How do you reset the TPMS on a Ford Explorer?

A Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) reset on a Ford Explorer usually involves inflating all tires to the recommended cold pressures and completing a relearn, either by driving at highway speeds or through the vehicle’s settings menu. The exact method depends on the model year and trim, so check your owner’s manual if you’re unsure.

Understanding the relearn methods

Ford Explorers may use either a drive-based relearn or a manual, touchscreen-based relearn. The availability of these options varies by year and software version, so your approach may differ from another driver’s.

There are two common relearn methods used by Ford Explorer models. The following sections outline both approaches.

• Drive-based relearn: Inflate tires to the specified pressures, then drive at highway speeds to teach the system the new sensor locations.


• Manual (touchscreen) relearn: Some model years allow initiating a TPMS relearn from the Settings menu (often under Vehicle or TPMS) and following on-screen prompts.

In practice, many late-model Explorers rely on a drive-based relearn, but some trims offer a convenient menu-based option. If you can’t locate a Relearn option on the touchscreen, use the drive-based method described below.

Drive-based relearn: step-by-step

1. Inflate all tires to the recommended cold pressures listed on the door jamb placard, including the spare if it’s part of your tire-sensor system.


2. With the ignition on and tires at ambient temperature, drive in normal traffic at highway speeds (typically around 50 mph or higher) for about 10 minutes to complete the relearn.


3. Watch the TPMS indicator: it may flash briefly and then turn off once the relearn is successfully completed.


4. If the light stays on after driving, recheck all tire pressures and inspect for damaged or faulty sensors; seek dealer assistance if needed.

Note: A drive-based relearn is generally the standard method after tire rotation or replacement. If you’ve recently changed tires but cannot achieve a proper relearn, consult a tire shop or Ford dealer for sensor programming.

Manual touchscreen relearn (where available)

1. Confirm every tire is inflated to the vehicle’s recommended cold pressures.


2. Access the center touchscreen and navigate to Settings > Vehicle > TPMS (or Tire Monitoring) > Relearn, then follow the on-screen prompts.


3. Complete the on-screen instructions, which typically include driving at a moderate speed for a short period to finish the relearn.


4. Once the process completes, verify that the TPMS light is off; if it remains illuminated, perform a pressure check again or seek professional assistance.

Not all Explorer models support a touchscreen relearn. If you don’t see a Relearn option, rely on the drive-based method described above.

What to do if the TPMS won’t reset

If you’ve tried inflating to the correct pressures and completed the relearn procedure but the TPMS light remains on, consider the following steps: re-check tire pressures after a cooling period, inspect for sensor damage or battery failure, verify that the correct sensors are mounted on the tires, and consult a Ford dealer or qualified tire technician for sensor programming or replacement.

Summary

Resetting the TPMS on a Ford Explorer hinges on model year and available features. Start by inflating all tires to the recommended cold pressures, then perform a relearn using either a drive-based method or the touchscreen option if your model supports it. Drive-based relearns typically involve driving at highway speeds for about 10 minutes, while touchscreen relearns require following on-screen prompts. If the TPMS light remains on after these steps, seek professional service to diagnose sensor or system issues. Regular maintenance and proper tire pressures help maintain accuracy and safety on the road.

How do I manually reset my Ford TPMS?

To reset your Ford's TPMS, first ensure all tires are inflated to the correct pressure listed on the driver's side door jamb. Then, enter the reset mode by either using the dashboard button (if equipped) or by a sequence of ignition and brake pedal presses. Finally, activate each tire's sensor one by one, starting with the front-left, by decreasing the air pressure until the horn honks. 
Method 1: Using a TPMS button on the dashboard
This video demonstrates how to reset the TPMS using the dashboard button on a Ford: 1mHondaYouTube · May 15, 2019

1. Inflate all tires to the correct pressure. 
2. Turn the ignition to the "On" position (engine off). 
3. Press and hold the TPMS button, usually located on the steering column or left of the steering wheel, until the TPMS indicator light flashes twice. 
4. Drive for at least 20 minutes at speeds between 30 and 60 mph for the calibration to complete. 

