How to Reset and Relearn the TPMS on Your Aston Martin
Learn how to reset and relearn the TPMS on your Aston Martin to resolve “Tire System Fault” or “Tyre Pressure System Fault” warnings. This guide provides step-by-step instructions for resetting the TPMS using your vehicle’s onboard menus or an OBD scanner tool. It also offers troubleshooting tips for common TPMS problems, such as a TPMS light that remains on or sensor battery failure. Additionally, the article emphasizes the importance of regular tire pressure checks and proper TPMS maintenance to prevent issues. Finally, it discusses the future of TPMS technology, including the adoption of indirect TPMS systems by automakers.
If you own an Aston Martin, you may eventually encounter a “Tire System Fault” or “Tyre Pressure System Fault” warning on your dashboard display. This indicates there is an issue with your vehicle’s Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The TPMS uses sensors inside each wheel to monitor the air pressure in your tires. If a sensor fails or the pressure in a tire drops below the recommended level, it will trigger this warning.
Luckily, in many cases you can resolve the issue yourself by resetting and relearning the TPMS. This process allows the TPMS control unit to reestablish communication with the sensors in each wheel. It’s important to do this anytime you rotate your tires, change a sensor, or experience a TPMS fault warning.
This guide will walk you through the steps to reset and relearn the TPMS on your Aston Martin. It applies to the following models that use either the SmarTire or Beru TPMS systems:
- DB9 (2004-2016)
- DBS (2008-2012)
- Rapide (2010-2020)
- V8 Vantage (2005-2017)
- V12 Vantage (2010-2018)
- Vanquish (2014-2018)
- Virage (2011-2012)
Before You Begin
Here are a few important things to check before starting the TPMS reset and relearn process:
- Check tire pressures – Make sure all tires are inflated to the pressure indicated on the tire placard in the driver’s side door jamb. Driving on underinflated tires can cause TPMS faults.
- Inspect the sensors – Visually check the TPMS sensors and valve stems on each wheel for any damage. Replace any cracked or corroded sensors.
- Charge the battery – The relearn process can take up to 30 minutes. Make sure your vehicle’s battery is fully charged to avoid interruptions.
- Clear the area – The TPMS sensors have a range of about 10 feet. Ensure no other TPMS sensors (from other vehicles) are within this radius during the relearn.
- Consult your manual – While the general process is similar, there may be slight variations between Aston Martin models. Check your owner’s manual for vehicle-specific TPMS reset instructions.
With those preliminary steps out of the way, you’re ready to reset and relearn your Aston Martin’s TPMS. We’ll cover two methods – using your vehicle’s onboard menus and using an OBD scanner tool.
Resetting TPMS through Vehicle Menus
All 2005 and newer Aston Martin models allow you to reset and relearn the TPMS directly through the settings menus on the dashboard display. Here’s how:
- With the engine off, turn the ignition to the “On” position (without starting the engine).
- Using the buttons on the steering wheel, navigate to the “Settings” menu on the display.
- Scroll to the “Tyre Pressures” or “TPMS” submenu and select it.
- Look for an option labeled “Reset”, “Relearn”, “Retrain”, or similar. Select this option.
- Press and hold the “OK” button for 3-5 seconds to initiate the relearn process. The display should indicate that the relearn is in progress.
- Wait 15-20 minutes for the relearn to complete. The display will confirm once it’s finished. If it doesn’t complete after 20 minutes, repeat the process.
- Start the engine and drive the vehicle at over 15 mph for 10 minutes to finalize the relearn. Check that the TPMS warning has cleared.
This method works well if all TPMS sensors are functioning properly and just need to be relearned after a tire rotation or pressure adjustment. However, if you have a faulty sensor or the relearn fails after multiple attempts, you may need to use a TPMS scanner tool instead.
Resetting TPMS with an OBD Scanner
A TPMS diagnostic tool that plugs into your vehicle’s OBD port offers more advanced functions for resetting and relearning the system. It can help you identify problematic sensors, clear fault codes, and trigger the relearn process. While some Aston Martin dealers use high-end scanner tools, there are many affordable consumer-grade options like the Autel MaxiTPMS TS408 or VXDAS EL-50448.
Follow these steps to reset the TPMS with an OBD scanner:
- Plug the TPMS tool into the OBD port under the dashboard on the driver’s side. Turn the ignition to the “On” position.
- Turn on the TPMS tool and wait for it to boot up and establish communication with the vehicle.
- Using the arrow keys, navigate to the “Relearn” or “Sensor Relearn” option in the tool’s menu. Select Aston Martin as the vehicle make.
- Select “Auto Relearn” or “Stationary Relearn” (not all models support auto relearn). Follow the prompts to initiate the relearn process.
- The relearn may take up to 20 minutes. The tool will display a progress bar and confirm once complete. If it fails, try repeating the process.
- Clear any residual TPMS fault codes using the “Clear Codes” function on the tool.
- Disconnect the tool, start the engine, and drive the vehicle above 15 mph for 10 minutes. Verify the TPMS warning light has turned off.
Using a TPMS scanner provides some added benefits over the manual relearn method:
- Identifies which specific sensor is faulty via its ID number
- Allows you to check sensor battery life
- Can display real-time tire pressure readings
- Clears TPMS fault codes
So if you’re frequently dealing with TPMS issues on your Aston Martin, it may be worthwhile to invest in an OBD scanner tool for easier diagnostics and reset.
