In short
No. The battery is sealed inside the sensor. Continental Tire says TPMS sensor batteries are not replaceable, so when one dies, the whole sensor gets replaced. Continental says they usually last 5 to 10 years.
How long the batteries last
| Source | Battery life |
|---|---|
| Continental Tire (TPMS sensors in general) | 5 to 10 years |
| Autel (MX-Sensor spec) | 4 to 6 years |
If your car is past the 7 to 10 year mark on its original sensors, a dead battery is a likely cause of a TPMS fault.
Signs a sensor battery is dead
- The TPMS light flashes for 60 to 90 seconds at start-up, then stays on. Continental says that pattern means a system problem, and a dead sensor battery is one of the causes it lists.
- One tire shows no reading on cars that display each tire's pressure, even though the tire has air.
- A TPMS tool can't wake that sensor. Tools like the Autel TS408S read each sensor's ID, pressure, temperature and battery status, which pins down which one is dead.
Replacing the sensor
The sensor is inside the tire, so the tire comes off the wheel. That's tire-shop work for most people. Continental puts it at about $50 to $150 per sensor at a shop. After it goes in, the car needs a relearn, and a blank programmable sensor needs programming first. See TPMS relearn tools and which TPMS sensor do I need.
Schrader says the seal parts on a sensor's valve stem are one-time use. It sells service kits (20018 for rubber snap-in stems, 34000 for aluminum clamp-in stems) for when a tire comes off. Ask the shop to use new ones.
One sensor or all four?
If all four sensors are the same age, the others may not be far behind. Many people replace them when they buy new tires, since the tires are off the wheels anyway. That's a cost call, not a rule.
Not sure it's the battery? A solid light usually means low pressure. Start with TPMS light on but tires look fine.
Questions people ask
Can you replace the battery in a TPMS sensor?
No. Continental Tire says TPMS sensor batteries are not replaceable. When the battery dies, you replace the whole sensor.
How long do TPMS sensor batteries last?
Continental Tire says 5 to 10 years. Autel lists 4 to 6 years for its MX-Sensor. Driving and climate affect it.
How do I know a TPMS sensor battery is dead?
A TPMS light that flashes for 60 to 90 seconds and then stays on points to a system problem, and a dead battery is a common cause. A TPMS tool can read each sensor and show which one isn't responding.
Should I replace all four TPMS sensors at once?
If they are all the same age, the others may not be far behind. Many people replace them when they buy new tires so the tires only come off once. It's a judgment call, not a rule.
Sources
Last checked Oct 25, 2026. Light meanings, battery life and relearn steps come from Continental Tire, Schrader and Autel's own pages. Prices change, so check the listing before you buy.
