TPMS reset may be one of the most straightforward DIY car maintenance tasks you’ve ever done. Sometimes all you need is to ensure your tires have the recommended PSI. If that doesn’t work, use the reset button to recalibrate the sensors manually or disconnect the battery for a few minutes.
This article will also give you essential tips to maintain the correct pound-force per square inch (PSI) and prevent pressure loss on your tires, so read on.
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How To Readjust Your Car’s TPMS?
To readjust your car’s TPMS, ensure your tires are inflated to the recommended PSI. If the warning light doesn’t turn off, turn on the ignition, then use the reset button. Alternatively, disconnect the battery for a few minutes and replace the system’s sensors if they are damaged.
A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is a critical safety feature of your vehicle. You should, therefore, ensure it’s always active and operating correctly. The TPMS light usually appears on your dashboard whenever the tires are improperly inflated.
You should always pay attention to the tire pressure light. Although there may not be an immediate danger, failure to act quickly can lead to costly consequences. For example, underinflated tire(s) will likely impact fuel efficiency, cause unpredictable vehicle handling, and lead to uneven tire wear and tear.
Not taking action when the TPMS sensors indicate an issue could also affect your safety and others on the road. Underinflated tires quickly get damaged at the sidewall, which can result in blowouts.
The TPMS warning light should turn off once you’ve inflated your tires to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI. However, sometimes the system may require you to reset it manually. Other times, the TPMS warning light may remain on after filling up your tires if one or more system sensors may be faulty.
Fortunately, sensor malfunctions are rare. Most of the time, the system needs a reset to start functioning correctly. Thus, continue reading to learn how to reset tire pressure light Honda Accord or any other model (the methods apply to most models).
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Ensure Your Tires Have the Correct Pressure
As mentioned, the TPMS can automatically reset when you add or remove air to the recommended PSI. Therefore, ensure that all your tires have the correct pressure. You’ll use a pressure gauge to check the pressure on each tire. If one or more tires are insufficiently deflated, inflate them accordingly. And if you need to reduce the PSI, do it, then drive your vehicle at about 50 mph.
Maintain the speed for at least 10 minutes to allow the sensors to calibrate themselves. After that, turn off the car, and the system might be reset the next time you start the vehicle. Note that driving after inflating the wheels appropriately only works on car models with systems that indirectly measure PSI.
You can also over-inflate the tires by 3 PSI, then deflate them completely. After that, re-inflate the tires to the recommended PSI, then do the driving.
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Use the System’s Reset Button
Vehicles with direct TPMS have a button that you can use to recalibrate the system’s sensors. Where is the TPMS button located? Its location differs depending on the car model. You may find it under the steering wheel on some models or in the glove compartment on others. Please consult your owner’s manual for the exact location.
Once you find your Dodge TPMS reset button, insert the key into the ignition and turn the vehicle on. You won’t require starting the engine; just put the car in the “On/Run” mode. Next, hold the button (for at least three seconds) until the TPMS light blinks thrice.
After that, release the button and turn the ignition off. Now start the engine and let the vehicle idle for approximately 25 minutes. That should reset the system.
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Disconnect and Reconnect the Battery
Your car’s TPMS works hand-in-hand with the onboard computer (ECM), which can face specific errors from time to time. Thus, for those asking, “Why is my tire pressure light still on after filling tires, Toyota?”, the cause could be a glitch on the ECM. Resetting the computer can help clear the error and get the light to turn off.
You can do that by disconnecting the battery’s negative terminal. So, turn off the car, open the car’s hood, and locate the terminal. You’ll need a wrench to loosen it out. After about 15 minutes, reconnect the terminal and turn on the engine to see if the warning light has disappeared.
Note that you don’t necessarily need to wait a minimum of 15 minutes after disconnecting the battery. You can turn on the car and hold the horn for about 5 seconds to discharge the remaining power entirely. After that, reconnect the power and check if the light has turned off.
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Utilize a TPMS Scan Tool
A TPMS scan tool, such as Autel TS408 TPMS service tool will enable you to reprogram the sensors so they can restore any lost information. The device is readily available in the market, and you can buy one at the nearest auto parts store or online. It’s usually user-friendly equipment that allows you to reset the system’s sensors through what experts call an “OBD2 relearn procedure”.
The procedure requires you to scan every TPMS sensor, connect the scan tool to your vehicle’s OBD port, then follow specific steps found on the device. The new TPMS sensor IDs will then be transferred to the ECU.
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Check if the Sensors Are Damaged
One quick answer to “Why is my tire pressure light still on after filling tires, Volkswagen?” is that the system’s sensors could be defective. That’s particularly true if you’ve tried the above methods, but the TPMS warning light doesn’t disappear. And since the sensors are attached to the inner section of the rim, they can suffer physical damage during tire replacement, oil or filter change, or brake repair.
Also, the sensors operate on batteries, which drain over time and eventually render the sensors useless. A common symptom of failing sensors is a constantly flashing TPMS warning light. The most effective solution is replacing faulty sensors, usually a simple DIY task.
Please don’t hesitate to contact a professional if you need help and to avoid mistakes that can worsen the problem or cause more issues. Many service technicians will help you fix the TPMS problems at an affordable price.
How To Keep Up With the Correct PSI on Your Tires?
