How to Reset and Relearn the TPMS on Your Alfa Romeo

How to Reset and Relearn the TPMS on Your Alfa Romeo

Learn how to reset and relearn the TPMS on your Alfa Romeo to ensure your tires are properly inflated and safe for driving. This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step instructions for various Alfa Romeo models, including the Giulia, Stelvio, Tonale, 4C, and 4C Spider. It also explains the importance of TPMS and the potential risks of driving with low tire pressure.

Additionally, the article discusses alternative methods of resetting TPMS using an OBD scanner tool and provides recommendations for compatible scanner models. Proper tire pressure maintenance is crucial for optimal vehicle performance, fuel efficiency, and safety.

If the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) light has come on in your Alfa Romeo, it means that one or more of your tires has low air pressure. To turn off the warning light, you’ll need to properly inflate the tires to the recommended pressure and then perform a TPMS reset and relearn procedure. This process allows the TPMS sensors in each wheel to re-establish communication with your vehicle’s computer.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the steps to reset and relearn the TPMS on various Alfa Romeo models. We’ll also discuss some background on what the TPMS does and cover alternative reset methods using an OBD scanner tool.

What is TPMS and Why is it Important?

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is an electronic system in your Alfa Romeo that monitors the air pressure in your tires. If the pressure in one or more tires drops 25% or more below the recommended pressure, the system will alert you by turning on the TPMS warning light on the dash.

Driving with underinflated tires can be dangerous. It causes uneven tread wear, makes the car harder to handle, increases stopping distance, and reduces fuel efficiency. In extreme cases, low tire pressure can lead to tire failure and a possible accident. By alerting you to low tire pressure, TPMS helps you avoid these issues and stay safe on the road.

TPMS has been legally required in all new passenger vehicles in the United States since 2007. If your Alfa Romeo was manufactured after September 1, 2007, it is equipped with TPMS. Some earlier models may have also had TPMS as an option.

Alfa Romeo Models with TPMS

The TPMS reset and relearn procedure applies to the following Alfa Romeo models:

  • Alfa Romeo Giulia (2017-2023)
  • Alfa Romeo Stelvio (2018-2023)
  • Alfa Romeo Tonale (2023)
  • Alfa Romeo 4C (2015-2020)
  • Alfa Romeo 4C Spider (2015-2020)

If you have an older or different Alfa Romeo model, refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions on resetting the TPMS. The process may vary slightly between years and trims.

How to Perform a TPMS Reset and Relearn on an Alfa Romeo

Follow these steps to reset the TPMS on a 2017-2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia or Stelvio:

  1. Ensure all tires are inflated to the proper pressure indicated on the placard inside the driver’s door jamb.
  2. Park the vehicle and turn the ignition to the ON position without starting the engine.
  3. Navigate to the “Car Settings” menu using the buttons on the steering wheel.
  4. Scroll to and select “TPMS”.
  5. Select “Reset Tire Pressure”.
  6. Press and hold the OK button until you see the message “Tire pressure reset procedure started”.
  7. Start the engine and let the vehicle sit for 20 minutes to complete the relearn process. The TPMS light should turn off.
  8. Drive the vehicle above 15 mph for at least 10 minutes to ensure the relearn is successful.

For 2015-2020 Alfa Romeo 4C and 4C Spider models, the process is as follows:

  1. Inflate all tires to proper pressure.
  2. Turn ignition to ON.
  3. Press the MENU button to enter the menu screen.
  4. Select “System” then “Tire pressure”.
  5. Select “Reset tire pressure”.
  6. Press and hold down the OK button.
  7. The message “Reset tire pressure?” will appear. Select “Yes”.
  8. The message “See handbook” will appear. Start the engine.
  9. Drive the vehicle above 15 mph for 10 minutes until the TPMS light turns off.

The new 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale has a slightly different procedure:

  1. Inflate all tires to proper pressure.
  2. Press the MENU button on the steering wheel.
  3. Navigate to “Vehicle Info”.
  4. Select “Tire Pressure”.
  5. Select “Calibration”.
  6. Follow the on-screen prompts to initiate the relearn.
  7. Drive the vehicle for up to 20 minutes above 15 mph until the TPMS light turns off.

Important notes:

  • The ignition must remain ON during the relearn process. If you turn it off, you’ll have to start over.
  • Ensure the vehicle is parked on a level surface away from direct sunlight and not near a large metal building which can interfere with the TPMS sensors.
  • If the TPMS light remains on after driving, retry the relearn procedure. If it still won’t clear, there may be a problem with one of the sensors or TPMS module that requires diagnosis.

