How to Reset the TPMS Warning Light at Home
TPMS stands for “Tire Pressure Monitoring System” and it lights up whenever your car’s tires are irregularly inflated.
However, many drivers complain that the TPMS warning light continues to flash even after filling your tires to the correct tire pressure. The TPMS light may indicate that your TPMS is not properly recalibrated or that your tire pressure is too low.
In this article, you will learn how to reset the TPMS light in several vehicles on the market.
Direct and Indirect TPMS
Before moving on to resetting the TPMS, it is important to understand the type of monitoring system your car has. There are 2 main types of TPMS: direct and indirect.
Direct TPMS has sensors located on the tire pressure valve or on the rim. These sensors collect information and send it to the car’s onboard computer. However, direct TPMS is most likely to malfunction due to bad weather conditions. It is commonly found in cars in the United States.
Indirect TPMS has sensors placed on the car’s ABS brakes and/or speed sensors on each wheel. These sensors measure the rotational speed of the wheels and identify changes because underinflated tires rotate much faster than regularly filled tires. This system is found in cars in Europe.
Different Techniques to Reset TPMS
Resetting the TPMS differs from car to car, but some general techniques are easy to perform and help successfully recalibrate the monitoring system.
Ensure You Have the Correct Pressure
Before attempting to reset your TPMS light, you should always ensure that the tire pressure is correct in your vehicle. Use a pressure gauge to check the tire pressure. Inflate each tire to its ideal PSI then deflate them to zero. Then inflate again and drive for a few minutes at 15 mph to manually calibrate the sensors. If you want to learn more about how to find the correct tire pressure, you can check this guide: Tire Pressure
Use the Car’s TPMS Reset Button
Most cars with direct TPMS have a reset button located under the steering wheel through which you can easily recalibrate the sensors. Put the key in the ignition and turn on the battery but do not start the car. Press the reset button for about 3 seconds or until the system light starts flashing. Start the vehicle and drive for 20 to 25 minutes, then turn off the ignition.
Drive at 50 mph
This might be the simplest method as it requires you to drive your car at 50 mph for about 10 miles and the sensors will automatically calibrate. Some vehicles require a higher speed and you can also use cruise control to maintain a constant speed.
Remove and Reconnect the Car Battery
Every car has an onboard computer that can sometimes face certain issues. The best way to fix these problems is to reset the computer and this can be done by disconnecting and reconnecting the battery.
Open your car’s hood and locate the positive terminal of the battery. Remove the positive terminal to disconnect the battery, then press the vehicle’s horn to drain any remaining power. Reconnect the positive terminal and the TPMS light should disappear.
Use a TPMS Reset Tool for Your Vehicle
There are many different TPMS reset tools on the market. In some cases, you will need to reprogram the sensors if they have lost their information and you need a TPMS reset tool for this task. With a TPMS reset tool, you can often reset the TPMS light with a simple click of a button in your car. If you are interested in purchasing a tool like this, I can recommend the link to the Autel TS401 MaxiTPMS Activation Tool on Amazon. You can also reset the TPMS light if you have a good OBD2 scanner. Always ensure the tools are compatible with your vehicle before making a purchase.
Damaged Sensors
If the techniques mentioned above do not work, it means the sensors may have been damaged and will need to be replaced. Sensors can be damaged for various reasons; for example, tire replacement, brake repair, oil change, filter change, or even during normal tire service.
You can also try these specific methods depending on your car’s make and model.
TPMS Reset for Honda Vehicles Introduced After 2016
If you own a 2016 or later Honda car with a touchscreen, follow these steps to easily recalibrate the TPMS.
Access the home screen
Select settings
Click on TPMS Calibration
Select “Calibrate”
For models without a touchscreen, use the buttons on the steering wheel to select “TPMS Calibration” and choose the “Calibrate” option.
TPMS Reset for Honda Vehicles
For older Honda models without a touchscreen, use the steering wheel buttons and calibrate by proceeding as follows:
- Select the menu
- Select “Customize Settings”
- Choose TPMS calibration
- Click Reset
For models without a display screen, a TPMS reset button is located to the left of the steering wheel. Press the button for a few seconds, then release to recalibrate the system.
TPMS Reset for Chevrolet Models
Resetting the TPMS on Chevrolet models can also be done at home, but it requires a J-46079 Tire Pressure Monitor Tester which can be purchased on eBay.
Put the key in the ignition and turn it to the “ON” position but do not start the vehicle.
Using the driver information center, click the “Vehicle Information” button and navigate to Relearn Tire Positions
Click “Set/Reset” and a message saying “Tire Learning Active” will appear.
If you own an older model without a driver information center, press the trip meter reset button until the “Tire Learning Active” message appears.
Connect the J-46079 tire pressure tester to the left front tire and press the activate button. Wait 10 seconds until a horn beep is heard. Repeat the process for the remaining tires.
Once all tires are done, turn the key to the “OFF” position.
Reinflate the tires according to the recommended PSI.
TPMS Reset for Volkswagen Models
Resetting TPMS on Volkswagen differs from model to model. For older models, the reset button is located inside the glove box or near the gear shift. Once the button is found, press it for a few seconds until a beep is heard, then release it.
For newer models, the TPMS can be recalibrated easily via the infotainment system.
TPMS Reset for Mini Models
The TPMS on Mini models can also be easily recalibrated via the button. For older models (2002 to 2006), the reset button is located in the front cabin on the emergency brake handle.
Turn the ignition on but do not start the car and press the reset button until the yellow light on the dashboard starts flashing. The TPS will be automatically calibrated on your next drive.
On newer models (2007 and later), start the car and go to “Set/Info” on the dashboard. Scroll down until the tire monitor symbol appears, then click reset and the TPMS system will recalibrate.
TPMS Reset for Toyota Models
Toyota cars normally have a reset button under the steering wheel. The reset button can be hard to find and you may find it in the lowest area in front of your pedals. Simply press the reset button for 5 seconds when the ignition is on and the TPMS should be reset.
Turn the ignition on
Press the reset button for 5 seconds
Turn the ignition off
Start your car and check if the light is gone
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Post-Reset Tips
Once the TPMS system is reset and the light is off, you can follow a few maintenance tips to avoid the problem in the future.
If you replace the valve system core, choose a stainless steel core instead of a brass core.
Never leave the tire without a cap screwed onto the valve stem.
Do not use aerosol flat fixer as it damages the sensor’s ability to measure changes.
Take your car to a licensed dealer to have your vehicle and tires inspected.
Can I Remove the TPMS Function Instead?
It is possible but first, remember that getting rid of TPMS is not the right solution because according to the law proposed by the “National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)”, all cars newer than 2008 are supposed to be equipped with a TPMS. This law was introduced to minimize the number of road accidents due to overinflated or underinflated tires.
Conclusion
Always check your tire pressure before resetting your TPMS system
There are two different types of TPMS systems; direct and indirect.
If your tire pressure is correct and you have tried resetting your TPMS, it may be a stored fault code that can be found with an OBD2 scanner.