To keep up with the correct PSI on your tires, check the pressure routinely and inflate or deflate your tires accordingly. Ensure you always check the pressure with an ideal gauge when the tires are at room temperature to get an accurate reading. Avoid relying on the TPMS entirely.
Keeping up with the correct PSI can save you fuel and increase tire life by reducing wear and tear. Correctly inflated tires also ensure safe and efficient braking and promote safety on the road. See more in detail, a couple of essential tips:
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Check the Tire Air Pressure Routinely
One great way to maintain correct inflation is to check your tires routinely. Tires typically lose a pound of pressure every month through normal seepage. That’s why experts recommend doing that at least once a month.
You’ll need to buy and keep a calibrated pressure gauge within reach. There are different types of gauges on the market: digital, stick, and dial – ensure you choose the ideal type.
You should check the tires at room temperature (“when tires are cold”) to get an accurate reading. If you’ve been driving the car, wait at least 2 hours before checking the tires.
Similarly, ensure the vehicle has been under a shade before checking the pressure. If it has been in the sun, subtract 2 PSI from the pressure gauge readings to get the actual inflation rate.
If you’re wondering, temperature change causes tires to lose or gain up to 2 PSI. Typically, a tire can lose about 2 percent of air with each 10-degree Fahrenheit drop in temperature. On the other hand, its pressure can rise by 2 percent with every 10-degree Fahrenheit rise.
So, avoid adding pressure (don’t rush to do it) if your car spends the night outside in the cold and the tires are underinflated in the morning; the inflation will return to normal while you drive.
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Avoid 100 Percent Reliance on TPMS
The TPMS turns on a warning light on your dash when one or more tires are over 25 percent underinflated. That is a severe underinflation that often happens due to a puncture. The TPMS shouldn’t replace routine checking of pressure. In other words, relying entirely on the system can be risky and not recommended.
Regularly check your car’s PSI, especially before setting out for a long-distance trip in the vehicle. As mentioned, having your own pressure gauge is essential. If you do yet have your own gauge, you can always use the air compressor at your local service station.
You can find your car’s recommended PSI in the glove compartment or on the panel at the bottom of one of the front doors. The owner’s manual will also contain that information.
How To Prevent Your Tires From Losing Pressure?
To prevent your tires from losing pressure, fix any wheel issues, such as faulty valve stems or bent rims. You should also address tire-related problems, including bead damage and punctures. Cleaning the rim to minimize corrosion and replacing tires on time can help avoid standard wheel and tire-related problems.
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Fix Any Wheel Issues
Two central problems can lead to a tire losing air slowly: defective valve stems and a bend on the rim. Valve stems wear out with time because of constant exposure to various chemicals on the road. A deteriorated valve stem can leak air without you noticing. So, examine your valve step and replace it if necessary.
Also, check your rim and ensure it’s perfectly round. Rims are prone to bents due to corrosion and hitting various road hazards. A bend increases vehicle vibration, which may destroy the tire’s bead, leading to an air leak. You can repair a slight bent at home with a hammer, depending on your rim type. However, it’s essential to seek the help of a specialist that offers hydraulic service for safe and efficient wheel straightening.
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Take Care of Any Tire-Related Problems
One common tire-related issue is bead damage caused by tire age (wear and tear) or various road hazards. For example, driving over potholes or curbs may flex the tire sidewalls, leading to air loss. Regularly checking the pressure can help you identify irregular deflation, identify the cause and address it on time. Always change your tires on time to avoid severe wear that can impact your safety on the road.
Punctures are another common issue affecting tires. A puncture can leak up to 3 PSI daily, and you must address it before it results in a flat tire. You can locate an air leak by sound or feel (hissing sound that intensifies as you get closer to the leak) or by using soapy water. You spray water on the tire sidewalls, tread, rim edges, and valve stem.
You’ll see bubbles appear at the leak’s location. Various methods of fixing a puncture include a sealant and plug kit. Choose a way that works for you, or seek help from a specialist if you have a puncture.
FAQs
– Where Is the Button To Reset TPMS on a Honda?
The button to reset TPMS on a Honda is under or on the steering wheel, or integrated with the vehicle’s information display system. The exact location may differ, depending on the car’s production year. Please check your owner’s manual for locating the Honda TPMS reset button.
– How Do You Reset the TPMS on a Toyota?
To reset the TPMS on a Toyota, turn on the ignition. Next, locate the TPMS reset button for the car, usually under the steering wheel. Hold the button for about 5 seconds, turn off the ignition, start the engine, and check if the warning light is off.
Conclusion
In this guide above, you’ve learned the various methods to reset your car’s TPMS.
Before you leave, here’s a recap:
- The easiest way to reset TPMS is to inflate or deflate the tires to your manufacturer’s recommended PSI.
- You can also use the reset button at various locations based on your car model.
- Other methods to reset the system include using a TPMS scan tool, disconnecting the battery’s negative terminal for a few minutes, and replacing faulty system sensors.
- Checking the tire air pressure routinely (manually) is one of the best ways of maintaining the correct pressure for your wheels and driving conditions.
- Fixing tire and wheel-related issues on time is essential to prevent pressure loss.
You’re now equipped with the information you need. Choose a method that works for you and reset that system or contact a specialist for further assistance.
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