The Check TPMS System Honda Civic 2012 is a problem that many often face when the vehicle experiences low tire pressure or the TPMS sensor(s) malfunctions. The solution is simple: fill the tires to the ideal tire pressure (TP), perform a reset, or replace the faulty sensor(s).
Find the full details of these below so that you can fix the problem like a pro. We will also explain how to reset the TPMS systems in Civic 2012 and newer models for your ultimate convenience!
Contents
How to Repair the “Check TPMS System” Issue in the 2012 Honda Civic?
To repair the “Check TPMS System” issue in the 2012 Honda Civic, fill your tires with air until they reach the recommended tire pressure. If this doesn’t resolve the problem, reset the system, and if that also doesn’t work, one or more of your TPMS sensors require replacement.
Let’s first understand how the TPMS system works:
TPMS is an abbreviation for Tire Pressure Monitoring System and is available on all Civic vehicles manufactured since 2008. The technology works by using pressure sensors mounted to each wheel to assess the pressure of the car tires. It’s a useful, smart addition to your Civic as it prevents the potential danger of driving with tires that have incorrect pressure.
The TPMS shows real-time tire-pressure info to you through a pictogram display, the gauge, or simply by the dashboard light. In addition, the system can also alert you when your tires experience excessive tread wear, decreased traction, decreased efficiency, decreased load-carrying capacity, or increased risk of a blowout.
The sensors attached to each wheel send pressure readings to the central electronic unit (CEU). If the sensors record a reading 25 percent below the recommended pressure level, the TPMS system illuminates the TPMS warning light on your car’s instrument panel. However, sometimes, your tires have the correct TP, but still, the light doesn’t disappear, which is annoying. In that case, there could be a problem with the sensors of your TPMS system.
All Honda Civic 2012 and 2013 come with a direct TPMS system. That means the pressure sensors are attached to the rims. In that case, the “Check TPMS System” error is primarily a result of either low pressure or sensor(s) failure.
As mentioned, there are three easy-to-follow ways to fix the error:
– Fill Your Tires to the Recommended Air Pressure (AP)
Filling your tires to the correct AP is the quickest way to resolve the “Check TPMS System” error in your Civic model. As mentioned, the ideal reading is 32 pounds per square inch (PSI) for both the front and rear tires. You can consult your owner’s manual to confirm that.
Proper AP in your vehicle’s tires is an essential safety measure. Improperly inflated tires can increase fuel consumption, affect steerability, and boost blowout risk. So, avoid encountering these costly problems by always having the correct TP.
– Perform a TPMS Sensor Reprogramming
If the light doesn’t go away after airing the tires to 32 PSI, you may need to execute a 2012 Honda Civic TPMS reset. To reset a direct TPMS system, use a compatible TPMS scan tool with an OBD module. This OBD relearn requires connecting the tool to the car’s computer through an OBD cable.
Once the connection is successful, you can place the vehicle in reset mode to finish the procedure. You’ll find the step-by-step guide written in the tool. The same procedure applies to the 2013 Honda Civic TPMS reset.
– Replace the Failed Sensor(s)
As mentioned, you might have aired your tires correctly and done the 2012 Honda TPMS reset, but the problem is still there. In that case, one or more TP monitoring sensors are faulty and need replacement.
Most TP monitoring sensors operate on batteries built into the sensor. Unfortunately, these batteries are not replaceable. Thus, when a battery in a sensor dies, the sensor stops functioning and triggers the TPMS error light on your dashboard. At that point, the solution will be to replace the malfunctioning sensor.
The good news is that you can replace the sensor individually. But, if the failure resulted from a dead sensor battery, replacing the four sensors will be the best idea than waiting until they fail one after the other.
“What is the 2012 Honda Civic TPMS reset button location?” is the first question that will cross your mind before resetting the sensors. That’s particularly true if you have read several articles on the internet regarding the TPMS System resetting methods. The 2008 to 2013 models have no reset button, probably because they rely on wheel sensors, not wheel speed.
