How do you manually turn off TPMS light?

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light on your dashboard is designed to alert you when one or more of your vehicle's tires has low air pressure. While it's important to address low tire pressure, there may be times when you need to temporarily turn off the TPMS light. This guide will walk you through the steps to manually turn off the TPMS light.

What is TPMS and Why Does the Light Come On?

TPMS is a safety feature in modern vehicles that monitors the air pressure in each tire. When the pressure in one or more tires drops below a certain threshold, the TPMS light illuminates on the dashboard to warn the driver. This is important because underinflated tires can reduce fuel efficiency, handling, and tire life, and in some cases, even lead to a blowout.

Steps to Manually Turn Off the TPMS Light

In some situations, you may need to temporarily turn off the TPMS light, such as when you're changing a tire or the system is malfunctioning. Here's how to do it:

1. Identify the TPMS reset button: Locate the TPMS reset button, which is often hidden in the driver's side footwell or under the dashboard. Consult your owner's manual if you can't find it.


2. Press and hold the reset button: Press and hold the TPMS reset button for 3-5 seconds until the TPMS light blinks or turns off.


3. Inflate the tires to the proper pressure: Check the recommended tire pressure, which is usually found on a sticker inside the driver's side door jamb or in the owner's manual. Use a tire pressure gauge to ensure all tires are inflated to the correct PSI.


4. Drive for a short distance: After resetting the TPMS, drive your vehicle for at least 10-20 minutes to allow the system to recalibrate and turn off the light.

If the TPMS light remains on after following these steps, there may be a more serious issue with the TPMS system, and you should have it checked by a professional mechanic.

Considerations and Cautions

It's important to note that manually turning off the TPMS light does not address the underlying issue of low tire pressure. You should always address the root cause, such as a puncture or slow leak, and ensure your tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure. Ignoring low tire pressure can lead to decreased fuel efficiency, poor handling, and even a blowout, which can be dangerous.

Additionally, some vehicles may have different TPMS reset procedures, so it's always best to consult your owner's manual or contact your vehicle's manufacturer for specific instructions.

Why won't my tire pressure light go off even though pressure is fine?

The tire pressure light may stay on even if your tires are properly inflated due to a faulty TPMS sensor, an issue with the TPMS system, or a slow leak. Other causes include recent tire service, a dead sensor battery, a low spare tire, or the need to reset the system after refilling the tires. 
Potential causes 
This video explains why a TPMS light might stay on even if the tire pressure is fine: 58sFixITYouTube · Jan 18, 2025

• Faulty TPMS sensor: The sensors inside each tire can wear out, become damaged (from potholes, curbs, or during service), or have a dead battery over time. If a sensor fails, it can't send accurate information to the car's system. 
• Recent tire service: After a tire rotation or replacement, the system may need to be recalibrated. If the new tires lack a sensor or have an incompatible one, the light can stay on. 
• Low spare tire: Don't forget to check the pressure in your spare tire, as a low spare can also trigger the warning light. 
• Slow leak: Even if you've checked the pressure, a slow leak might have caused the pressure to drop again. Inspect tires for any signs of damage. 
• Incorrectly inflated tires: It's possible that after filling the tires, one was still underinflated or overinflated. The air pressure also increases when tires warm up from driving. 

How to fix it
This video shows how to reset the TPMS light by driving the car: 1mDirtFarmerJayYouTube · Jan 15, 2022

1. Double-check tire pressure: Use an accurate tire pressure gauge to re-check all four tires, plus the spare. Ensure they are inflated to the pressure recommended on the sticker inside your driver's side door jamb, not the maximum pressure listed on the tire itself. 
2. Drive the car: After correcting the pressure, drive the car at a constant speed for about 10 minutes. The system often needs this time to reset and re-read the new pressures. 
3. Reset the system manually: Consult your owner's manual for specific instructions on how to manually reset the TPMS. 
4. Inspect for damage: If the light remains on, inspect all tires for any visible damage, like a nail or a puncture that could be causing a slow leak. 
5. Get professional help: If the problem persists, it's best to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic. They can use a diagnostic tool to identify which sensor is bad, recalibrate the system, or diagnose other issues with the TPMS module. 

How do I shut off my TPMS light?

To turn off a TPMS light, first manually inflate your tires to the recommended pressure found on the driver's side door jamb, then use your vehicle's reset procedure, which may involve pressing a button near the steering wheel or navigating a menu on the infotainment system. If the light persists, the system may require a longer recalibration by driving the vehicle for about 10-15 minutes, or there could be a more serious issue with a sensor or the system itself that needs professional diagnosis.
 
This video demonstrates how to reset the TPMS light in a Toyota Corolla: 48sSCC ToyotaYouTube · Oct 12, 2023
1. Inflate tires to the correct pressure 

• Check the recommended PSI on the sticker located on the driver's side door jamb. 
• Use a tire pressure gauge to measure the current PSI when the tires are "cold" (before driving). 
• Inflate or deflate the tires until they reach the correct pressure. 
• Check the spare tire, as some vehicles have a sensor in the spare as well. 