Method 2: Using the key cycle and brake pedal
This method works for many models, including those with push-button start. 
This video shows how to enter the TPMS training mode using the key and brake pedal sequence on a Ford: 53sShaners Mechanic LifeYouTube · Mar 19, 2023

1. Inflate all tires to the correct pressure. 
2. Press the brake pedal and hold it. 
3. Turn the ignition from Off to Run, three times in a row, ending in the "Run" position. 
4. Release the brake pedal. 
5. The horn will sound once, and the "Train Left Front Tire" message will appear on the display. If not, repeat these steps. 
6. Use a tire pressure gauge to release air from the left-front tire's valve stem until the horn chirps once. 
7. Repeat this process for the right-front, right-rear, and left-rear tires, in that order. 
8. The process is complete when you hear the horn for the last tire. If the horn beeps twice at any point, the procedure failed, and you need to start over. 

Method 3: Using hazard lights (for some models) 
This video shows how to reset the TPMS by flashing the hazard lights on a Ford Transit van: 56sThe OCD RepairmanYouTube · Nov 20, 2023

1. Inflate tires to the correct pressure. 
2. With the ignition on and engine running, turn the hazard lights on and off three times within a 10-second window. 
3. The horn will chirp once to indicate you have entered training mode. 
4. Follow the on-screen prompts to train each tire by deflating the air until the horn honks, starting with the left-front tire. 

Where is my TPMS reset button?

Your TPMS reset button is likely located under the steering wheel on the driver's side, but it can also be on the center console, in the glove box, or accessed through the vehicle's display menu. The exact location varies by make and model, so you should consult your car's owner's manual for specific instructions.
 
How to find the button

• Look for a physical button: Check the area under the steering wheel, often to the left of the steering column. 
• Explore the center console or glove box: The button may be on the dashboard near the center console or inside the glove box. 
• Check the dashboard menu: On newer cars, the reset is often done through the vehicle's information display or touchscreen. You may need to press a "Menu," "Settings," or "Vehicle" button to find "TPMS Calibration" or a similar option. 
• Consult your owner's manual: This is the most reliable way to find the button or understand the reset procedure for your specific vehicle. 

After you find the button

• With the ignition on (but the engine off), press and hold the button until the TPMS light flashes three times. 
• Start the car: and wait about 20 minutes for the sensor to reset itself. 

Where is the TPMS reset button on a Ford Explorer?

To reset the TPMS on a Ford Explorer, you first need to inflate all tires to the correct pressure and ensure the car is in park. Then, turn the ignition to the "On" position without starting the engine and press and hold the TPMS reset button (often located under the steering wheel) until the indicator light flashes three times. For models without a physical button, you can perform the calibration through the vehicle's touchscreen display by navigating to Settings > Vehicle > TPMS Calibration. After initiating the reset, drive the vehicle for about 20 minutes at a speed of 50 mph or higher to complete the process. 
This video demonstrates how to locate the TPMS reset button and perform the reset procedure on a Ford Explorer: 59sUsedFieroPartsYouTube · Sep 1, 2024
Using the TPMS reset button (2011-2019 models)

1. Inflate all tires to the pressure recommended on the sticker inside the driver's side door jamb. 
2. Turn the ignition key to the "On" position (do not start the engine). 
3. Press and hold the TPMS reset button, usually located under the steering wheel on the left side, until the TPMS indicator light blinks slowly three times. 
4. Start the car and drive for about 20 minutes at a speed of 50 mph or higher to complete the reset process. 

Using the touchscreen (2020 and newer models) 

1. Inflate all tires to the correct pressure.
2. Turn the ignition to the "On" position and ensure the transmission is in Park.
3. Press the "Home" button on the touchscreen.
4. Navigate to Settings > Vehicle > TPMS Calibration and select Calibrate.
5. Drive the vehicle for about 30 minutes at speeds between 30 and 60 mph to complete the calibration. 

How to put Ford into TPMS relearn?

Ford TPMS Relearn Procedure
Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position. Then, press and release the brake pedal. Cycle the ignition switch from the OFF position to the RUN position three times, ending in the RUN position. Press and release the brake pedal.