The Ultimate Guide to Resetting Your Honda’s Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

The Ultimate Guide to Resetting Your Honda’s Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

If you own a Honda vehicle, you’re likely familiar with the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) warning light on your dashboard. This helpful feature alerts you when one or more of your tires has low air pressure, which can negatively impact your fuel economy, handling, and tire wear if not addressed promptly.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about your Honda’s TPMS, including what causes the warning light to turn on, how to properly inflate your tires, and most importantly—how to reset the TPMS on your specific Honda model. We’ll cover both manual relearn procedures as well as how to reset TPMS using an OBD scanner tool.

Whether you drive a Honda Civic, Accord, CR-V, Pilot, Odyssey or any other Honda model equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system, this article will provide you with the expert knowledge needed to confidently maintain your tires and reset your vehicle’s TPMS. Let’s get started!

Understanding Your Honda’s Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Honda began equipping most models with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System starting in the 2008 model year, in compliance with a federal mandate that all passenger vehicles include this safety feature. The purpose of TPMS is to continually monitor the air pressure in all four tires and alert the driver if any tire’s pressure drops below a safe threshold, typically about 25% below the recommended inflation pressure.

There are two main types of tire pressure monitoring systems used on modern vehicles:

• Direct TPMS – This type uses a physical pressure sensor inside each tire that wirelessly transmits real-time air pressure data to a receiver in the vehicle. Each sensor has a unique ID that is paired to the vehicle.
• Indirect TPMS – Instead of physical sensors, indirect systems use the anti-lock brake system’s wheel speed sensors to estimate air pressure based on tire rotation speeds. An underinflated tire will rotate at a different speed than the other tires.

All Honda models 2008 and newer use a direct TPMS with a sensor mounted on each wheel. The system consists of:

• A sensor in each tire valve stem that measures air pressure
• A receiver module that collects data from the sensors
• An indicator light on the instrument panel to alert the driver of any issues
• A TPMS button or on-screen menu option to reset the system when needed

What Causes the TPMS Warning Light to Turn On?

The TPMS warning light on your Honda’s dash is designed to alert you when the system detects an issue with your tire pressure. Typically, the warning light will illuminate and stay on steadily if:

• One or more tires is significantly underinflated
• There is a malfunction with the TPMS itself
• The TPMS needs to be reset, such as after tire rotation or replacement

Some other things to keep in mind about your Honda’s TPMS warning light:

• It may come on in cold weather. Tire pressure drops about 1 PSI for every 10°F decrease in temperature. As tires cool overnight, the pressure drop may be enough to trigger the warning light in the morning. It should turn off once tires warm up to operating temperature if pressure is within specs.
• It will not tell you which tire is low. While some TPMS can display individual tire pressures, most just have a single warning light. You’ll need to manually check each tire’s pressure to determine which one(s) triggered the alert.
• It doesn’t constantly monitor pressure. The system only samples tire pressure data periodically while driving, not continuously. So the warning light won’t necessarily come on the instant a tire starts losing pressure.
• There is no sensor in the spare tire. The system only monitors the four tires currently installed on the vehicle. Be sure to regularly check your spare tire’s pressure separately.

If your Honda’s TPMS light comes on while driving, safely pull over as soon as possible to check your tire pressures against the recommended specifications in your owner’s manual or the placard inside the driver’s door jamb. If a tire is low, add air until it reaches the proper inflation pressure.

In most cases, the warning light should turn off on its own within a few minutes of driving once all tires are properly inflated. If it remains on, there may be an issue with the TPMS that requires professional diagnosis, or the system may need to be reset following a tire service procedure. More on that later.

Maintaining Proper Tire Pressure on Your Honda

Keeping your Honda’s tires properly inflated is one of the most important things you can do to ensure optimal performance, safety and longevity. Underinflated tires can result in:

• Reduced fuel economy
• Sluggish handling and longer stopping distances
• Uneven tread wear and reduced tire life
• Increased risk of tire failure or blowout

On the other hand, overinflated tires can make your ride harsher, cause uneven wear in the center of the tread, and be more susceptible to damage from potholes and debris.

For the best balance of performance and tire life, always maintain the tire pressures recommended by Honda for your specific model. This information can be found in a few places:

• In the owner’s manual
• On a placard attached to the driver’s door jamb
• Sometimes on a sticker inside the fuel filler door

Honda provides two tire pressure specifications:

1. Normal inflation pressure – This is the tire pressure you should use for everyday driving. It’s usually listed as a range, such as 32-35 PSI. Use the higher number for heavier loads or high speed driving.
2. Temporary spare tire pressure – If your Honda is equipped with a compact temporary spare tire, it requires higher inflation pressure than the regular tires, typically 60 PSI. Don’t forget to check the spare regularly and keep it properly inflated.

It’s best to check and adjust your tire pressures when the tires are “cold,” meaning the vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours or driven less than 1 mile. Use a good quality tire pressure gauge for the most accurate reading.

