How to reset your tire pressure sensor


How to Reset Your Tire Pressure Light

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Your tire pressure light provides a critical reminder to restore the pressure in your vehicle's tires when it gets low. You should only attempt to reset the light after first addressing the tire pressure in every tire. Once your tires are at the appropriate pressure, the light may go off on its own. If it doesn't go off right away, driving at 50 mph for about 10 minutes should help the tire pressure sensor reset.

If the tire pressure light is still on, there are a few more tricks you can try:

  • Turn the car key to "on" but don't start the vehicle. Press and hold the TPMS reset button until the tire pressure light blinks three times. Release the button and start the car. The light should go off within 20 minutes.
  • Disconnect the positive battery cable while the vehicle is off. Turn the car on and press the horn for three seconds to discharge the remaining power. When you reconnect the battery the tire pressure light should be off.
  • Overinflate all the tires (including the spare) with 3 PSI, then deflate them completely. Re-inflate the tires to help reset the light.
  • Bring your vehicle to our service center for professional assistance.

IS TPMS the Same as Tire Pressure Light?

Image via Unsplash by introspectivedsgn.

 TPMS stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System. The tire pressure light is one component of this electronic system, providing a visual alert when your tire pressure is low. The TPMS monitors tire pressure using either an indirect or direct method.

An indirect TPMS measures the rate of revolution for each wheel. If a wheel starts spinning faster than anticipated, the system signals to your vehicle's computer that something is amiss with the tire rotation, and your tire pressure light comes on. You must manually reset the monitor in an indirect TPMS system.

A direct TPMS uses pressure monitoring sensors in each tire to monitor tire pressure exactly. This is a more accurate alternative to an indirect TPMS system. The batteries inside these sensors will last for about 10 years. Direct TPMS systems reset automatically after tire inflation or rotation. You do need to have these sensors resynchronized when you get new tires, which requires a special tool.

Can Cold Weather Cause Your Tire Pressure Light to Go On?

Yes, cold weather will affect the air pressure in your tires. Your tires lose one or two pounds per square inch (PSI) for every 10 degrees that the temperature drops. Cold air condenses while warm air expands. Therefore, the colder air in your tires will take up less space in lower temperatures.

You may find that your TPMS light is only illuminated for a short time in the morning on particularly cold days. After about 20 minutes of driving, the air will often warm up and expand, restoring proper pressure in your tires. If the light stays on after 20 minutes on the road, you should add air to your tires as needed to restore the proper pressure. Low tire pressure is hazardous for your vehicle regardless of the cause.

Why Is My Tire Pressure Monitor Light On When My Tires Are Fine?

When the tire pressure monitor light is on, the first thing you should do is check the pressure in each of your tires, including the spare. Check the manufacturer's recommendation to determine the appropriate pressure for each tire. This is typically between 30 and 35 PSI but may vary. You should measure tire pressure when the tires are cold, which means they have not been driven in the last three hours.

To check the pressure, simply unscrew the valve cap and insert a tire gauge into the valve stem. The gauge will provide a clear reading. Replace the valve cap when you're finished. If your tires are all at the appropriate pressure, there's a malfunction with your TPMS. Bring your vehicle to an authorized dealership service center to diagnose and resolve the issue.

Is it OK to Drive With My Tire Pressure Monitor Light On?

If the tire pressure monitor light is on, you should check your tire pressure as soon as possible. Low tire pressure creates a serious hazard on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 738 people died in tire-related crashes in 2017. When tire pressure is low, the tire has more contact with the road. This may cause the tire to overheat, leading to tread separation, excessive tire wear, or a blowout.

Low tire pressure also wreaks havoc on your fuel efficiency. You can save up to 11 cents per gallon simply by keeping your tires properly inflated. You'll also save money on tire replacements with adequate inflation. Keeping your tires properly inflated can add 4,700 miles to the tire's average lifespan.

The tire pressure monitor light gives you valuable information and should not be ignored.

Do I Need to Replace My TPMS When I Get New Tires?

You do not necessarily need to have your TPMS sensors replaced with new tires, but this is a good time to check them and make sure they're still in good condition. If you have an indirect TPMS system, your mechanic will need to manually reset the sensors after changing your tires. If you have a direct TPMS system, no additional maintenance is required to reset the system.

