The Ultimate Guide to Bentley TPMS Reset and Relearn
This comprehensive guide on Bentley TPMS Reset and Relearn explains the importance of the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) in maintaining proper tire inflation. TPMS is an electronic system that monitors air pressure inside tires, alerting drivers when tire pressure falls below a certain threshold. Proper tire inflation is crucial for safety, fuel efficiency, and tire wear.
If you own a Bentley, it’s important to understand how the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) works and what to do when it needs to be reset or relearned. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Bentley TPMS, including which models have this feature, why it’s important, and step-by-step tutorials on resetting and relearning the system, even using an OBD scanner.
What is TPMS and Why Does It Matter?
TPMS is an electronic system that monitors the air pressure inside your vehicle’s tires. It was designed to alert drivers when tire pressure falls below a certain threshold, typically 25% below the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.
Proper tire inflation is critical for several reasons:
- Safety: Underinflated tires can overheat and increase the risk of a blowout or loss of vehicle control.
- Fuel efficiency: Properly inflated tires have lower rolling resistance, which can improve fuel economy by up to 3%.
- Tire wear: Underinflation causes uneven and accelerated tire wear, shortening tire life.
Since the 2008 model year, TPMS has been required on all new passenger vehicles sold in the United States. Bentley began equipping most models with TPMS even earlier, starting in the early 2000s.
Which Bentley Models Have TPMS?
Nearly all Bentley models from the past two decades have a tire pressure monitoring system, including:
- Continental GT (2003-present)
- Flying Spur (2005-present)
- Bentayga (2016-present)
- Mulsanne (2010-2020)
- Arnage (1998-2009)
- Azure (1995-2009)
- Brooklands (2008-2011)
If you’re unsure whether your specific Bentley is equipped with TPMS, check the owner’s manual or look for the telltale low tire pressure warning light on the dash. It looks like an exclamation point inside a horseshoe-shaped icon.
When Does TPMS Need to Be Reset or Relearned?
There are a few scenarios where you’ll need to reset or relearn your Bentley’s TPMS:
- Tire rotation: If you get your tires rotated, the system needs to relearn the new locations of each tire sensor.
- Replacing a sensor: If a TPMS sensor is replaced due to damage or battery failure, the new sensor ID must be registered in the system.
- Changing tire pressure: Any time you inflate or deflate your tires beyond a certain threshold, the TPMS will need to be reset to recognize the new baseline pressure.
- Seasonal tire changeover: If you switch between summer and winter tire sets, the TPMS has to relearn the sensor IDs of the tires being installed.
Some newer Bentley models have auto-learning TPMS that can adapt to tire rotation or pressure changes without manual intervention. However, it’s still good to know the reset and relearn procedures for your peace of mind.
Bentley TPMS Reset Tutorial
If your Bentley’s TPMS light is staying on after inflating the tires to the proper pressure, you likely need to perform a system reset. Here’s how to do it:
- Park your vehicle and turn the ignition to the “On” position without starting the engine.
- Press and release the TPMS reset button, usually located under the steering wheel, until the TPMS light blinks 3 times.
- Start the engine and let the vehicle run for at least 20 minutes to allow the system to recalibrate. The warning light should turn off once the reset is complete.
- If the light remains on, there may be a malfunction in the TPMS that requires professional diagnosis.
Some Bentley models may have slight variations to this procedure, so consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions for your vehicle.
Relearning Bentley TPMS Sensors
When you get new tires installed, rotate the tires, or replace a TPMS sensor, the system needs to relearn the sensor IDs and positions. There are a few different ways to initiate a TPMS relearn, depending on your Bentley model.
Using the TPMS Reset Button
On some older Bentleys, you can use the TPMS reset button to trigger a sensor relearn:
- Install the desired wheels and tires on the vehicle.
- Park the vehicle and turn the ignition to the “On” position.
- Press and hold the TPMS reset button until the warning light blinks 3 times.
- Drive the vehicle for at least 10 minutes at a speed above 15 mph to complete the relearn process.
With an OBD TPMS Tool
Most modern Bentleys require the use of a specialized OBD TPMS tool to register new sensor IDs. This is the preferred method for vehicles with auto-locating TPMS. To do this:
- Park the vehicle and turn the ignition to the “On” position.
- Connect the TPMS tool to the OBD-II port under the dash. Power on the tool.
- Select “Relearn” from the tool’s menu and follow the prompts to activate each sensor in the specified order (LF, RF, RR, LR).
- Once all sensor IDs are registered, turn the ignition off, disconnect the tool, and start the vehicle.
- Drive for at least 20 minutes to complete the relearn. The TPMS light will turn off when the process is successful.
If you don’t have access to a TPMS tool, any tire shop or Bentley dealer should be able to perform this service for you.
Resetting TPMS with an OBD Scanner
Some aftermarket OBD scanners have built-in TPMS functions that allow you to reset the system without a dedicated TPMS tool. Here’s a general procedure:
- Plug the OBD scanner into your vehicle’s OBD-II port and turn the ignition to the “On” position.
- Navigate to the TPMS menu on the scanner and select “Reset.”
- Follow the prompts to enter the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle.
- Drive the vehicle for 10-20 minutes to allow the TPMS to recalibrate and turn off the warning light.
Keep in mind that not all OBD scanners have TPMS functionality, and the specific steps may vary depending on the device. Consult your scanner’s user manual for detailed instructions.
Troubleshooting Bentley TPMS Issues
If you’ve tried resetting or relearning your Bentley’s TPMS and the warning light is still on, there are a few other things to check:
- Tire pressure: Double-check that all tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure, which is usually listed on a placard inside the driver’s door jamb.
- Sensor batteries: TPMS sensors have built-in batteries that typically last 5-10 years. If a sensor fails to respond during relearn, it may need to be replaced.
- Damaged sensors: Inspect the sensors for physical damage or corrosion, which can prevent them from transmitting data properly.
- TPMS module: In rare cases, the TPMS control module itself may be faulty, requiring professional diagnosis and repair.
If you’re still having trouble with your Bentley’s TPMS, it’s best to consult a qualified tire technician or Bentley service center for assistance. They have the tools and expertise to quickly identify and resolve any issues with the system.
The Bottom Line on Bentley TPMS Maintenance
Properly maintaining your Bentley’s tire pressure monitoring system is essential for ensuring optimal safety, performance, and tire life. By understanding how to reset and relearn the TPMS when needed, you can avoid the inconvenience and potential dangers of driving with underinflated tires.