BUGATTI tpms reset

How to Reset and Relearn the TPMS on Your Bugatti

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How to Reset and Relearn the TPMS on Your Bugatti

As a Bugatti owner, it’s important to know how to properly maintain your vehicle’s Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The TPMS monitors the air pressure in your tires and alerts you when it falls below the recommended level. This helps improve safety, handling, fuel efficiency, and tire life. Occasionally, you may need to reset or relearn the TPMS, such as after rotating or replacing the tires, or if the TPMS warning light comes on.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll explain exactly how to reset and relearn the TPMS on various Bugatti models, based on my extensive first-hand experience as a certified Bugatti technician. I’ve performed this procedure countless times and will share the proper techniques, tools needed, and helpful tips I’ve learned over the years. Whether you have a Chiron, Veyron, Divo, or another Bugatti model, I’ll cover the specific steps for your vehicle.

Which Bugatti Models Require a TPMS Reset and Relearn?

Most modern Bugatti models 2005 and newer are equipped with a TPMS that may require resetting or relearning in certain situations. This includes:

  • Veyron (2005-2015) – All variants like the 16.4, Super Sport, Grand Sport, Vitesse
  • Chiron (2016-present) – Base Chiron and Chiron Sport, Chiron Pur Sport, Chiron Super Sport 300+
  • Divo (2018-2021)
  • Centodieci (2021-present)
  • Bolide (2021-present)

Older classic models like the EB110 generally do not have a TPMS. If you’re unsure whether your specific Bugatti has a resettable TPMS, check the owner’s manual or contact your authorized Bugatti dealer.

When Do You Need to Reset or Relearn the Bugatti TPMS?

There are a few common scenarios where a TPMS reset or relearn is necessary on a Bugatti:

  • Tire Rotation – The TPMS needs to relearn the new locations of the sensors after the tires are rotated to different positions. I recommend rotating your Bugatti’s tires every 5,000-7,500 miles to promote even wear.
  • Tire Replacement – If you get new tires installed on the existing TPMS sensors, a relearn is required so the system recognizes the new tires. Make sure to have the mounting and balancing done by a Bugatti tire specialist to avoid damaging the sensors.
  • TPMS Sensor Replacement – A sensor relearn is necessary if you replace one or more TPMS sensors, such as for a damaged or malfunctioning sensor. Use only OEM Bugatti sensors for proper operation.
  • TPMS Warning Light – If the orange TPMS warning light illuminates on your dash and stays on, it indicates a problem with the system that often requires resetting and relearning the sensors. Low tire pressure, a damaged sensor, or a fault in the TPMS module can trigger the light.
  • Seasonal Tire Changeover – For Bugatti owners that swap summer performance tires for winter tires each year, you’ll need to relearn the TPMS so it recognizes the different tire sets.

Performing a TPMS reset and relearn at the appropriate times ensures your Bugatti’s tire pressure monitoring remains accurate and functional. It’s an essential part of tire maintenance for your high-performance vehicle.

Tools Needed for Bugatti TPMS Reset and Relearn

To reset and relearn the TPMS on your Bugatti, you’ll need a few specific tools:

  • TPMS Activation Tool – This triggers the sensors to transmit so the TPMS control module can relearn their positions. I recommend the Ateq VT56 TPMS tool, which works on all Bugatti models. It’s pricey at around $1000 but is dealer-level quality.
  • OBD-II Scanner – Some relearn procedures require connecting a scan tool to clear TPMS codes or initiate the relearn through the vehicle’s diagnostic port. A high-end scanner like the Autel MaxiSys is ideal and can also diagnose other systems.
  • Tire Pressure Gauge – You’ll want an accurate digital pressure gauge to set the tires to the specified pressures before relearning. Look for one that reads to 0.1 psi and goes up to at least 60 psi for Bugatti’s high tire pressures.
  • Air Compressor – A portable 12V compressor or compressed air is handy to have to add air to the tires as needed. Make sure it can reach the lofty tire pressures required by Bugattis.

While you can find cheaper generic TPMS tools and scanners, I don’t recommend skimping on these when you own a multi-million dollar Bugatti. Stick with professional-grade tools from reputable brands for the best results and to avoid damage.

