How to Reset the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) on Your Buick
If the tire pressure warning light has illuminated on your Buick’s dashboard, it means the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) has detected that one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated. Driving on underinflated tires is dangerous – it can cause uneven tire wear, poor handling, reduced fuel efficiency, and even tire failure.
Luckily, resetting the TPMS on your Buick to clear the warning light is a straightforward process in most cases. The tire pressure sensors can be electronically reset and relearned after inflating the tires to the proper pressure or after performing a tire rotation.
This guide will walk you through the steps to reset the TPMS on your Buick vehicle, including the manual stationary relearn process and how to do it using an OBD scanner tool. We’ll also cover which Buick models these procedures apply to.
Buick Models with TPMS Reset & Relearn Capability
Most 2007 and newer Buick cars, trucks, and SUVs are equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system that can be reset electronically. This includes popular models like:
- Buick Enclave (2008-present)
- Buick Encore (2013-present)
- Buick Envision (2016-present)
- Buick LaCrosse (2005-2019)
- Buick Regal (2011-2020)
- Buick Verano (2012-2017)
If you have one of these newer Buick models, you should be able to use either the manual relearn method or an OBD relearn tool to reset the TPMS. Some older Buick models may require a different reset procedure – consult your owner’s manual for specifics on your vehicle.
Check & Adjust Tire Pressure First
Before attempting to reset the TPMS, it’s important to first check the air pressure in all four tires with an accurate tire pressure gauge and add or release air as needed to set them to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. This info can be found on a placard located on the driver’s side door jamb.
Driving on the tires for at least a few minutes can help the pressure sensors get an accurate reading. If a tire is significantly underinflated, the warning light will remain on until you add air and complete the relearn procedure.
Stationary Manual TPMS Reset on a Buick
Here are the steps to manually reset and relearn the TPMS sensors on your Buick:
- Park the vehicle and turn the ignition to the “On” position without starting the engine.
- Press and hold the TPMS reset button (usually located under the steering wheel) until the tire pressure light blinks three times.
- Starting with the left front tire, use a TPMS activation tool to trigger the sensor. You should hear a horn chirp confirming it was activated.
- Repeat the process on the right front, right rear, and left rear tires in that order. The horn will chirp twice after the last sensor is activated.
- Turn off the ignition and start the engine. The TPMS light should go off after driving a short distance if all four tires are now properly inflated.
The key is to activate the sensors in the proper order, starting with the left front and going clockwise around the vehicle. If you hear the horn chirp after triggering each sensor, it confirms the relearn was successful.
Using an OBD TPMS Reset Tool on a Buick
For an easier and quicker method, you can use an OBD-II TPMS reset tool to relearn the sensors through the vehicle’s diagnostic port. Here’s how:
- Plug the TPMS reset tool into the OBD-II port, usually located under the dashboard to the left of the steering wheel.
- Turn the ignition to the “On” position but do not start the engine.
- Use the scan tool to navigate to the TPMS relearn function. It may be under a “Sensor Relearn” or “OBD Relearn” menu.
- Select the Buick model year and follow the prompts to initiate the relearn process. The horn will typically chirp twice to confirm it has started.
- Starting with the left front tire, use the TPMS tool to activate each sensor in a clockwise order. Wait for the horn chirp after each tire before moving to the next.
- Once all sensors are relearned, the TPMS light should turn off after driving the vehicle a short distance.
Using a TPMS reset tool streamlines the process since you can activate the relearn function directly through the OBD2 port without having to locate a dedicated reset button. Just make sure to trigger the sensors in the proper order as prompted.
Importance of Proper Tire Inflation
Maintaining proper tire pressure is critical for both safety and performance reasons. Underinflated tires can negatively impact your Buick in several ways:
- Reduced fuel efficiency: Soft tires have more rolling resistance, which can reduce gas mileage by up to 3%.
- Decreased traction and stability: Underinflated tires have a smaller contact patch and may respond poorly when braking, accelerating, or cornering.
- Uneven treadwear: Tires with low pressure tend to wear more on the outer edges, causing them to need replacement sooner.
- Tire damage: Severely underinflated tires are more susceptible to damage from potholes, curbs, and debris. Driving on a flat can quickly destroy a tire.
Overinflated tires can also cause problems like a harsh ride, uneven central treadwear, and increased risk of damage from road hazards. So it’s best to check the pressure monthly and keep all four tires set to the automaker’s recommended PSI.
TPMS Troubleshooting Tips
If you’re having issues resetting the TPMS on your Buick, here are a few troubleshooting tips that may help:
- No horn chirps: If you don’t hear the horn during a manual relearn, the sensors may not be activating. Make sure you are holding the TPMS tool steadily against the sidewall near the valve stem for a few seconds. You may need to try a few times.
- TPMS light still on: If the warning light remains illuminated after resetting, double check the tire pressures again and repeat the relearn procedure. Driving for 10-20 minutes over 20 mph should allow the sensors to report.
- Spare tire sensor: If your Buick came equipped with a full-size matching spare tire, it likely has its own TPMS sensor. Some vehicles require including the spare in the relearn process in a 5-tire rotation. Check your manual for the proper procedure.
- Sensor battery life: TPMS sensors contain batteries that typically last 5-10 years. If a sensor has stopped reporting, it may need to be replaced rather than relearned. A TPMS tool can often display the battery life remaining.
- Seasonal tire swaps: If you regularly swap between summer and winter tire sets on your Buick, you’ll need to relearn the TPMS sensors each time to ensure the system is reading the currently installed tires.
By familiarizing yourself with your Buick’s TPMS and keeping a tire pressure gauge and TPMS reset tool handy, you can ensure all four tires are always properly inflated to keep you safe on the road. While some Buick models have an automatic TPMS that resets on its own after adding air and driving, the manual relearn procedure is a good skill to know.
Final Words from Boss Erwin
We hope this guide has provided helpful information on resetting and relearning the TPMS on your Buick vehicle. Remember to always check and adjust tire pressure first before performing a reset. The manual stationary relearn method and OBD relearn tool processes covered here apply to most 2007 and newer Buick cars and SUVs.