How to Reset Tire Pressure Sensor: A Step-by-Step Guide
Playing an important role in tire pressure monitoring system, tire pressure sensors help you to warn about the under-inflated or over-inflated tires in your vehicle. There are basically two kinds of tire pressure monitoring systems – Direct TPMS (dTPMS) and Indirect TPMS (iTPMS). Both of them are used to check the pressure in each tire of the vehicle and warn the driver about low tire pressure, preventing fatal accidents. Thus, there is a need to reset this sensor with time to ensure safety conditions. But how? This article will help you know how to reset the tire pressure sensor in an easy and efficient way. Let’s find out now.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System Types: Direct and Indirect
Before knowing about “How to reset tire pressure sensor”, we need to know about tire pressure sensor types. Overall, we have two types of tire pressure monitoring systems. One is direct and the other is indirect. Each system monitors tire pressure and notifies of low or high tire pressure. Certainly, both systems work in different ways.
Direct TPMS (dTPMS)
Direct TPMS (dTPMS) is more common in the state. This system employs pressure sensors on every wheel of your vehicle (either external or internal). The function of these sensors is to measure the tire pressure in every tire and transmit this information to the instrument cluster or a corresponding monitor of the vehicle. Some units have functions in measuring and alerting temperatures of the tire as well. dTPMS can detect under-inflation in any combination (be it 1 tire or all tires, at the same time).
Indirect TPMS (iTPMS)
The indirect tire pressure monitoring system is a standard for European countries. The position of the sensor is exactly within the speed sensors and braking systems. iTPMS does not use physical pressure sensors but monitors several wheel rotation speeds and other signs outside of the vehicle’s tires to measure air pressure. iTPMS can not display or measure pressure values precisely, they are relative by nature and need to be reset when checking tires and adjusting all pressure correctly. Normally, indirect TPMS reset can be done by in a menu of the on-board computer or a physical button.
Check out more details about tire pressure monitoring systems in the video below
Compared to Direct TPMS (dTPMS), Indirect TPMS (iTPMS) is more sensitive to the effect of different tires and outside effects like driving style driving speed, or road surfaces.
How to Reset Tire Pressure Sensor
Over time, the process of using the tire pressure sensor often makes some errors. For example, the TPMS light is on, the sensor head does not work, or the wrong pressure is reported. If you are an experienced driver, this is not a serious case. Although this problem does not cause any harm to the vehicle, it causes inconvenience for drivers. Therefore, one way to solve the problem is to reset the tire pressure sensor. The reset process will help the driver to be proactive about the current situation and emergency situations that need to be handled with the tire. This will avoid a lot of unfortunate consequences that occur when your tire is blown out.
To reset the tire pressure sensor so that it can function properly, here are a couple of ways that you can adopt it. Let’s explore how to reset the tire pressure sensor step by step.
1. Identify the type of TPMS
The first step you need to perform is to identify whether your vehicle possesses a direct TPMS or indirect TPMS. In case your car has a direct system, retuning the sensors may be as easy as pressing a reset knob on the dash. On the other hand, if it has an indirect system, resetting the sensor may require the use of a scanning tool or a magnet.
If you are not aware of the tire pressure monitoring system your car has, you can read car maintenance tips by auto experts to identify it.
2. Get your tires inflated
The next step of “How to reset TPMS” is to ensure that each tire of your car is properly inflated. Keep in mind that you are putting the sensors on “zero” so all tires should be properly inflated. If not, the sensors will fail to calibrate appropriately and their readings will become inaccurate.
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3. Monitor the battery
See if your vehicle makes use of a battery to power up the sensor. If yes, make sure it is not deceased. It is recommended to change your car’s battery after every five years. At times, you may require replacing the whole sensor system to ensure the safety of your vehicle.
4. Readjust the transponders
Each wheel possesses its transponder. When you rotate the wheels, it alters the position of every responder and the tire pressure system should learn their latest locations. So, it’s a nice idea to amend valve stems in case you are getting fresh tires.
5. Make use of magnet method
The next thing to do to make your TPMS reset is trying to push both the buttons- lock and unlock that are present on the key fob with the key on and the engine off. Now, put a magnet over every valve stem unless and until the horn chirps for each one in the order, which is:
Left front, right front, right rear, and left rear!
6. Utilize the scan tool method
You can also chase the TPMS Reprogramming process that is mentioned in the car owner’s manual if the sensors are not replaced.
Maybe you might know: How to install a tire pressure sensor in your car
Conclusion
The NHTSA regulates that all vehicles that appeared on the market after 2008 must have a tire pressure monitoring system. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration regulated this clause to avoid fatal accidents owing to underinflated or overinflated tires. Thus, knowing how to reset the tire pressure sensor is very important to each driver.
So now hopefully this article will help you solve the problem of “tire pressure sensor reset”. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to leave us a comment in the box below, our car experts will answer them for you.
