What does TPMS mean on an Acura TSX?
On an Acura TSX, TPMS stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System. It is designed to watch the air pressure in each tire and alert you if a tire is significantly underinflated or, in some cases, overinflated, helping you maintain safety and fuel efficiency.
How TPMS Works on the Acura TSX
The TSX may use either a direct or an indirect TPMS configuration, depending on the model year and trim. Both approaches share the same core goal: warn you when tire pressures deviate from the recommended level.
Direct TPMS vs Indirect TPMS
There are two main configurations that could be used on a TSX, depending on year and trim.
- Direct TPMS: Each wheel has a sensor that measures air pressure (and often temperature) and transmits it wirelessly to a central controller. The system displays per-tire data and triggers a warning when any tire drops below the preset threshold. This approach provides specific readings for each tire and can detect slow leaks sooner, but the sensors and their batteries can wear out over time.
- Indirect TPMS: Instead of wheel-mounted pressure sensors, the system uses the vehicle’s ABS/wheel-speed sensors to infer underinflation by detecting differences in wheel rotation. It’s less hardware-intensive and can be cheaper to repair, but it doesn’t give you precise per-tire pressures and may be less responsive to gradual leaks.
In either case, the system is designed to alert you when tire pressures aren’t within the manufacturer’s recommended range. This threshold is commonly around 25% under the recommended cold pressure, but exact values are specified for your vehicle in the owner’s manual and on the door jamb placard.
What the TPMS Warning Means and What to Do
When the TPMS detects a tire out of spec or a sensor fault, it usually lights up a warning on the dashboard. Your next steps depend on the tire condition and the urgency of the situation.
Warning light on the dashboard
The following steps help you respond when the TPMS warning is illuminated.
- Check all tires with a trusted tire gauge to verify actual pressures. Don’t forget the spare if you have a full-size spare you might use for road service.
- Inflate each tire to the manufacturer’s recommended cold pressure, which you’ll find on the driver’s door jamb placard or in the owner's manual.
- Recheck the tire pressures after inflation. If the warning light goes out, you’re likely back within range. If it remains on, there may be a slow leak, a damaged tire, or a faulty TPMS sensor.
- Inspect tires for obvious damage, punctures, or slow leaks. If you can’t locate a cause or the pressure won’t hold, seek professional inspection and repair promptly.
Inflating tires to the proper cold pressure and checking for leaks are essential first steps. If the light persists after proper inflation, there could be a sensor fault or a system relearn is required following a tire service or wheel change.
Resetting or relearning TPMS on the TSX
After rotating tires, replacing sensors, or correcting a tire issue, you may need to reset or relearn the TPMS. Procedures vary by year and trim, so consult the owner’s manual for the exact method. The general approach commonly encountered in many Acura/Honda vehicles includes one or more of the following:
- Ensure all tires are inflated to the recommended pressures, then drive the car at steady speeds (often 30–50 mph or higher) for several minutes to allow the system to relearn.
- Some models provide a TPMS reset option via a button or menu in the multi-information display. If present, follow the on-screen prompts or the button sequence described in the manual.
- If tire service was performed, a relearn sequence is often required after the vehicle is stationary for a period or after the ignition sequence is completed. Always confirm with the owner’s manual for the exact steps.
Because TPMS relearn procedures can differ between model years and trims, check the specific instructions in your TSX’s owner’s manual or contact a qualified technician if you’re unsure. A correct relearn ensures the system accurately tracks tire pressures going forward.
Practical Tips for Maintaining TPMS Health
Regular maintenance helps ensure the TPMS functions reliably and your tires wear evenly. Here are practical steps to keep the system in good working order.
- Check tire pressures at least once a month and before long trips, using a reliable gauge and the recommended cold pressures.
- Monitor for changes in the warning light’s behavior. If it stays on after inflating tires, or if it flickers, have the system inspected for sensor faults or wiring issues.
- Have sensor batteries replaced as needed in direct TPMS models; indirect TPMS typically doesn’t involve sensor maintenance, but calibration issues can still arise after tire changes or wheel service.
- Avoid continuing to drive on visibly underinflated tires; underinflation can cause poor handling, increased wear, and reduced fuel economy.
By keeping tires properly inflated and ensuring the TPMS is correctly learned after any service, you’ll maximize safety, performance, and tire life on your Acura TSX.
Summary
TPMS on an Acura TSX stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System. Depending on the model year, it may be direct (wheel-mounted sensors) or indirect (ABS-based sensing). The system alerts you when tire pressure falls outside the recommended range, prompting you to check and adjust pressures and inspect for damage. If the warning persists or after tire work, follow the manual’s reset or relearn steps to restore accurate monitoring. Regular tire pressure checks and timely maintenance ensure the TPMS and tires work together to keep you safe on the road.
Can I still drive my car if the TPMS light is on?
You can drive short distances with a TPMS light on, but you should not continue driving without addressing the issue, as it indicates low tire pressure which can be a safety risk. Driving with underinflated tires can lead to poor handling, reduced braking, uneven tire wear, decreased fuel efficiency, and in the worst case, a tire blowout.