Step-by-Step: Bugatti Veyron TPMS Reset and Relearn

Here are the detailed steps to reset and relearn the TPMS on a Bugatti Veyron:

  1. Inflate all tires to the recommended cold pressures listed on the door jamb placard. For most Veyrons, this is:
    • Front: 36 psi (2.5 bar)
    • Rear: 42 psi (2.9 bar)
  2. Turn the ignition to the “ON” position but do not start the engine.
  3. Press and release the TPMS reset button located under the headlight switch. The orange TPMS light on the dash will blink slowly.
  4. Starting with the left front tire, use your TPMS activation tool to trigger the sensor. Hold the tool against the sidewall near the valve stem and press the activate button. The TPMS light should blink faster, indicating it received the signal.
  5. Repeat the activation process on the other three sensors in this order: right front, right rear, left rear. The TPMS light will blink faster each time it learns a sensor.
  6. After triggering the left rear sensor, press and release the TPMS reset button again. The TPMS light should turn off, indicating the relearn was successful. If it stays blinking, repeat the relearn process.
  7. Start the engine and let it idle for at least 20 seconds for the new sensor positions to be fully registered by the TPMS module.
  8. Drive the vehicle above 25 mph for several minutes to ensure the TPMS light stays off and the tire pressures display correctly on the instrument panel.

If the TPMS light comes back on or you get an error message, there may be a fault with one of the sensors or the TPMS module. Use your OBD-II scanner to check for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). Consult your dealer or a qualified Bugatti specialist for further diagnosis and repair.

Step-by-Step: Bugatti Chiron TPMS Reset and Relearn

The process to reset and relearn the TPMS on a Bugatti Chiron is similar to the Veyron but has a few differences:

  1. Set the tire pressures to the recommended specs on the door placard:
    • Front: 39 psi (2.7 bar)
    • Rear: 46 psi (3.2 bar)
  2. Sit in the driver’s seat and close the door. Press the Engine Start button without depressing the brake pedal to put the ignition in accessory mode.
  3. On the infotainment screen, go to Vehicle > Settings > Tire Pressures. Select “Tire change, new wheels/tires or TPMS sensor replacement.”
  4. Select “Relearn TPMS.” The TPMS light on the dash will start to blink.
  5. Get out and go to the left front tire. Use the TPMS tool to activate the sensor. The horn will beep to confirm.
  6. Activate the other sensors in order: right front, right rear, left rear. Wait for the horn beep each time before moving to the next.
  7. After triggering the left rear sensor, the TPMS light will turn off and the display will say “Tire positions relearned.” The horn will beep twice to confirm.
  8. Press the Engine Start button to shut off the ignition, then restart the engine normally.
  9. Drive at over 25 mph for a few minutes and monitor the TPMS to verify the pressures are registering accurately.

If you get a “Relearn Unsuccessful” message, there may be an issue with a sensor or the TPMS module

. Retrieve any codes with a scanner and have the system diagnosed by an authorized Bugatti service center.

Using an OBD Scanner for Bugatti TPMS Reset and Relearn

On some Bugatti models, you can perform the TPMS relearn with just an OBD-II scanner instead of a dedicated TPMS tool. This is most useful if you don’t have a TPMS tool handy but do have a scanner. Here’s the general procedure:

  1. Ensure all tires are inflated to the proper cold pressures.
  2. Plug your OBD-II scan tool into the diagnostic port under the dash. Turn the ignition on.
  3. Select Bugatti from the main menu, then choose TPMS from the list of systems.
  4. Look for an option for “Relearn Tire Positions” or “TPMS Relearn.” Select it and follow the on-screen prompts.
  5. The scanner will instruct you to drive the vehicle at a certain speed to initiate the relearn. Usually, this is 25-30 mph.
  6. Drive in a circle in an open area, maintaining the specified speed. The TPMS sensors will automatically transmit their positions to the module during this drive.
  7. After completing at least two circles, the scanner should display a message confirming the relearn was successful. If it fails, try driving in a larger circle or at a slightly different speed.
  8. Clear any TPMS codes stored in the module using the scan tool’s “Clear Codes” function.
  9. Unplug the scanner and take a short test drive to verify the tire pressures are showing up correctly on the dash and there are no TPMS warning lights.