Troubleshooting Common TPMS Problems
Even after a successful TPMS reset and relearn, you may encounter some lingering issues. Here are fixes for a few common problems:
TPMS Light Still On
If the TPMS warning light remains illuminated after the relearn, try these solutions:
- Drive the vehicle for at least 10 minutes above 15 mph. Some systems require this to fully relearn the sensor positions.
- Double check the tire pressures and adjust as needed. Even 1-2 psi below spec can trigger the light.
- Use an OBD scanner to clear any stored TPMS fault codes.
- Repeat the relearn process, ensuring no other TPMS sensors are nearby.
Sensor Battery Failure
The batteries inside TPMS sensors are not serviceable and typically last 5-10 years. If you have an older Aston Martin, your sensors may simply need to be replaced due to dead batteries. Some signs of sensor battery failure include:
- TPMS light coming on frequently or staying on constantly
- Sensors not responding to relearn attempts
- Incorrect tire pressure readings displayed
While genuine Aston Martin replacement sensors can cost upwards of $150 each, you can find aftermarket sensors for around $30-50 apiece. These can be purchased pre-programmed with your vehicle’s existing sensor IDs to make installation plug-and-play.
Damaged Sensors or Valve Stems
Visually inspect the sensor and valve stem on any wheel that’s giving you trouble. Look for signs of physical damage like cracks, chips, or corrosion. A damaged valve stem can cause a slow leak that triggers the TPMS light. Any wheel with a compromised sensor or stem should have the entire sensor/stem assembly replaced.
Sensor Communication Issues
If a sensor isn’t responding to relearn attempts, it may be having trouble communicating with the TPMS control module. This can be due to:
- Signal interference from nearby electronics like Wi-Fi routers, Bluetooth devices, lighting ballasts, etc. Try moving the vehicle away from any potential sources of interference and repeating the relearn.
- A mismatched or incorrect sensor for your vehicle model. Double check that you have the right sensors installed.
- A malfunctioning TPMS control module. While rare, a failed module will need to be replaced by a dealer.
Maintenance
Tips to Avoid TPMS Problems
Implementing a few simple maintenance practices can go a long way in preventing TPMS headaches down the road:
- Regularly check tire pressures – Get in the habit of checking your tire pressures at least once a month. Ensuring your tires are always properly inflated will reduce strain on the TPMS sensors and prevent premature wear. Invest in a high-quality digital tire pressure gauge.
- Be careful when mounting/balancing tires – Whenever you have new tires installed or get a balance and rotation, make sure the tire technician is aware of the TPMS sensors. Rough handling during tire changes can damage the sensors. Many shops will install new rubber valve stems and seals as a precaution.
- Replace sensors and valve stems as a set – If you end up needing to replace one TPMS sensor or valve stem due to damage or battery failure, it’s advisable to replace all four at the same time. This will keep all your sensors on the same battery life cycle and avoid mismatched parts.
- Avoid using tire sealants – While emergency tire sealant can be a quick fix for a puncture, it can also clog up your TPMS sensors and cause permanent damage. If you do use tire sealant, have the sensors cleaned at a tire shop ASAP and monitor for any issues.
- Keep sensors clean – Periodically visually inspect your TPMS sensors and valve stems. Clean off any built up brake dust, road grime, or corrosion with a soft brush. Keeping the sensors clean will ensure proper pressure readings and communication.
The Future of TPMS
TPMS has been mandatory safety equipment on all new passenger vehicles in the United States since 2007. The technology has come a long way since the early 2000s when Aston Martin first started using the SmarTire system. Modern TPMS sensors are more accurate, reliable, and longer-lasting.
In fact, many automakers are now moving towards TPMS systems that don’t rely on physical sensors in each wheel at all. Instead, they use the anti-lock brake and stability control sensors to estimate tire pressures based on wheel rotation speeds. By comparing the rotational speed of each wheel, the system can detect if one tire is low on pressure and turning slower.
These “indirect” TPMS systems eliminate the need for separate sensors and the associated maintenance costs. While not quite as precise as “direct” sensor-based systems, indirect TPMS still meets the federal safety requirements. As more automakers adopt this technology, it will likely trickle down to exotic brands like Aston Martin in the coming years.
But for now, Aston Martin owners will need to keep a close eye on their TPMS sensors to keep those pesky warning lights at bay. Hopefully this guide has given you the knowledge and tools to confidently reset and relearn the TPMS on your Aston Martin. Remember, proper tire inflation is crucial not only for safety, but also performance and tire longevity. So don’t ignore that TPMS light!
Key Takeaways
- Aston Martin uses the SmarTire and Beru direct TPMS systems on most models made from 2004-2018.
- A “Tire System Fault” or “Tyre Pressure System Fault” warning indicates an issue with the TPMS sensors or control unit.
- You can reset and relearn the TPMS yourself through the vehicle’s onboard settings menu or with an OBD scanner tool.
- Common causes of TPMS faults include low tire pressure, dead sensor batteries, and damaged sensors/stems.
- Proper tire inflation and regular TPMS maintenance can prevent most issues. Consider replacing all sensors at once if one fails.
- Indirect TPMS systems that don’t require dedicated sensors are becoming more common and may appear on future Aston Martin models.