After looking at the role of the RDC system and how tire pressures are displayed in the first installment, we are now going to focus on a very practical topic: the signs that may indicate a sensor is starting to weaken.
Failure is not always sudden. In many cases, an RDC sensor provides several warning signs before it stops working completely.
The problem is that these signs are often mistakenly attributed to an electronic glitch, the motorcycle battery, or a dashboard issue.
Here are the most common symptoms observed when the internal battery of an RDC sensor is reaching the end of its service life.
1 – Tire Pressures Take Longer and Longer to Appear
This is often the very first symptom.
Previously, tire pressures would appear quickly after setting off.
Then, gradually:
• It may take several hundred yards.
• Then several miles.
• Sometimes even 10 to 15 minutes of riding.
When this display delay becomes consistent, it is often a sign that the internal battery is starting to weaken.
2 – One Wheel Pressure Disappears from Time to Time
Another classic symptom:
• The front pressure is displayed, but not the rear.
• Or the opposite.
Then, a few minutes later, everything returns to normal.
This intermittent behavior is often observed during the early stages of sensor aging.
3 – Problems Appear Mainly in Cold Weather
Cold temperatures can temporarily reduce the performance of an already weakened lithium battery.
A sensor that is already aging may work perfectly during the summer and then begin showing signs of weakness when temperatures drop.
Some owners report:
• No pressure reading at startup.
• A display that returns after a few minutes of riding.
• Random dropouts only in cold weather.
4 – The Dropouts Become More Frequent
Over time, communication losses become more frequent.
At first, it happens only occasionally.
Then:
• Once a week.
• Several times per ride.
• Almost every ride.
This is generally a sign that complete failure is approaching.
5 – The RDC Warning Becomes Permanent
At this stage, the affected sensor generally no longer transmits usable data.
The RDC system eventually declares the sensor unavailable.
The pressure readings disappear and the warning becomes permanent.
If diagnosis confirms that the fault is indeed coming from the sensor, replacement then becomes necessary.
Should the Sensor Be Replaced Immediately?
Not necessarily, as long as it still works intermittently and tire pressure can still be checked by other means.
If your next tire change is scheduled within the next few months, it may be wise to order the new sensor in advance and plan its replacement at that time.
Since the sensor is installed inside the wheel, work on the tire is required to access it. Combining both operations avoids a second tire intervention and, if the work is performed by a professional, an additional labor charge.
On the other hand, if the sensor no longer transmits any pressure data and the warning remains permanent, you should no longer rely on the RDC system to monitor that wheel.
Key Takeaways
An aging RDC sensor will often provide warning signs before it fails completely.
The most common signs are:
• A slower display than before.
• Intermittent loss of readings.
• Problems that are worse in cold weather.
• The pressure reading from one wheel disappearing and then reappearing.
• A permanent warning at the end of its service life.