If you have to add air to a tire that is “hot” from driving, set the pressure about 4 PSI higher than the cold specification to account for the pressure increase from heat. Recheck the pressure after the tire cools down and adjust as needed.

Tire Pressure Vs. TPMS Threshold

One important thing to note is that the air pressure required to trigger your Honda’s TPMS warning light is lower than the recommended cold inflation pressure.

The TPMS is not required to alert the driver until tire pressure drops more than 25% below the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended cold inflation pressure. For most passenger tires, this threshold is around 8 PSI below the recommended pressure.

What this means is that your tires could be underinflated enough to negatively impact performance and wear, but not low enough to turn on the TPMS warning light yet. So it’s important to check your pressures regularly with a gauge, rather than simply relying on the TPMS light.

Think of the TPMS as a safety backup to alert you of a critically low tire, not as a substitute for routine tire pressure checks. Aim to check your Honda’s tire pressures at least once a month and before any long road trips.

How to Reset the TPMS on Your Honda

In most cases, your Honda’s TPMS will automatically “learn” the new pressure settings after you’ve inflated any low tires to the proper pressure. The warning light should turn off on its own after driving a few minutes if all four tires are now correctly inflated.

However, there are several common situations where you’ll need to manually reset the TPMS to clear the warning light and restore normal operation:

• After rotating or replacing one or more tires
• If you install different size tires than the original equipment
• When installing winter tires/wheels and changing back to your regular tires/wheels
• After disconnecting or replacing a TPMS sensor
• If the TPMS light stays on after inflating all tires to the proper pressure

The specific procedure to reset the TPMS varies depending on your Honda model and year. We’ll cover the most common methods below. Consult your owner’s manual for instructions specific to your vehicle.

Resetting TPMS on Late-Model Hondas (2016 and newer)

Most 2016 and newer Honda models make it easy to reset the TPMS through the driver information interface and steering wheel controls. Here’s the general procedure:

< li>Set the power mode to ON.
1. Press the Display/Information button on the steering wheel until you see the Vehicle Settings screen.
2. Scroll down to “TPMS Calibration” and press the SEL/RESET button.
3. Select “Calibrate” and press the SEL/RESET button. The display will show “TPMS Calibration Started”.
4. Press the BACK button to exit the menu.
5. Drive the vehicle at 30 mph or more until the TPMS calibrates. The warning light should turn off when calibration is complete.

Some late-model Hondas may have a slightly different menu structure. For example, on certain Accord, Civic and CR-V trims, you’ll select “Vehicle Settings,” then “TPMS Calibration,” then “Initialize.” Refer to your owner’s manual for model-specific instructions.

Resetting TPMS on Older Hondas (2015 and earlier)

The TPMS reset procedure is a little different and varies more between models on Hondas from 2015 and earlier model years.

Some models have a physical “TPMS” button to the left of the steering wheel that you press and hold until the warning light blinks twice to initiate the relearn process.

Other models require navigating through the multi-information display using the INFO and SEL/RESET buttons on the steering wheel to find the TPMS menu and select “Calibrate.”

On certain older Hondas, there may be a “TPMS Reset” option within the “Customize Settings” menu in the multi-information display. Scroll to this option and press SEL/RESET to select it.

Again, the exact steps and terminology can vary by model and year, so always consult your owner’s manual for the proper procedure for your specific Honda.

Resetting TPMS with an OBD Scanner

If your Honda is a 2013 model year or newer, you can also reset the TPMS using a compatible OBD-II diagnostic scanner tool. This method can be useful if you’re having trouble with the manual reset procedure, or if you’ve installed non-OEM sensors that aren’t recognized by the system.

To reset the TPMS with a scanner:

1. Ensure all tires are inflated to the proper cold pressure.
2. Connect the OBD scanner to your Honda’s diagnostic port under the dash. Turn the ignition to the ON position.
3. Turn on the scanner and wait for it to communicate with the vehicle.
4. Navigate to the TPMS menu on the scanner. This is usually found under “Body Control Module” or “Tire Pressure Monitor”.
5. Select “Relearn TPMS” or similar option. The scanner will trigger the TPMS sensors to transmit their current pressure readings and IDs to the receiver.
6. Once the relearn process is complete, turn off the ignition and disconnect the scanner. The TPMS light should now be off.

Not all basic code readers have the ability to access the TPMS functions. You’ll need a scanner with TPMS support and Honda-specific software, such as the Autel MaxiTPMS TS501 or ATEQ QuickSet.

While the OBD scanner method is a convenient option, it’s not necessary for most DIY TPMS resets. The manual procedures covered earlier will work for the majority of Honda owners.

TPMS Relearn Procedures by Honda Model

As mentioned, the TPMS reset process can vary between different Honda models, especially on older vehicles. Below is a quick reference chart with the basic steps for some of the most popular Honda models.

Note that this is not an exhaustive list, and the procedure for your specific year may be different. Always refer to your owner’s manual for the most accurate information.

Troubleshooting Common Honda TPMS Issues

While the TPMS on Honda vehicles is generally reliable, there are a few common issues you may encounter that can cause the warning light to stay on even after resetting the system. Let’s go over some troubleshooting tips.