A new TPMS system will typically last for about 10 years before the batteries run out. If you have an older vehicle, you may need new sensors every five or six years. Your mechanic can advise you on the best time to replace TPMS sensors for your vehicle. When new sensors are installed, the system must relearn the location of each tire, which requires a detailed series of technical procedures. You should leave this task to a professional. 

If you need tire service for your Toyota, come to Kings Toyota for prompt, reliable service. Our highly-trained technicians are equipped to assist with any type of tire issue, whether you need new tires or have a malfunctioning tire pressure sensor light. Make your appointment today.

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Reset Tire Pressure Light

If a flashing tire pressure light has you distracted while driving around Green Bay or if your tire pressure monitoring system (or TPMS) light is permanently on even after refilling your tires with air, let the experts here at Vande Hey Brantmeier guide you through the process of how to reset your tire pressure light! Want us to take care of it for you? Not a problem! Bring your vehicle to our Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram service center in Chilton any time!

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Resetting Your Tire Pressure Light

In most cases, your TMPS light should turn off after you're inflated your tires with the proper amount of air (usually recommended PSI inflation figures are found in your vehicle's owner's manual. Recommended PSI ranges are also often found on your tire's sidewall. If in doubt, go with the owner's manual recommendations. If your TPMS light remains on, there are a couple of options you can take to rectify the situation and turn it off:

  • Drive your vehicle for 10+ minutes at 50+mph. This should cause your TPMS light to reset the next time you turn on the vehicle.
  • Turn your car off if it's running. Next, turn the key to the “On” position, but don't start the vehicle. After that, hold the TPMS reset button (usually found under the steering wheel) until the tire pressure light blinks three times. Release the button.
  • Start the vehicle and turn it off. Wait 20 minutes for the TPMS system sensors to refresh.
  • Inflate all your vehicle's tires to 3 PSI more than the recommended pressure. Next, deflate them completely. Be sure to include the spare tire, as it may have a sensor as well.
  • Once your tires are deflated, reinflate them to the recommended tire pressure.
  • With the vehicle turned off, disconnect the positive battery cable with a wrench.
  • Start your vehicle and honk the horn for roughly three seconds. This should discharge any power still stored in the vehicle.
  • Reconnect the battery.
  • The above steps should reset your TPMS light and sensors!

What Does a Flashing Tire Pressure Light Mean?

Sometimes, tire pressure monitoring sensors have a battery that requires periodic replacement. If and when this battery begins to get old enough, it could trigger the light to flash. Sometimes, a flashing tire pressure light is also indicative of an issue with one or more TPMS sensors. Either way, if you find that your TPMS light flashes, it's best to schedule service at Vande Hey Brantmeier near Appleton today!

Our Service Center is Here to Help with Your TPMS Issues!

Whether the above steps have failed to help you reset your tire pressure light, or whether you'd just like a professional mechanic to look over your car for fear of messing up expensive sensors or electrical equipment, if you need additional assistance, we're happy to provide it here at the Vande Hey Brantmeier service center near Manitowoc. Our expert Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram service technicians have the know-how needed to fix your TPMS issues and reset a TPMS light that's on or flashing. They can also provide you information about your vehicle's maintenance schedule. Contact us today to schedule service or with additional service-related questions!


How to reset a tire pressure error: a few easy ways

Save article:

The article says:

  1. Why you need a tire pressure sensor
  2. What are the reasons for triggering the sensor
  3. How can I reset the tire pressure sensor error
  4. How to adjust tire pressure sensors

When the tires are optimally inflated, the low tire pressure indicator (TPMS) does not light up on the vehicle's dashboard. However, in some cases, it lights up even if the pressure is normal. This can't help but be annoying, especially when the tires are inflated normally. In our article today, we will figure out how to reset a tire pressure error.

Why do you need a tire pressure sensor

American and European scientists conducted a study, during which it was found that most drivers do not check whether the wheels are properly inflated before getting behind the wheel of a car. Only 40% of car owners perform such a check - and even then only once every 12 months. This is the reason for a large number of accidents.

The TPMS (Tyre pressure monitoring system) system is designed to monitor tire pressure, as well as warn of a malfunction. If the tires are under-inflated or over-inflated, an error will be displayed on the remote control or an audible signal will appear.

What is dangerous too high or, conversely, low pressure? The risk of an accident increases, the car begins to consume more fuel, in addition, the rubber wears out faster.

