AutoCodesGeneric – C1003

C1003 Code - Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensor Battery Low

Quick Answer

The Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) Sensor actively monitors the air pressure, air temperature inside the tire, the direction of the tire rotation and the internal battery status. Common causes include Faulty Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) Sensor, Faulty Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) Module. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means
C1003 indicates Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensor Battery Low.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) Sensor, Faulty Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) Module.
Severity
High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?
Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.
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Code Popularity 2,841
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Aug 02, 2020
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Code C1003 Description

The Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) Sensor actively monitors the air pressure, air temperature inside the tire, the direction of the tire rotation and the internal battery status. Each sensor has a unique ID code. The TPM Sensor transmits the data at regular intervals via an encoded signal to a receiver circuit located in the Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) Module.
OBDII Code C1003 - Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensor Battery Low - AutoCodes.com
C1003 Code - Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensor Battery Low

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC C1003?

  • Faulty Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) Sensor
  • Faulty Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) Module

How to Fix the DTC C1003?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the C1003 code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the C1003 code?

Need more information on how to fix the C1003 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the C1003 code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Makes

  • C1003 Fiat — Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensor C Battery Low
About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about C1003 Code

1. What does the OBDII code C1003 mean?

C1003 indicates that the battery in one or more tire pressure monitoring sensors (TPMS) is low and may need replacement.

2. What are the symptoms of code C1003?

Common symptoms include a TPMS warning light on the dashboard, inaccurate tire pressure readings, or no readings from a specific tire.

3. What causes the C1003 code to appear?

The C1003 code is caused by a low or depleted battery in one or more TPMS sensors, which are typically non-replaceable and require replacing the entire sensor.

4. Can I still drive with the C1003 code active?

Yes, but it is not recommended to ignore the issue, as the TPMS system may not alert you to low tire pressure, increasing the risk of tire damage or unsafe driving conditions.

5. How do I fix the C1003 code?

To fix it, the affected TPMS sensor(s) with a low battery must be identified and replaced, followed by reprogramming or relearning the new sensors to the vehicle.

6. How long do TPMS sensor batteries typically last?

TPMS sensor batteries usually last 5–10 years, depending on factors like usage and environmental conditions.

7. How can I determine which TPMS sensor has a low battery?

A professional diagnostic scan tool or TPMS-specific tool can identify the sensor with the low battery causing the C1003 code.

8. Can a low car battery cause the C1003 code?

No, this code is specific to the battery within the TPMS sensor, not the vehicle’s main battery.

9. Will replacing just the sensor battery resolve the C1003 code?

No, the batteries in TPMS sensors are sealed and non-replaceable. The entire sensor must be replaced.

10. Do I need to replace all TPMS sensors if one battery is low?

It’s not mandatory, but replacing all sensors at once is often recommended if they are of a similar age to avoid repeated issues in the near future.

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