How do you reset the TPMS sensor on a Honda?
In most Honda vehicles, the tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS) will relearn automatically once the tires are inflated to the recommended pressures and you drive at highway speeds. If the light stays on or the system doesn’t relearn, you can take a manual step using the car’s settings or seek a diagnostic tool at a dealership or tire shop. The exact steps can vary by model and year, so consult your owner’s manual for details specific to your Honda.
How TPMS works in Honda vehicles
TPMS in Hondas uses wheel sensors to monitor tire pressure and alerts you when pressures fall outside the recommended range. After tire changes, rotations, or sensor replacement, the system may need to relearn the new sensor data to correctly reflect each tire’s status. Most newer Hondas offer both automatic relearn during normal driving and a manual calibration option through the vehicle’s settings or maintenance menu.
Automatic relearn by driving
Before attempting a manual reset, try the standard automatic relearn process. It relies on driving at a steady highway speed after correcting all tire pressures.
- Inflate all tires, including the spare if a full-size spare is used, to the recommended cold pressures shown on the driver’s door placard.
- Park with the vehicle off, then turn the ignition to the ON position (engine off) or to RUN as required by your model.
- Drive on a highway at roughly 50–60 mph (80–97 km/h) for 10–20 minutes to allow the TPMS sensors to relearn their positions.
- Observe the TPMS indicator: it should blink briefly and then stay off once the relearn is complete. If it remains on, proceed to a manual calibration or professional service.
Successful automatic relearn means no further action is required beyond keeping tire pressures correct. If the light persists after a highway drive, try a manual recalibration or consult a technician. Some models may require the vehicle to be in a specific menu state before the relearn can begin.
Manual TPMS calibration (when automatic relearn doesn’t occur)
On many current Honda models, you can initiate a TPMS calibration from the instrument cluster or touchscreen menu. If your model supports this, follow these steps. If not, you may need a diagnostic tool or dealer assistance.
- Ensure all tires are inflated to the recommended pressures on the door placard. Recheck visually for any slow leaks.
- Turn the ignition to ON (engine off) and access the vehicle’s TPMS calibration option via the menu. The path can vary, but common routes include Settings > Vehicle > TPMS Calibration or Vehicle Information > TPMS Calibrate.
- Select Initialize/Calibrate/Reset and confirm your choice. The system will prepare to relearn the sensors’ data.
- Drive at highway speed (around 50–60 mph / 80–97 km/h) for 10–20 minutes or as directed by your display to complete the relearn.
- If the indicator remains after the calibration drive, consult the owner’s manual or a tire shop for a sensor reprogram or possible sensor fault.
Manual calibration is especially helpful after tire service, sensor replacement, or a persistent TPMS warning when automatic relearn doesn’t engage. If you’re unsure of the exact menu path for your model, reference the infotainment manual or contact a Honda service center for guided steps.
What to do if the TPMS light stays on
If the TPMS warning remains illuminated after both automatic and manual relearn attempts, consider these next steps to diagnose common issues.
- Verify tire pressures once more and inspect tires for slow leaks, punctures, or damaged valves.
- Check for a damaged or missing sensor or battery failure in one or more wheels; sensor replacements may be needed.
- Ensure the spare tire (if it has a sensor) is properly inflated and included in the relearn process if applicable.
- Use a suitable TPMS scan tool or visit a tire shop or Honda dealer to perform a sensor relearn or programming, as some sensors require specialized equipment.
Persistent warnings may indicate a faulty sensor, a weak battery in a wheel sensor, or a need for software updating. A professional diagnostic can identify the exact cause and provide a remedy.
Model-specific notes
Because Honda models differ in TPMS interfaces and steps, always check your specific year and trim. The general principles—correct tire pressures, automatic highway relearn, and manual calibration via the vehicle’s TPMS menu—cover most recent Honda vehicles, but exact button names and menu paths can vary. If in doubt, consult your owner’s manual or contact a Honda dealership for precise instructions tailored to your car.
When to seek professional help
If you’ve exhausted DIY relearn methods and the TPMS light persists, you may have a faulty sensor, a damaged valve stem, or a failed wheel pressure sensor battery. A certified technician can perform a sensor reprogramming or replacement and verify system integrity with appropriate diagnostic tools.