Photo: Shutterstock

The above devices operate on the same principle. Let's figure out how information about what tire pressure gets to the control panel.

  • Each wheel is equipped with a controller. It records tire pressure data.
  • Information is transmitted from the sensor to the transceiver with a frequency of 2-3 seconds . The controller transmits data using Bluetooth.
  • The program analyzes the received data, which should correspond to normal values ​​ . Otherwise, when the tires should be lowered a little, the program sends a signal to the car owner. Exactly according to the same principle, a signal is transmitted if the rubber needs to be pumped up.
  • Depending on the device, the error signals are sound, as well as light .
  • The driver can set the operating parameter limit himself . As a standard, the automaker makes it possible to adjust the device from 1.7–3.2 bar.
  • On some car models, the TPMS system sends data to your phone.

Consider how pressure is calculated by measuring instruments. Typically, the sensor performs a comparison of the angular rotation of the wheel. Knowing the value of this parameter, you can calculate the distance that the wheel will travel in one rotation.

Obviously, if the tires are under-inflated or over-inflated, then the outer diameter of the wheel will be different. Visually, a person cannot determine this change. But the sensor notices even such changes. The system fixes non-compliance with the required parameters.

Causes of tire pressure sensor activation

The sensor will still respond, despite the fact that the wheel circumference has changed quite a bit. In this situation, it is necessary to find out what mechanical reason led to this. Only in this way can you eliminate the misinterpretation of the signals transmitted by the system. This can happen because:

  • Tire not inflated enough.
  • You have fitted a different wheel with a different shape, dimensions and tread.
  • A “spare wheel” was supplied, it also differs in parameters from other wheels.
  • Rubber has been punctured or torn.
  • There is an uneven load on the car, as a result the car is skewed to one side.
  • You have installed anti-skid chains on the wheels.
  • An overload of one of the axes has occurred; this happens when you are driving uphill or downhill, towing a trailer.

Also, the TPMS system gives an error when you install new wheels or rearrange them.

When, after these steps, a tire pressure error appeared, indicating unbalance, you should reset the settings, and then set the basic parameters. In this case, the control signal may remain even if the basic settings have been selected.

Why such problems may occur:

  • Different tire pressures . Some wheel is under-inflated or vice versa.
  • The error occurs because a system crash has occurred . It will only be possible to reset it at the service station.
  • The indicator lights up when you operate the car using a sporty driving style, driving on ice, dirt road . At the same time, as soon as you drive out onto an asphalt surface or start driving calmly, the error disappears.

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How to reset tire pressure error? To begin with, imagine that the TPMS system is working properly and the blinking light indicates a problem with the undercarriage of the machine. The first thing you should do is slowly release the gas. You can not brake sharply, turn the steering wheel. After the car has stopped, inspect the tires to make sure the rubber is not punctured or broken. Then you can check if the tire pressure is normal.

Pay attention! The TPMS will not always show a tire pressure error. For example, if the tires are slowly deflating, the system will not inform you about the problem. In the same way, she will not notice the error if the tire pressure starts to drop rapidly. This usually happens when a tire ruptures. This feature of the TPMS system is explained by the specifics of identifying and counting nonconformities.

However, in some cases, it happens that the TPMS system indicator is on, but the tires are in perfect condition. How to reset tire pressure error? We understand.

A few simple ways to reset the tire pressure sensor error

The complex TPMS system in some cases starts to work incorrectly. Usually, car owners observe the following picture: a tire pressure error is displayed on the display (the tire is underinflated), but in reality everything is fine with the wheel. You have to reset the tire pressure error. Otherwise, the TPMS system starts to work incorrectly.

Photo: Shutterstock

You also have to reset the tire pressure error when there is radio interference from high voltage power lines. Or when sources of radio signals are located in the immediate vicinity. But as soon as you move away from them, the pressure error disappears and the system begins to function properly.

The reason for the malfunction may lie in the sensor, which is "failed". This damage cannot be easily repaired. How to reset a tire pressure error if the sensor flashes, while you hear a beep, lose your vigilance and find it difficult to drive a car? There are 4 ways to fix this problem.

Method 1

To reset the error, pick up a speed of 80 km / h and continue driving for another 15 kilometers.

