The Ultimate Guide to CITROEN TPMS Reset and Relearn Procedures

The Ultimate Guide to CITROEN TPMS Reset and Relearn Procedures

If you own a CITROEN vehicle equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), it’s important to know how to properly reset and relearn the TPMS sensors when you get new tires installed or rotated. Driving with an illuminated TPMS warning light can be both annoying and dangerous, as it means your system is not accurately monitoring your tire pressure. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about CITROEN TPMS reset and relearn procedures.

What is TPMS and Why is it Important?

TPMS is an electronic system that monitors the air pressure inside your tires in real-time. If the pressure in one or more tires drops below a predetermined level, a warning light on your dashboard will illuminate to alert you. Driving with underinflated tires can lead to:

• Reduced fuel efficiency
• Uneven tire wear
• Poor handling
• Increased risk of tire failure

By maintaining proper tire pressure, TPMS helps improve your vehicle’s safety, performance, and fuel economy. Since 2012, TPMS has been mandatory on all new passenger vehicles sold in the United States.

CITROEN Models with TPMS

Most newer CITROEN models come equipped with TPMS from the factory. Here are some of the CITROEN vehicles that have TPMS:

• CITROEN C1 (2014-present)
• CITROEN C3 (2002-present)
• CITROEN C3 Aircross (2017-present)
• CITROEN C4 (2004-present)
• CITROEN C4 Cactus (2014-present)
• CITROEN C4 Picasso/SpaceTourer (2006-present)
• CITROEN C5 (2008-2017)
• CITROEN C5 Aircross (2018-present)
• CITROEN Berlingo (2008-present)

If you’re unsure whether your specific CITROEN model has TPMS, check your owner’s manual or look for the TPMS warning light on the instrument cluster when you start the vehicle. The light looks like a cross-section of a tire with an exclamation mark inside.

When to Perform a TPMS Reset/Relearn

There are a few scenarios where you’ll need to reset or relearn your CITROEN’s TPMS:

1. After installing new tires or wheels
   Whenever you get new tires or wheels put on your vehicle, the TPMS sensors will need to be relearned so the system recognizes the new components.
2. After rotating or repositioning the tires
   If you have your tires rotated or swap their positions, a TPMS relearn is necessary so the system knows the updated locations of each sensor.
3. If the TPMS warning light stays on after inflating the tires
   Sometimes the TPMS light will remain illuminated even after you’ve filled the tires to the proper pressure. Performing a reset/relearn usually fixes this.
4. When a TPMS sensor battery is replaced
   TPMS sensors have internal batteries that typically last 5-10 years. If a battery is replaced, the new sensor ID must be relearned.

CITROEN TPMS Reset vs Relearn – What’s the Difference?

The terms “reset” and “relearn” are often used interchangeably when talking about TPMS, but there is a slight distinction:

• A TPMS reset simply turns off the TPMS warning light on the dash after the tire pressures have been adjusted to the proper level. It does not actually register the sensor IDs or positions.
• A TPMS relearn is the process of registering the sensor IDs and positions with the vehicle’s TPMS control module. This must be done when sensors are replaced, rotated, or initialized for the first time.

In practice, the procedures for resetting and relearning CITROEN TPMS are usually the same. The relearn process will also reset the dash light as a byproduct. For the remainder of this article, we’ll refer to resetting and relearning collectively as just “relearning.”

CITROEN TPMS Relearn Methods

There are a few different ways to relearn the TPMS on a CITROEN vehicle, depending on the specific model and year. Let’s look at each method:

Stationary Relearn

Also known as a manual relearn, this is the most common method for CITROEN vehicles. It involves putting the vehicle into a “learn mode” then activating each sensor in a specific sequence. The exact steps vary slightly between models, but here is the general procedure:

1. Ensure all tires are inflated to the pressure listed on the door jamb placard.
2. Put the key in the ignition and turn it to the “On” position without starting the engine.
3. Press and release the TPMS reset button. This is usually located under the steering wheel, in the center console, or in the glove box. Refer to your owner’s manual if you have trouble locating it.
4. The TPMS light on the dash should blink slowly. This indicates the system is in learn mode.
5. Starting with the left front tire, use a TPMS activation tool to trigger the sensor. You should hear a horn chirp confirming the sensor ID was recognized.
6. Proceed clockwise to the next sensor (right front, right rear, left rear). Wait for the horn chirp each time before moving on to the next.
7. After activating the left-rear sensor, the horn should chirp twice to confirm the relearn is complete. The TPMS light will also turn off.
8. Turn the ignition off and start the vehicle normally. The TPMS should now be functioning properly.

If you don’t have a TPMS activation tool, there are a couple of other ways you can trigger the sensors to relearn:

• Drive the vehicle at 50 mph or more for about 10 minutes. This allows the sensors to transmit their IDs automatically.
• With the vehicle off, deflate each tire to 5-7 psi below the placard pressure, then reinflate to the proper pressure. This change in pressure will force the sensors to transmit.