2. Perform a TPMS reset 

• If your car has a reset button: Find the TPMS reset button, usually located on the instrument panel below the steering wheel. With the vehicle on and in park, press and hold the button until the light flashes, then release it. 
• If your car uses the infotainment system: Press the "Home" or "Menu" button, then navigate to "Settings," "Vehicle," and find the "TPMS" or "Tire Pressure Calibration" option. Select the "Calibrate" or "Reset" option. 
• If your car has no reset button or menu option: A different method may involve inflating all tires to slightly above the recommended pressure, then letting all the air out before reinflating to the correct PSI. 

3. Drive to complete the reset 

• After resetting, drive your car for 10–20 minutes at speeds between 30 and 60 mph. 
• This allows the system to recalibrate and should automatically turn the light off once the new pressure is registered. 

If the light remains on

• A low battery in a sensor: If a sensor has a low battery, the light may stay on and the sensor will need to be replaced. 
• A faulty sensor or system: The system may have a faulty sensor, a wiring issue, or another electronic fault. 
• Interference: Some cheap USB chargers can interfere with the TPMS signal. Try unplugging any USB adapters and see if the light goes away after a few restarts. 
• Professional diagnosis: If the light still won't turn off, the TPMS sensors may need to be diagnosed and replaced by a professional. A mechanic can also use a diagnostic tool to clear any stored trouble codes, notes YouTube. 

Is disabling TPMS illegal?

Yes, in the U.S., it is illegal for a repair shop to disable a functional Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) because it's mandated for all new vehicles sold since 2008. While it is not explicitly illegal for an owner to disable it in all states, doing so can lead to issues with vehicle inspections and resale, and it removes a safety feature designed to alert you to low tire pressure. 
Legality

• Manufacturers and repair shops: It is illegal for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, and repair businesses to knowingly make a functioning TPMS inoperative, due to a provision in the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. 
• Vehicle owners: While some sources say it's not illegal for an owner to disable the system in certain states, the lack of a functional TPMS could cause a vehicle to fail inspections, especially since the law requires all new vehicles to have one. 

Risks of disabling TPMS

• Safety hazard: The primary purpose of TPMS is to alert you to low tire pressure, which can lead to accidents if not addressed. 
• Vehicle inspection failure: Disabling the system may cause a vehicle to fail state inspections. 
• Reduced resale value: Potential buyers may be concerned about the safety and maintenance implications of a disabled TPMS, which can lower your vehicle's resale value. 
• Voided warranty: Disabling the system could void your vehicle's warranty. 

Can TPMS be reset manually?

Yes, you can reset your TPMS yourself, but the process varies by vehicle. First, check that all tires are inflated to the correct pressure, which is listed on the driver's side door jamb. Then, look for a physical reset button, check your car's infotainment system for a "TPMS calibration" option, or perform a specific procedure like disconnecting the battery or overinflating and deflating the tires. After performing the reset, you may need to drive for a short time for the system to fully recalibrate. 
Before you begin

• Check tire pressure: Park on a level surface and use a pressure gauge to check that all four tires (and the spare, if applicable) are at the manufacturer's recommended PSI, found on the sticker on the driver's side door jamb or in your owner's manual. 
• Wait for tires to cool: Ensure your tires are cool for an accurate reading. 

This video shows how to check tire pressure and reset the TPMS system: 47sHondaYouTube · May 15, 2019
DIY reset methods
Method 1: Use a dedicated reset button 

1. Ensure the ignition is turned to the "ON" position without starting the engine. 
2. Locate the TPMS reset button. It is often a small button with a TPMS icon, typically found under the dashboard to the left of the steering wheel, in the glove box, or on the center console. 
3. Press and hold the button until the TPMS warning light blinks three times, then release it. 
4. Start the car and drive for a few minutes. The light should turn off. 

This video demonstrates how to use the TPMS reset button on a vehicle: 1mApple DrainsYouTube · Oct 5, 2012
Method 2: Use the infotainment or dashboard menu 

1. Navigate to the "Settings" menu on your infotainment screen. 
2. Find the "Vehicle" settings and look for a "TPMS calibration" or "Tire pressure" option. 
3. Select "Calibrate" to start the process. 
4. Drive for about 20–30 minutes at speeds between 30–60 mph to allow the system to complete the recalibration. 

Method 3: Try a "re-learn" procedure (some vehicles) 

1. Turn the ignition to "ON" and press the "Info" or "Check" button until the display says "Press CHECK button to relearn tire positions". 
2. Press the "CHECK" button to start the relearn procedure. 
3. The system will signal which tire to start with (e.g., the driver's front tire). 
4. Let air out of that tire for about 5 seconds, or until the horn beeps to confirm the system has registered it. 
5. Repeat this for the other three tires in the correct sequence. 

This video explains how to perform the TPMS relearn procedure, which involves deflating and inflating the tires: 1mlmfscrewYouTube · Jun 28, 2020
If the light remains on

• Check your owner's manual: Your car's manual will have the most accurate instructions for your specific make and model. 
• Consider sensor failure: The TPMS sensors have a lifespan of about 7-10 years. If the light comes on shortly after a reset, one or more of the sensors may have failed and will need to be replaced. 
• Visit a professional: If you cannot get the light to turn off after trying these methods, a professional can use a diagnostic tool to check the system and the sensors.