This method is the easiest to implement. If your car has this feature, then turn on the cruise control so that the speed does not change. Depending on the model of your car, you will be able to reset the tire pressure error at a speed that exceeds the specified one. After you cover a distance of 15-20 kilometers, maintaining the same speed of 80 km / h, make a stop. Turn off the motor. When you start it again, the tire pressure error will disappear.

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Method 2

Press the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) reset button on your car and you will be able to reset the error.

It does not matter what type of low pressure warning system is used. In any case, there will be a sensor on each wheel of your car. Sometimes it may be necessary to reboot the touch system of the car. Read the owner's manual for the vehicle. It contains information on how to reset a tire pressure error. Most often, the instructions indicate which button to press to reset.

The ignition key must be in the lock. No need to start the car, just turn it to the “on” (“ON”) position. Then press and hold the reset button, which may be under the steering wheel. We are waiting for the low pressure indicator to blink 3 times. After that, you can release the button. We start the car, it should work for 20 minutes. After this time, the computer will calibrate the sensors on the wheels. Now you can turn off the car.

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Method 3

Lower and then re-inflate the wheels.

Failed to reset tire pressure error using the previous method? Then we inflate all tires to 0.2 bar, this is the pressure that should be according to the recommendations of car manufacturers. Did the error go away? Then we lower the pressure in the tires completely.

Now we pump up the wheels again. The pressure in them should be the same as indicated on the driver's door pillar or in the car's operating instructions. When there are sensors on the wheels, you need to remember about the spare tire. Now you need to drive about 3-5 kilometers, adhering to a speed of 25 km per hour. So you can reset the tire pressure error.

Method 4

Remove the battery terminals and then connect it to reset the error.

Each car has a computer that receives data from all kinds of vehicle sensors, including TPMS system sensors. However, any electronics can fail. To reset the error, you will have to reboot the system, for which you need to turn off the power.

Photo: Shutterstock

To do this, open the hood. The battery is located under the hood. Disconnect the negative terminal from it. To perform this operation, use a wrench. Then sit in the driver's seat, turn the key to the "ON" position, but do not start the car. Now you need to press the signal for 3 seconds. This will use up the energy that remains in the electrical system of the machine. Then reconnect the battery. This way you can reset the error.

How to adjust the tire pressure sensors

Sensors keep track of tire pressure. However, you need to be sure that they function properly. Of course, you do not need to constantly walk around with a special measuring device and find out the status of the sensors. It just needs to be calibrated from time to time.

It is performed quite simply. The most important thing to remember is that, depending on the make and model of your car, for each wheel there are pressure parameters strictly defined by the manufacturer for winter and summer. These values ​​should be given to the sensors. How the installation and configuration will be performed depends on the controller used.

  • Mechanical controller . It is convenient to use. We just screw it in instead of the cap. Nothing else needs to be configured.
  • Electronic controller . The installation procedure will be more difficult, because the device has a control unit. It can work autonomously or you will need to connect it to the cigarette lighter. We turn on the device in the training mode. Then proceed according to the tuning algorithm that is set by the manufacturer. You will have to put the device on all wheels, starting from the left front. Once the installation is done, make sure that all gauges are correctly displayed on the monitor. Otherwise, you will have to rearrange them so that everything matches the parameters on the display.
  • Internal controller . Such devices are the most difficult to mount, because for this you will have to use special equipment for tire fitting. Experts do not recommend using the internal controller yourself. However, additional settings are not required if the data is read using the screen that is directly on the control system.

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To prevent a tire pressure error from appearing, it is important to calibrate (adjust the TPMS system) every time a change is made. For example, when you installed a new set of wheels, repaired tires, did balancing, and the like. Using TPMS controllers is quite simple. The main thing is to read the instructions for use of the device. And make sure that the tire pressure is the one recommended by the car manufacturer.

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Every car owner gets annoyed if the tire pressure error icon lights up on the dashboard. This indicator informs you that something is wrong with the wheels. However, even if the tire pressure is optimal, the tire pressure error must be reset.

The fact is that if the TPMS system icon constantly signals insufficient pressure, the driver will not be able to know when the rubber will actually begin to deflate. Driving becomes dangerous for both you and other road users. It is necessary to find out the cause of the malfunction as soon as possible and reset the tire pressure error. This is the only way to operate the vehicle safely.

Reset tire pressure sensors - how to remove the error indication?

