How to Reset and Relearn the TPMS on Your Holden Cars
If your Holden’s Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) warning light is on, it means one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated. Driving on under-inflated tires is dangerous – it can cause uneven wear, reduced fuel economy, and even a blowout. Luckily, resetting the TPMS on your Holden is a straightforward process that you can do at home with just a few tools.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process to reset and relearn the TPMS on popular Holden models like the Caprice, Commodore, Cruze, Malibu, and Volt. We’ll cover how to do it manually as well as using an OBD scanner tool. By the end, you’ll be able to confidently get your Holden’s TPMS system back up and running.
What is TPMS and How Does it Work?
TPMS is an electronic system in your vehicle 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 a warning light on the dash.
There are two main types of TPMS:
- Direct TPMS – This system uses physical pressure sensors mounted inside each wheel to measure tire pressure. The sensors transmit this data wirelessly to a central control module.
- Indirect TPMS – This system doesn’t use physical sensors but instead measures the rotational speed of each wheel with the anti-lock brake system’s wheel speed sensors. Under-inflated tires will roll at a different wheel speed than properly inflated tires.
All new vehicles sold in the United States since 2008 have been required to include TPMS. Most Holden models use the direct TPMS variety with wheel-mounted sensors.
Why is Resetting TPMS Necessary?
There are a few reasons why you may need to reset your Holden’s TPMS:
- After adjusting tire pressure – Any time you add or release air from your tires, you’ll need to reset the TPMS so it knows the new baseline pressure.
- After rotating or replacing tires – If you get your tires rotated or replace one or more tires/wheels, the system needs to relearn the position of each sensor.
- TPMS light stays on after inflating – If your TPMS light remains on even after inflating all tires to the proper pressure, a reset and relearn may be necessary.
- Seasonal tire changeovers – If you use different tires in winter versus summer, you’ll need to reset TPMS any time you swap tire sets.
Holden Models Compatible with TPMS Reset
The TPMS reset and relearn process is similar across most modern Holden models. These instructions are applicable to the following vehicles:
- Holden Caprice (WM, 2006-2017)
- Holden Commodore (VE, 2006-2013)
- Holden Commodore (VF, 2013-2020)
- Holden Cruze (JG, JH; 2008-2016)
- Holden Malibu (2012-2016)
- Holden Volt (2012-2015)
If you have a different Holden model, refer to your owner’s manual for specific TPMS reset instructions for your vehicle.
How to Manually Reset TPMS on Your Holden
To reset most Holden TPMS systems, you’ll need to put the vehicle into a “relearn” mode. This involves setting the proper tire pressure in all tires, then using the key fob to initiate the relearn process. Here’s how to do it:
- Park your vehicle and turn the ignition off.
- Adjust all tires to the recommended pressure. You can find the proper tire pressure on a placard inside the driver’s side door jamb. Use a tire pressure gauge to check each tire and add or release air as needed.
- Turn the ignition to the “On” position, but do not start the engine.
- Press and hold the lock and unlock buttons on the key fob simultaneously until the horn sounds twice (about 5 seconds). On some models, a message like “Tire Learning Active” will appear on the driver information center display.
- Starting with the left front tire, release air until the horn chirps. This “registers” that tire’s sensor with the system.
- Repeat the process on the right front tire, right rear tire, and left rear tire, in that order. The horn will chirp twice after the left rear tire to indicate the relearn is complete.
- Turn the ignition off, then back on. The TPMS light should now be off. If it remains on, repeat the relearn process.
- Drive the vehicle at over 25 km/h for at least 10 minutes to complete the calibration process.
That’s it! Your Holden’s TPMS should now be reset and functioning properly. If the TPMS light comes back on, check the tire pressure again and repeat the relearn if necessary.
Resetting TPMS with an OBD Scanner
For some model years, it’s also possible to reset the TPMS using an OBD-II diagnostic scanner tool. This method is a bit more involved but can be useful if the manual relearn process isn’t working. To do it, you’ll need an OBD-II scanner with TPMS reset functionality, such as the Autel MaxiTPMS TS408 or Ateq Quickset tool.
- Set all tires to the recommended pressure.