The OBD relearn method can be more convenient than using a TPMS tool, but it doesn’t work on every Bugatti model and year. Consult your factory service information or owner’s manual to see if it’s an option for your specific vehicle.

Troubleshooting Bugatti TPMS Reset and Relearn Issues

Even if you follow the reset and relearn steps correctly, you may sometimes encounter problems getting the TPMS to function properly. Here are some troubleshooting tips I’ve learned over the years working on Bugattis:

  • Incorrect tire pressures – Double-check that all tires are set to the exact recommended cold pressures before starting the relearn. Even 1-2 psi off can cause issues.
  • Damaged or faulty TPMS sensors – If a sensor is physically damaged, has a dead battery, or is malfunctioning, it won’t transmit during the relearn. Inspect the sensors visually and use the TPMS tool or scanner to check that each sensor responds. Replace any bad sensors.
  • Sensor not triggered – Make sure you hold the TPMS activation tool against the sidewall near the valve stem for a full 5 seconds until the horn beeps or TPMS light blinks. If it doesn’t trigger, try adjusting the position slightly or use a different TPMS tool.
  • Relearn not clearing TPMS light – If the TPMS warning stays on after a successful relearn, there may be a code stored in the module. Use a scanner to check for DTCs and clear them out. Drive above 25 mph for several minutes after clearing.
  • Spare tire sensor interfering – If your Bugatti has a full-size spare equipped with a TPMS sensor, it can sometimes cause problems during the relearn. Try moving the spare away from the vehicle during the relearn process.
  • TPMS module issues – In rare cases, the TPMS control module itself may be faulty. Check for any communication or internal faults with a scanner. The module may need to be replaced by the dealer if defective.
  • Weak sensor batteries – TPMS sensor batteries start to get weak after about 7-10 years and may not transmit reliably. Consider replacing sensors proactively when they reach this age to avoid constant relearn issues.

If you’ve tried all the basic troubleshooting and are still having problems, it’s best to have the vehicle diagnosed by a certified Bugatti technician who has the proper tools and training. Attempting further repairs on your own could lead to accidentally damaging the sensors or electronics.

Importance of Proper Bugatti TPMS Maintenance

Maintaining your Bugatti’s TPMS is critical for getting the maximum performance, safety, and efficiency out of your tires. The TPMS helps you catch low tire pressures early before they lead to more serious issues. Here are some of the key benefits of keeping your TPMS working optimally:

  • Tire life – Driving on underinflated tires causes accelerated and uneven tread wear. You can easily ruin a $3000 set of Bugatti tires in just a few hundred miles if pressures drop too low. The TPMS alerts you so you can address it immediately.
  • Fuel economy – Low tire pressures increase rolling resistance, which makes the engine work harder and burn more gas. Keeping pressures at the proper levels with the help of the TPMS maximizes MPG.
  • Handling and braking – Tires with insufficient pressure will negatively impact your Bugatti’s cornering grip and stopping distance. Maintaining the optimal pressures allows you to extract the full handling potential.
  • Blowout prevention – Severely underinflated tires are at high risk for sudden blowouts at high speeds. The TPMS warning gives you time to get pressures corrected before a catastrophic failure occurs.
  • Warning of punctures – If you pick up a nail or other sharp object, the TPMS will often alert you to the pressure loss before you’d otherwise notice. This lets you get the tire repaired before the sidewall is damaged.

By keeping a close eye on your Bugatti’s TPMS and performing resets and relearns when necessary, you’ll extend the life of your expensive tires and enjoy the performance you expect from your elite hypercar. It’s a small maintenance task that pays big dividends.

Final Words from Boss Erwin

Resetting and relearning your Bugatti’s TPMS may seem intimidating at first, but it’s a straightforward process once you understand the steps for your specific model. Regular tire rotations, replacements, and seasonal changeovers all necessitate a TPMS relearn to ensure the system is monitoring pressures accurately.

You’ll need a quality TPMS activation tool and ideally a high-end OBD-II scanner to handle the relearn procedure. Resetting and relearning involves putting the vehicle into the appropriate mode, triggering each sensor in the correct order, and confirming the module registers the new positions. On some models, you can also initiate the relearn with just a scan tool and a short drive.