TPMS Light Flashes and Then Stays On

If the TPMS warning light flashes for about a minute when you first start your Honda and then remains illuminated, it indicates there is a problem with the TPMS itself.

Some possible causes could be:

• A dead sensor battery (sensors are battery-powered and typically last 5-10 years)
• A damaged or malfunctioning sensor
• A missing sensor (if you’ve recently had a tire replaced)
• Sensors not recognized by system (if you’ve installed aftermarket sensors)

In this case, you’ll need to have the TPMS diagnosed and repaired by a professional. A tire shop or Honda dealer can scan the system to pinpoint which sensor is faulty and needs to be replaced.

TPMS Light Comes On In Cold Weather

It’s normal for tire pressure to drop as temperatures get colder. If the TPMS warning light comes on first thing on chilly mornings, it’s likely due to the pressure in one or more tires falling below the warning threshold.

Check all four tires with a pressure gauge and add air as needed to bring them up to the recommended cold specification. The warning light should turn off once the tires are properly inflated and you’ve driven a few miles.

To avoid this problem, check and adjust your tire pressures more frequently in the fall as temperatures start to drop. And remember that the recommended pressure for most tires is lower in cold weather than in summer.

TPMS Light Still On After Inflating Tires

If you’ve inflated all four tires to the proper pressure but the TPMS warning light remains on after driving, there are a few possibilities:

• One of the tires may have a slow leak that’s causing the pressure to drop below the warning threshold again. Use a tire pressure gauge to recheck all four tires and see if one is losing pressure faster than the others.
• The TPMS may need to be reset using the procedure described earlier for your Honda model. Drive at over 30 mph for several minutes to let the system recalibrate.
• There could be an issue with the TPMS sensors or receiver. If the warning light persists after resetting, have the system scanned by a professional to diagnose any malfunctions.

Maintaining Your Honda’s TPMS

Your Honda’s tire pressure monitoring system should provide years of reliable service with minimal maintenance. However, there are a few things you can do to ensure optimal performance and longevity:

• Check tire pressures regularly. As mentioned, aim to check your pressures at least once a month and before long trips. Don’t rely solely on the TPMS warning light.
• Be careful when removing/installing tires. The TPMS sensors are located on the back side of the valve stem and can be damaged if the tire is carelessly pried off the wheel. Let your tire technician know if your vehicle has TPMS.
• Replace sensors when needed. TPMS sensors are battery-powered and designed to last around 5-10 years. If a sensor fails, you’ll need to replace it with a new one. An auto parts store or tire shop can help you find the right part number for your Honda.
• Rotate tires regularly. Tire rotation helps ensure even wear and maximize tire life. On models with TPMS, it’s important to reset the system after rotation so it can relearn the new sensor positions. Refer to your owner’s manual for the recommended rotation interval and pattern for your Honda.
• Use a torque wrench when installing wheels. Over-tightening the lug nuts can damage the delicate TPMS sensors. Always use a torque wrench set to the proper specification when installing wheels. For most Hondas, the lug nut torque is 80 lb-ft (108 N∙m).

The Future of TPMS Technology

Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems have come a long way since they were first mandated in the early 2000s. Early systems could only alert the driver when pressure had dropped below a certain threshold. Newer “smart” TPMS can display real-time pressure readings for each individual tire, making it easier to catch slow leaks before they cause problems.

Some luxury vehicles now offer advanced TPMS that can automatically adjust tire pressures on the go to compensate for changes in temperature or load. These systems use special tires with built-in pumps that can add or release air as needed to maintain optimal pressure.

As tire technology continues to evolve, we may see even more sophisticated TPMS in the future. For example, tires with embedded sensors that can monitor tread depth, temperature, and other parameters to provide real-time feedback on tire condition and performance.

Regardless of how advanced TPMS becomes, remember that it’s not a substitute for regular tire maintenance. Checking your pressures, inspecting tread depth, and rotating tires on schedule are still the best ways to ensure a safe and comfortable ride in your Honda.

Conclusion

We hope this ultimate guide has given you a better understanding of how your Honda’s Tire Pressure Monitoring System works and how to properly maintain it. Remember these key takeaways:

1. Check tire pressures monthly and before long trips, even if the TPMS warning light is not on.
2. Know how to reset the TPMS on your specific Honda model using the manual procedure or an OBD scanner.
3. If the TPMS light stays on after inflating tires properly, there may be a problem with a sensor or the system itself that requires professional diagnosis.
4. Rotate tires regularly and reset the TPMS after each rotation.
5. Replace TPMS sensors when the batteries fail, typically every 5-10 years.

By following these tips and the information provided in this guide, you can keep your Honda’s tires properly inflated for optimal safety, performance, and fuel economy. Remember to consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions and recommendations for your vehicle.

If you found this article helpful, please share it with other Honda owners who may benefit from learning more about their TPMS. And if you have any additional questions or tips related to Honda tire pressure monitoring systems, feel free to leave a comment below. Safe driving!