How To Fix the TPMS Issue in Civic Models 2014 and Later
To fix the TPMS issue in Civic models 2014 and later, you must fill your tires to the recommended pressure. If the error persists, you’ll need to calibrate the TPMS through the calibration button and drive the vehicle for around 30 minutes at a speed of 25mph.
All Civic models manufactured from 2014 come with an indirect TPMS system. That means they have no TP monitoring sensors on the wheels. Instead, they rely on wheel speed sensors to monitor TP.
So, here’s how to fix the problem:
– Inflate the Tires Properly
As mentioned, ensure that all the tires (front and rear) are inflated to the correct TP of 32 PSI. If the TP monitoring sensor light doesn’t go away, you’ll have a reason to suspect the TPMS malfunctioning.
In that case, you’ll need to perform a system reprogramming (calibration), as explained in step #2 below.
– TPMS Calibration
The TP monitoring sensor’s calibration is necessary anytime you inflate, rotate, or change one of the tires. Use steering wheel buttons or a touchscreen to initiate the process. Refer to your owner’s manual if you can’t find the “TPMS calibration” button under the vehicle settings.
Once the calibration has begun, drive your car for about 30 minutes non-stop at 30 to 65 mph speeds. Since the TPMS system is indirect, the light should blink off automatically as you drive.
– Go to “Accessory Mode” if the Light Won’t Turn Off
If the light doesn’t go off after the drive, stop the car and put it into “Accessory Mode.” The light will stay off but begin to blink again after about 60 seconds.
Repeat step #2 and if the light still doesn’t turn off, call a reliable mechanic or drive it to an auto service center for accurate diagnosis and fixing.
FAQs
1. What Should I Do If the TPMS Light Turns on While Driving?
If the TPMS light of your car turns on while driving, safely stop the car, get out and check each tire’s inflation level manually with a tire pressure gauge. After that, drive at a slow speed to the nearest service station to have the cause of the TPMS problem resolved.
2. What Are the Possible Causes of TPMS Malfunctioning?
The possible causes of TPMS malfunctioning include a TPMS sensor that has stopped working, possibly due to a dead battery. Your TPMS can also report a mechanical issue if it’s not receiving a signal from one or more wheel or speed sensors due to wiring or antenna disconnection.
3. What are Some Malfunctioning Signs of a Bad TPMS?
Some malfunctioning signs of a bad TPMS include wrong alerts, meaning that the sensors send incorrect information to the electronic control unit. Another notorious sign is dead batteries. Ruined fuel economy can also be a sign of a faulty TPMS system.
Conclusion
After reading our guide above, you know how to resolve the Check TPMS System error in your Honda civic without any hassle.
Here’s a quick summary of all the important points discussed in this guide that will help you fix the error even without any kind of technical knowledge:
- Civic models manufactured from 2008 to 2013 have a direct TPMS
- A direct TPMS relies on sensors attached to each wheel to monitor TP.
- There are three ways to fix the Check TPMS issue in a model that uses a direct TP monitoring system
- They include airing the tires to the recommended pressure, resetting the system, and replacing the wheel sensors.
- TPMS in models 2014 and later rely on wheel speed to determine TP, usually with a “TPMS calibration” button.
One thing that we would like to add here is that make sure that the TPMS system is properly connected to the rims of your car before following the procedures mentioned here. Pick any method that works for you and fix the error like a pro!
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tire-pressure_monitoring_system
https://www.forbes.com/wheels/advice/how-to-check-tire-pressure-and-inflate-a-tire/
https://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/12/automobiles/12TIRE.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/08/technology/08valve.html
We love what we do, and it shows in everything we do and more. We share our knowledge, here on Ran When Parked.
- Oil Filter Brands to Avoid: Top Brands To Stay Away From - October 1, 2023
- Leaking Fuel Injector Symptoms and How to Fix It - September 30, 2023
- Is The Chevy Equinox AWD or FWD? All You Need to Know - September 29, 2023