Summary
Resetting a Honda TPMS typically involves ensuring correct tire pressures, then allowing the system to relearn automatically through normal driving. If automatic relearn doesn’t occur, use the vehicle’s TPMS calibration option in the settings or seek a professional tool-based relearn. After any tire service or sensor work, a recalibration is often necessary to reestablish accurate readings. For persistent warnings, a dealer or tire shop can diagnose and repair sensor or wiring issues to restore reliable TPMS performance.
How long does it take for a tire pressure sensor to reset a Honda?
Honda TPMS Calibration Process
Pressing the TPMS button that is located on your steering column will start the process. Hold down the button until you see the indicator light blink twice. You'll need to drive your vehicle for approximately thirty minutes to recalibrate the system.
How do I manually reset my TPMS sensor?
To manually reset your TPMS, first ensure all tires are inflated to the correct pressure, including the spare. Then, either hold down the TPMS reset button until the light blinks three times and drive for about 20 minutes, or disconnect the positive battery cable for a few seconds and reconnect it after honking the horn to discharge power. Many modern cars also allow you to reset the system through an option in the vehicle's infotainment or dashboard menu.
This video demonstrates how to reset the TPMS light by using the infotainment system: 51sHondaYouTube · Aug 7, 2023
Method 1: Using the reset button or infotainment system
- Inflate all tires to the recommended pressure listed on the sticker inside the driver's side door jamb.
- Locate the TPMS reset button, which is often under the steering wheel or in the glove box, or find the TPMS calibration option in your car's dashboard or infotainment system.
- With the ignition in the "On" position (but the engine not running), press and hold the reset button until the TPMS warning light blinks three times, or select "Calibrate" in the menu.
- Start the vehicle and drive for up to 20 minutes to allow the system to recalibrate.
Method 2: Disconnecting the battery
- Make sure the car is off, then use a wrench to disconnect the positive (+) battery terminal.
- Turn the car's ignition to the "On" position and honk the horn for about three seconds to drain any remaining power from the vehicle's electrical system.
- Reconnect the positive battery cable.
- Inflate your tires to the correct pressure, as this method may clear a warning light that came on after you correctly adjusted your tire pressure.
Method 3: Driving to recalibrate
- If your car has a specific TPMS reset button, use it first as described in Method 1.
- Drive at or above 50 mph for at least 10 minutes to allow the system to reset itself.
- If your vehicle has an option in the onboard menu, use it to start the calibration process, then drive for a few minutes at over 20 mph.
You can watch this video to learn how to program TPMS sensors without a tool for certain vehicles: 59sGregg FestoYouTube · Sep 12, 2022
Where is the TPMS reset button on a Honda?
The Honda TPMS reset button is often a physical button to the left of the steering wheel on older models, marked with the TPMS icon. On newer models, there is no physical button, and the reset is performed through the "Vehicle Settings" menu on the infotainment system's touchscreen.
For models with a physical TPMS button
- Ensure all tires are properly inflated and the parking brake is set.
- Turn the ignition to the "on" position, but do not start the engine.
- Press and hold the TPMS button to the left of the steering wheel.
- Release the button when the TPMS warning light on the dashboard blinks twice.
This video demonstrates how to reset the TPMS using a physical button on a Honda CR-V: 56sHonda InsiderYouTube · Sep 26, 2024
For models with a touchscreen (no physical button)
- Make sure all tires are properly inflated and the parking brake is set.
- Turn the ignition to the "on" position.
- Press the "Home" button on the touchscreen.
- Select "Vehicle Settings".
- Navigate to and select "TPMS Calibration".
- Select "Calibrate" to start the process.
This video shows how to reset the TPMS through the touchscreen menu on a Honda CR-V: 1mCrazy Honda ChrisYouTube · Nov 4, 2020
Does Honda TPMS reset automatically?
After ensuring your tires are properly inflated, drive your Honda CR-V at speeds above 50 mph for about 10 minutes. This allows the system to recalibrate and may reset the light automatically. Use the TPMS Reset Button: If the light persists after driving, locate the TPMS reset button.