OBD Relearn

Some newer CITROEN models can have the TPMS relearned through the OBD-II diagnostic port located under the dash. This method requires a specialized TPMS scan tool. Here’s how it works:

1. Connect the TPMS tool to the vehicle’s OBD-II port.
2. Turn the ignition on but do not start the engine.
3. Using the tool, navigate to the TPMS relearn function.
4. Select the vehicle make, model, and year when prompted.
5. Activate each sensor in the sequence specified by the tool (usually starting with the left front and proceeding clockwise).
6. The tool will register each sensor ID automatically once it’s activated. You may hear the horn chirp as confirmation.
7. Once all sensor IDs are registered, the TPMS light should turn off. Disconnect the tool and start the vehicle normally.

The advantage of the OBD relearn method is that you don’t have to put the vehicle into learn mode manually – the scan tool communicates with the TPMS module directly. This can save time and eliminate the guesswork involved with the stationary relearn process.

Automatic Relearn

A few CITROEN models are capable of relearning the TPMS automatically as you drive. No tools or special procedures are needed. Just make sure the tires are inflated to the proper pressure, then drive normally at speeds above 20 mph for about 20 minutes. The TPMS will eventually recognize the sensors on its own and turn off the warning light on the dash.

Keep in mind that not all CITROEN vehicles support the auto relearn method. Check your owner’s manual to see if your model has this capability. Even if auto relearn is an option, the manual stationary method is usually faster and more reliable.

Latest CITROEN TPMS Relearn Tutorial Using an OBD Scanner

For the remainder of this article, we’ll provide a complete tutorial on performing a TPMS relearn on a newer CITROEN model using an OBD scanner tool. We’ll use a 2018+ CITROEN C3 as our example vehicle. Here’s what you’ll need:

• A CITROEN C3 from model year 2018 or later
• An OBD-II TPMS scan tool with CITROEN software (we recommend the Autel MaxiTPMS TS508)
• A tire pressure gauge

Step 1: Check and Adjust Tire Pressures

The first step in any TPMS relearn is to make sure all four tires are inflated to the correct pressure. On the C3, the recommended pressures are:

Use a tire pressure gauge to check each tire and add or release air as needed. Don’t forget to check the spare tire as well, although it does not have a TPMS sensor.

Step 2: Connect the TPMS Tool

Plug your TPMS scan tool into the OBD-II port under the dashboard on the driver’s side. Make sure the connector is fully seated.

Step 3: Turn On the Ignition

Put the key in the ignition and turn it to the “On” or “Run” position, but do not start the engine. You should see the lights on the instrument cluster illuminate.

Step 4: Enter Vehicle Information

Turn on your TPMS tool and wait for it to boot up. Using the arrow keys, navigate to the “TPMS” section and select “Relearn.” The tool will prompt you to enter some information about your vehicle:

• Make: Select “CITROEN”
• Model: Select “C3”
• Year: Select the appropriate year (2018 or later)

Step 5: Activate the Sensors

The display on the TPMS tool will now show a diagram of your vehicle with the four tire positions. Starting with the left front tire, point the tool at the sidewall near the valve stem and press the “Activate” button. You should hear a beep and see the pressure reading appear on the screen.

Repeat this process for the other three sensors in a clockwise order – right front, right rear, left rear. Make sure you wait for the tool to register each sensor before moving on to the next.

Step 6: Relearn the Sensor IDs

After you’ve activated all four sensors, the TPMS tool will automatically transmit the new sensor IDs to your C3’s TPMS module. This is the actual relearn process. You may hear some clicks from the TPMS module as it registers the IDs.

Step 7: Turn Off the Ignition and Disconnect the Tool

Once the relearn is complete, turn the ignition back to the “Off” position and unplug the TPMS tool from the OBD-II port. You can now start the vehicle normally.

Step 8: Verify the TPMS Light is Off

With the engine running, check that the TPMS warning light on the dash is no longer illuminated. If it stays off, the relearn was successful. If the light is still on, you may need to repeat the process or consult a professional mechanic.

Key Takeaways

• TPMS helps improve vehicle safety, performance, and fuel economy by monitoring tire pressure
• Most newer CITROEN models come equipped with TPMS, but the exact features and relearn procedures vary
• Common reasons for needing a TPMS relearn include installing new tires, rotating the tires, and replacing a sensor battery
• CITROEN vehicles may support stationary (manual), OBD, or automatic relearn methods
• Stationary relearn is the most common and involves putting the system in learn mode, then activating each sensor in order
• OBD relearn requires a special TPMS scan tool but is generally quicker and easier than stationary
• Some models can perform an auto relearn by just driving at speed for several minutes
• Always refer to your CITROEN owner’s manual for the most accurate TPMS information for your specific vehicle

We hope this ultimate guide has given you the knowledge and confidence to tackle a TPMS relearn on your CITROEN.

Final Words from Boss Erwin

Performing a TPMS relearn on your CITROEN vehicle is an important part of tire maintenance that every owner should know how to do. Whether you use the manual stationary method or the OBD scanner method, the key steps are:

1. Inflate the tires to the proper pressure
2. Put the system in learn mode
3. Activate each sensor in the correct order
4. Verify the warning light turns off

By following the instructions in this guide and consulting your owner’s manual for any model-specific details, you should be able to keep your CITROEN’s TPMS functioning properly and avoid the inconvenience of a constantly illuminated warning light.