Resetting TPMS with an OBD Scanner

Some TPMS issues require resetting the system using a special OBD-II scanner tool rather than the standard relearn procedure. This is usually the case if you’ve replaced a sensor, TPMS module, or entire wheel.

To reset TPMS with an OBD scanner:

  1. Ensure all tires are inflated to the proper pressure.
  2. Connect the OBD scanner to the vehicle’s OBD-II port under the dash. Turn ignition to ON.
  3. Turn on the scanner and navigate to the TPMS reset option.
  4. Select the vehicle make and model if prompted.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to relearn the sensor IDs. This usually involves holding the tool near each wheel in turn so it can read the sensor.
  6. Once all sensor IDs are relearned, turn the ignition off and disconnect the scanner.
  7. Start the vehicle and drive above 15 mph for at least 10 minutes until the TPMS light turns off.

Some of the best OBD-II scanner tools for resetting TPMS on an Alfa Romeo include:

  • Autel MaxiTPMS TS508K
  • VXDAS EL-50448 TPMS Tool
  • Autel MX-Sensor 2 in 1 TPMS Tool
  • JDIAG 2IN1 TPMS Relearn Tool

Prices range from around $30 for a basic model to over $200 for professional grade scanners with extra features. Look for one that is compatible with your Alfa Romeo model year.

Importance of Proper Tire Pressure

Maintaining proper tire pressure is one of the most important things you can do to keep your Alfa Romeo running safely and efficiently. The recommended tire pressure for your specific model can be found on a placard inside the driver’s door jamb or in the owner’s manual. It’s usually expressed in PSI (pounds per square inch).

Proper tire pressure provides many benefits:

  • Even tread wear and longer tire life
  • Better fuel efficiency
  • Proper handling and braking
  • Smoother, more comfortable ride
  • Reduced risk of tire failure and accidents

Check your tire pressure at least once a month when the tires are cold. This means the vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours or has not been driven more than 1 mile. Use a good quality tire pressure gauge for an accurate reading.

Remember that tire pressure can fluctuate due to changes in temperature. Tires typically lose about 1 PSI for every 10°F drop in ambient temperature. So you may need to add air in the colder winter months. Conversely, pressure will increase in hot weather, so be careful not to overinflate.

If you live in an area with large temperature swings, it’s a good idea to check tire pressure more frequently to avoid driving on underinflated tires. Whenever the TPMS warning light comes on, check and adjust your pressure as soon as possible.

TPMS Sensor Batteries and Service

The TPMS sensors mounted inside each wheel contain small batteries that typically last around 5-10 years. When the battery gets low, the sensor will no longer be able to transmit pressure data to the vehicle’s computer. This will trigger the TPMS warning light.

If your Alfa Romeo’s TPMS light is flashing or stays on after you’ve checked the tire pressure and performed the reset procedure, it likely means one of the sensors has a dead battery. The sensor will need

to be replaced, which is usually done when you get new tires.

TPMS sensors can also fail due to corrosion, damage, or normal wear and tear. A flashing TPMS light usually indicates a sensor malfunction. A solid light typically means low tire pressure or a module/system error.

Whenever you get your tires serviced, rotated, or replaced, make sure the TPMS sensors are inspected for any damage or battery issues. Sensors should be replaced in sets of 4 to ensure even wear.

After replacing a sensor, you’ll need to perform a TPMS relearn with an OBD scanner tool so the new sensor ID can be registered in the vehicle’s computer. Some Alfa Romeo models may also require a dealer visit to program new sensors.

Key Takeaways

  • TPMS monitors tire pressure and alerts you when it gets too low.
  • Low tire pressure can cause uneven wear, poor handling, lower MPG, and tire failure.
  • Reset the TPMS when the warning light comes on and after adjusting tire pressure.
  • Alfa Romeo TPMS reset steps vary by model year – refer to owner’s manual.
  • A solid TPMS light means low pressure, a flashing light indicates a sensor problem.
  • TPMS sensors may need to be replaced every 5-10 years when batteries die.
  • Some sensor issues require resetting TPMS with an OBD-II scanner tool.
  • Check tire pressure monthly and whenever TPMS light comes on.
  • Proper tire pressure ensures safety, performance, efficiency, and tire longevity.

Final Words from Boss Erwin

The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) in your Alfa Romeo is an important safety feature that alerts you when a tire has low air pressure. Driving on underinflated tires is dangerous and can lead to uneven wear, poor handling, and even tire failure.