This video explains why it's dangerous to drive with the TPMS light on: 1mABC11YouTube · Dec 13, 2017
What to do when the TPMS light is on
- Reduce speed and pull over: As soon as it's safe, pull over to check your tires.
- Check tire pressure: Use a reliable tire gauge to check the pressure in all four tires and compare it to the recommended pressure on the sticker on your driver's side doorframe or in your owner's manual.
- Inflate tires: Add air to any tires that are low. The light should turn off after driving a short distance as the system resets.
- If the light is blinking: A blinking light often means there is a malfunction with the TPMS system itself, not just low pressure. You should have the system inspected and repaired by a professional as soon as possible.
Why you shouldn't ignore the TPMS light
- Safety: Low tire pressure affects your vehicle's handling and braking, making it more difficult to control, especially in emergencies.
- Tire damage: Driving on underinflated tires can cause them to overheat and wear down unevenly and prematurely.
- Fuel efficiency: Your car's fuel efficiency decreases when tires are not properly inflated.
- Blowout risk: In severe cases, the stress and heat from driving on severely underinflated tires can lead to a catastrophic tire failure.
How do you reset the TPMS on a Acura TSX?
To reset the Acura TSX's TPMS, first ensure all tires are correctly inflated, then calibrate the system either by pressing and holding a button near the steering column or through the display audio menu. If the light remains on, drive the car at speeds over 50 mph for at least 10 minutes for the system to automatically recalibrate.
Before you begin
- Inflate all tires to the pressure specified on the sticker in the driver's side door jamb.
- Note that the spare tire is not monitored by the TPMS system.
Method 1: Using the TPMS reset button
- Find the TPMS reset button, which typically has a TPMS icon, located to the left of the steering column.
- Turn the ignition to the "on" position (do not start the engine).
- Press and hold the TPMS button until the TPMS indicator light on the instrument panel blinks twice, indicating calibration has started.
- Alternatively, some models may require holding the button until the light blinks three times.
Method 2: Using the display audio system
- Press the "Home" button on the audio unit.
- Navigate to "Settings," then "Vehicle," and finally "TPMS Calibration".
- Touch "Calibrate" to start the process.
After calibration
- Drive the vehicle for a while. The system will need time to recalibrate. For display audio models, this can take up to 30 minutes at speeds between 30-60 mph.
- If the light is still on after a drive, it may mean there's still an issue. Consider taking it to a dealer for a diagnosis.
This video shows how to use the TPMS reset button: 57sFisher AutoYouTube · Mar 10, 2022
Troubleshooting if the light stays on
- If you have a button, try the process again. If you have a display audio system, check the correct path to TPMS calibration.
- Drive the car at speeds over 50 mph for at least 10 minutes. This can help the system reset.
You can watch this video to learn how to reset the oil life for a similar procedure: 58sBlu-TSXYouTube · Apr 19, 2015
What does the check TPMS system mean on an Acura TSX?
Any time that the TPMS warning light comes ON, there is a possible low tire pressure condition. Tire pressure can drop due to cold conditions, and this drop in pressure may cause the TPMS light to come ON. As the tire warms up under normal driving conditions, the light may turn OFF.
Why is my TPMS light on but tires are fine?
Your TPMS light may be on despite your tires being properly inflated due to a malfunctioning sensor, a dead sensor battery, a recent tire rotation, or extreme weather conditions. A sensor can become damaged from impacts or age, a dead battery can prevent it from sending a signal, and in cold weather, air contracts, which can trigger the warning. A recent tire rotation might also cause a temporary alert that requires a reset.
This video explains some common reasons why your TPMS light might be on even if your tires appear to be fine: 58sFixITYouTube · Jan 18, 2025
Common reasons for the TPMS light to stay on
- Sensor Malfunction: The sensor itself can be faulty due to age, damage from impacts, or corrosion, causing it to send false readings.
- Dead Sensor Battery: Each TPMS sensor has a small battery that typically lasts 5 to 10 years before it needs replacement.
- Weather Changes: Cold temperatures cause air to contract, leading to a drop in tire pressure that can trigger the light even if the tires appear fine.
- Recent Tire Rotation or Replacement: If the tires were recently rotated or replaced, the system may need a few miles of driving or a manual reset to recognize the new tire positions.
- Valve Stem Issues: A slow leak from the valve stem can cause the pressure to drop gradually, keeping the light on.
- Improperly Inflated Spare: If you recently used your spare tire and didn't inflate it, the system may trigger the light.
You can watch this video to learn how to check your TPMS settings and perform a manual reset: 52sHondaYouTube · May 15, 2019
What to do
- Check all tires and the spare: Use a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure in all four tires and the spare. Inflate them to the recommended pressure listed on the sticker inside your driver's side door jamb.
- Drive for a few minutes: After inflating the tires, drive the vehicle for 10-20 miles to give the system time to recalibrate. Some systems will reset automatically, while others may require a manual reset.
- Perform a manual reset: Some vehicles have a "TPMS Reset" button, often located in the glove box or on the dashboard. Pressing and holding this button for a few seconds may resolve the issue.
- Seek professional help: If the light remains on, take your vehicle to a professional to diagnose the problem. A mechanic can pinpoint a faulty sensor or a slow leak that is not immediately visible.