TPMS or Tire Pressure Monitoring System is a set of equipment commonly found in modern cars. Its main job is to alert you if there are problems with tire pressure. For example, one tire has lost pressure - in this case it is not safe to drive, but the system will inform you about this, and you can inflate the wheel to avoid steering problems.

But sometimes the system does not work correctly. Some sensors may fail or the system needs to be rebooted. In this case, you may see a blinking or simply lit tire pressure error indicator on the dashboard. Resetting the pressure monitoring system will help you solve the problem if the sensor is working.

Please note that different vehicles may have different TPMS reset methods, so you may need to try several of them before you know the most effective one.

Initially, you will just need to hold the tire pressure sensor reset button for a few seconds until the pressure indicator flashes three times and then turns off. But sometimes it doesn't help much. So we found other ways to calm down the pressure control system.

Method 1: Driving at 80 km/h

First, locate the TPMS reset button, which is usually located somewhere under the steering wheel. Start the car, press and hold the button for 3 seconds. Then drive at a speed of 80 km/h for approximately 10 minutes. Of course, you will need to find a suitable track for this. Steady driving is an important part of resetting tire pressure sensors this way. Of course, before this operation, you will need to inflate the tires to the required pressure.

Method 2: 20 minutes of idling

In some vehicles, you will need to drive on any road and at any speed for 20 minutes after resetting the sensors, as long as you do not turn off the engine.

So, start the car, press the reset button and hold it for three seconds. Do not turn off the engine until 20 minutes have passed. You can drive or just let the engine idle for 20 minutes. This method of resetting pressure sensors should work for most vehicles. Again, inflate the tires to the correct pressure before resetting the system.

Method 3: Inflate tires

If the simple methods don't work with your machine, try another method. Start the engine so that the tire pressure monitoring system can register the changes. Then inflate the tire 0.2 bar above the recommended level. After a minute, completely deflate the tire. Wait one more minute to reset the sensors. Then inflate the tire to the optimum pressure level and let the engine run for another minute. The indicator should stop flashing.

Method 4: Disconnecting the battery

The idea is to reset the entire engine electronics system by cutting off the power supply from the battery. First, make sure all tires are at the correct pressure. After that, turn off the engine, open the hood and disconnect both terminals from the battery. Wait 10-15 minutes. Reconnect the battery and turn on the ignition to check if the indicator lamp goes out.

Method 5: Special reset combination

If the above methods do not work with your vehicle, there is another option. Find a manual for your car or open a forum thread that talks about resetting tire pressure sensors in your car. Look for the combination of steps the manufacturer recommends to reset the TPMS system. Sometimes the combination can be quite strange and even complex.

If all else fails to reset the pressure sensors

If all methods fail and the error light continues to flash, the problem may be with the sensors. It is the blinking signal of the tire pressure lamp that often indicates a sensor malfunction. If there is a problem with tire pressure, usually the light will just come on and not blink.

So if the light is flashing, one of the sensors may be faulty. Replacing the element is not so easy because it is under the tire. The tire must be removed from the rim to replace the sensor.

After replacement, you will still need to reset the pressure control system for the new sensor to work. Otherwise, the indicator will flash or light up.

Where is the reset button for the tire pressure sensors?

The button is often located directly below the steering wheel. But there may be different options. If you don't find the TPMS reset button there, look around the steering wheel - it should be somewhere in this area.

How long does it take to drive the pressure system to zero?

Difficult to say for all vehicles, but for most vehicles, the travel time before the tire pressure monitoring system resets should be at least 10-15 minutes. If you turn off the engine earlier than 10 minutes after pressing the reset button, the TPMS will still send some error signals the next time the engine is started.

How do I reconfigure sensors for large tires?

Drivers occasionally upgrade tires and wheels to larger ones and want their stock pressure control modules to work properly. The problem is that larger or flat-ride tires will have a different optimum pressure level, so the original gauges will always show an error on your dashboard.

One way to solve the problem is to buy other sensors adjusted to the correct tire pressure. Another way is to reset the control system in your car at the service station. Just check which option will be cheaper for you.

Why don't pressure sensors reset themselves?

It's hard to say why manufacturers haven't added an option to automatically reset tire pressure sensors in cars. In most post-2015 vehicles, the TPMS is autonomous enough that it won't bother you much with reset requests.


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