Start by fixing the pressure
A reset will not help if a tire is actually low. First check every tire with a gauge when cold and inflate to the pressure on the door-jamb placard or in your owner’s manual. Include the spare if it is monitored. On many cars, the light goes off by itself once pressures are right and you have driven a short distance.
Know which system you have
- Direct TPMS uses a sensor in each wheel that measures pressure. It may need a relearn after tire rotation or sensor replacement.
- Indirect TPMS infers low pressure from wheel speed through the ABS system. It usually has a reset button or menu option that you press after setting the correct pressures.
Your owner’s manual says which type you have and the correct procedure. Steps differ by make, model, and year, so treat the options below as common examples.
Method 1: drive it
After inflating, drive for roughly ten minutes or more at moderate road speeds. Many vehicles update the readings during this time and turn the light off. Some systems take longer.
Method 2: use the reset button or menu
- Some vehicles have a TPMS reset button, often under the dash or near the steering column. A common pattern is to turn the ignition on without starting, hold the button until the light blinks, then release and start the engine.
- Others have a menu in the instrument cluster or infotainment screen. Select the tire pressure option and choose to calibrate or reset.
Check the manual before trying, because the sequence differs.
Method 3: relearn after rotation or sensor replacement
Direct systems on some vehicles need the sensor positions or IDs relearned. This can involve a specific inflate-and-deflate sequence or a TPMS tool. A tire shop can do this quickly.
If the light will not go off
- Recheck all four pressures, plus the spare, with a second gauge.
- Make sure the correct pressure was used. Temperature drops can put a tire back under the limit.
- If the light flashes at startup before staying on, it is likely a fault. See why your tire pressure light is flashing.
- If tires are fine and the light stays on, read about tire pressure lights that come on when tires are fine, or have a sensor checked. A faulty tire pressure sensor cannot be cleared by resetting.
Skip the risky shortcuts
Disconnecting the battery or deliberately overinflating tires are sometimes suggested online. Neither is a good first step: they can reset unrelated settings or put tires outside safe pressure. Use the manual’s procedure.
DIY or shop?
Setting pressure and following the manual’s reset steps are within most owners’ reach. Sensor programming generally needs a TPMS tool. Whether a given parts store or shop will reset sensors for you varies, so call first.
FAQ
Can I reset the sensors myself? Often yes, using the drive method, button, or menu.
Does resetting fix a dead sensor? No. A reset only clears the warning if the underlying problem is solved.