- Connect the scanner to your vehicle’s OBD-II port below the dash. Turn the ignition on.
- Use the scanner to clear any existing TPMS codes.
- Select your make, model, and year, then select “TPMS Relearn”.
- Starting with the left front tire, use the scanner to scan each sensor in a clockwise order. Wait for the scanner to register each sensor before moving on.
- Once all sensors are registered, use the scanner to initiate the relearn process.
- Turn the ignition off, disconnect the scanner, and start the vehicle. The TPMS light should now be off.
- Drive the vehicle at over 25 km/h for at least 10 minutes to complete the calibration process.
Using a TPMS scanner tool tends to be quicker and easier than the manual relearn method. However, the tools themselves can be quite expensive – usually $200 or more. If you only need to reset your TPMS occasionally, it’s probably not worth buying a dedicated scanner. But if you often rotate your own tires or swap between summer and winter wheels, investing in a TPMS tool can pay off in the long run.
Troubleshooting TPMS Reset Issues
If you’ve followed the steps to reset your TPMS but the warning light remains on, there are a few possibilities:
- Incorrect tire pressure – Double-check that all tires are inflated to the proper pressure. Even a small deviation can prevent the system from resetting.
- Damaged sensors – If a sensor is damaged or has a dead battery, it won’t be able to register during the relearn process. You may need to have the faulty sensor replaced.
- Relearn not completed – Make sure you’ve followed every step in order and that the horn chirps to confirm each stage. If you missed a step, start over from the beginning.
- Unrelated TPMS issue – In some cases, an illuminated TPMS light can indicate a problem with the system itself, not just low tire pressure. Diagnosing these issues requires a professional scan tool.
If you’re still having trouble resetting your Holden’s TPMS after multiple attempts, it’s best to consult a tire shop or Holden service center for further assistance. They’ll have the tools and expertise to pinpoint the underlying problem.
The Importance of Proper Tire Pressure
Maintaining proper tire pressure is one of the most important things you can do to keep your vehicle running safely and efficiently. Here’s why it matters:
- Safety – Under-inflated tires flex and heat up more, increasing the risk of a blowout. They also have reduced traction, handling, and braking performance.
- Fuel Economy – Soft tires have more rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency. You can improve your gas mileage by up to 3% by keeping tires properly inflated.</ li>
- Tire Wear – Over- or under-inflated tires will wear unevenly and more rapidly. Maintaining the correct pressure prolongs tire life.
- Ride Comfort – Properly inflated tires absorb bumps and vibrations better for a smoother ride.
Check your tire pressure at least once a month, as well as before any long road trips. Tires can lose about 1 psi per month under normal conditions, and even more in hot weather or with frequent driving.
The recommended tire pressure for your specific Holden model can be found on a placard inside the driver’s door jamb or in your owner’s manual. It’s usually expressed in psi (pounds per square inch) or kPa (kilopascals). Always use the pressure listed on the placard, not the “max pressure” number on the tire sidewall.
To check tire pressure, use a good quality tire pressure gauge. Digital gauges are the most accurate, but analog dial or pen-style gauges also work well. Check the pressure when the tires are cold, meaning the vehicle hasn’t been driven for at least 3 hours. If you must drive to a gas station to add air, check the pressure before driving more than a mile.
If a tire is low on air, use an air compressor to fill it up to the proper pressure. You can find air compressors at most gas stations, or you can buy a portable compressor to keep in your trunk. Don’t forget to check the spare tire’s pressure as well.
Conclusion
Resetting your Holden’s TPMS is an important part of vehicle maintenance that every owner should know how to do. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can quickly and easily reset the system after adjusting tire pressure, rotating tires, or changing to seasonal tire sets.
Remember, driving with properly inflated tires is crucial for safety, fuel economy, tire longevity, and ride comfort. Check your tire pressure monthly and reset the TPMS as needed to ensure your Holden is always performing at its best.
If you have any questions or issues with your vehicle’s TPMS, consult your owner’s manual or contact your local Holden service center for assistance. And always prioritize tire maintenance as part of your regular vehicle upkeep – it’s a small effort that can make a big difference on the road.