How do I get rid of TPMS warning?
If your vehicle is displaying a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) warning light, there are a few steps you can take to resolve the issue. The TPMS warning indicates that one or more of your tires has low air pressure, which can be a safety hazard and reduce fuel efficiency. Here's a detailed guide on how to address a TPMS warning.
Identify the Cause of the TPMS Warning
The first step is to determine what's causing the TPMS warning. The most common reasons include:
- One or more tires have low air pressure
- A TPMS sensor is malfunctioning or has a dead battery
- The TPMS system itself is not working properly
To diagnose the issue, you'll need to use a TPMS diagnostic tool or take your vehicle to a mechanic. They can check the tire pressures, inspect the TPMS sensors, and identify any system faults.
Correct the Tire Pressure
If the TPMS warning is due to low tire pressure, you'll need to inflate the affected tire(s) to the recommended pressure level. You can find the proper tire pressure in your owner's manual or on a sticker located on the driver's side door jamb.
Once you've inflated the tires, the TPMS warning light should turn off. If the light remains on, you may need to reset the TPMS system by following the instructions in your owner's manual.
Replace Malfunctioning TPMS Sensors
If the TPMS warning is caused by a faulty sensor, you'll need to replace the affected sensor(s). This is typically a job for a professional mechanic, as they'll need to program the new sensor(s) to your vehicle's TPMS system.
Replacing TPMS sensors can be a bit more involved, but it's necessary to ensure the system is working correctly and providing accurate tire pressure readings.
Repair or Replace the TPMS System
In some cases, the TPMS system itself may be malfunctioning, requiring repair or replacement. This could be due to a wiring issue, a problem with the TPMS control module, or other system-level faults.
If the TPMS system is not functioning properly, you'll need to have it diagnosed and repaired by a qualified mechanic. Depending on the extent of the issue, this may involve replacing components or the entire TPMS system.
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the TPMS warning and ensure your vehicle's tires are properly inflated and safe to drive.
Why is my TPMS light on when my tires are full?
Your TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) light is on despite your tires being full because of a faulty sensor, a need to reset the system, or other issues like a malfunctioning spare tire or temperature fluctuations. To fix this, first ensure the spare tire is properly inflated and that you have completed the system reset procedure, which may require driving the vehicle or performing a manual recalibration through your car's settings. If the problem persists, a sensor is likely damaged or has a dead battery and will need replacement.
This video explains how to troubleshoot the TPMS light by checking the tires and resetting the system: 44sChrisFixYouTube · Nov 18, 2014
Common reasons your TPMS light stays on
- Faulty sensor: Sensors can wear out, become damaged from impacts like hitting a pothole, or have a dead battery. A flashing light when you start the car often indicates a sensor problem, notes Brausen Auto and Burt Brothers.
- Need for a reset: After filling your tires, the TPMS needs to recognize the new pressure. You may need to drive for a few minutes at highway speeds (around 50 mph) for the system to update.
- Manual recalibration: Some vehicles require a manual reset or recalibration after filling tires or rotating them. You can usually find the option in the vehicle's onboard computer menu or by pressing a physical button, explains Quora users and Burt Brothers.
- Problem with the spare: If your vehicle has a full-size spare with a TPMS sensor, its low pressure can trigger the warning light. Make sure the spare is also inflated correctly.
- Temperature changes: Fluctuations in outside temperature can cause tire pressure to change. If a tire's pressure is near the minimum threshold, a cold snap can cause the light to come on, explains Pirelli.
This video explains how to reset the TPMS light in some Ford vehicles: 1mShaners Mechanic LifeYouTube · Apr 7, 2025
What to do
- Inflate all tires, including the spare: Use a reliable gauge to ensure all tires are at the pressure listed on the sticker inside your driver's side door jamb.
- Reset the TPMS: Drive for a few minutes at around 50 mph to allow the sensors to recalibrate. If this doesn't work, find the TPMS reset option in your car's menu or on a physical button.
- Check the spare tire: Don't forget to check the pressure in your full-size spare, as its low pressure can trigger the light.
- Visit a mechanic: If the light is still on, a sensor is likely damaged or has a bad battery. A professional can diagnose and replace the faulty sensor, which is the most effective solution in this case, notes Rice Tire.
You can watch this video to learn how to diagnose the TPMS sensors and replace a faulty one: 51sBudget MechanicYouTube · Mar 22, 2025
Can you remove TPMS without removing a tire?
The answer is yes! With modern technology and specialized tools, TPMS sensors can now be replaced without removing the tire from your car.
How long does it take for a TPMS sensor to reset?
A TPMS sensor can reset within a few minutes of driving, typically 10-20 minutes at or above 50 mph. Some vehicles have a manual reset button that, once pressed, requires the car to be driven for about 20 minutes to complete the reset. Other reset methods, like disconnecting the battery or fully inflating and then deflating all tires, may be quicker but depend on the car's specific system.
By driving
- Auto-relearn: Drive at or above 50 mph for at least 10-15 minutes to trigger an automatic reset, as explained in this article from Douglass Nissan. The light should go off when you turn the car on again.
- Manual reset after driving:
- Turn the key to the "On" position without starting the engine.
- Hold the TPMS reset button (usually near the steering wheel) until the light flashes three times.
- Start the car and wait up to 20 minutes for the sensor to refresh, says Marietta Toyota.
Other reset methods
- Inflate, deflate, and reinflate: With the vehicle off, inflate all tires (including the spare) to 3 PSI over the recommended amount. Then, deflate them completely and reinflate them to the correct pressure, as outlined in this article from Kings Toyota.
- Disconnect the battery: With the car off, disconnect the positive battery cable. Turn the car on and honk the horn to discharge any remaining power, then reconnect the battery, according to this article from Sid Dillon.
Important considerations
- Check your owner's manual: The exact reset procedure can vary significantly between car models, so always check your owner's manual first.
- Start with the basics: Ensure all tires are properly inflated before attempting any reset procedures. The TPMS light may stay on if there is still a low-pressure issue or a system fault.
- Take a short drive: Even after using the manual reset button, you will likely need to drive for a short period for the system to fully complete the reset.
How do you get the TPMS light to go off?
Turn the car key to "on" but don't start the vehicle. Press and hold the TPMS reset button until the tire pressure light blinks three times. Release the button and start the car. The light should go off within 20 minutes.
