What is the Honda TPMS system?

The Honda Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is a safety feature that monitors each tire’s air pressure and warns you when it’s too low, helping you maintain proper inflation and avoid tire problems. In most newer Hondas, this is a direct TPMS with sensors in each wheel that report real-time pressure to the vehicle’s instrument cluster. Some older or budget trims may use an indirect TPMS approach that estimates pressure from wheel speed data.

Overview of how TPMS works in Honda vehicles

In Honda’s modern lineup, TPMS primarily relies on wheel-mounted sensors that continuously measure tire pressure and sometimes temperature. The system compares these readings to the vehicle’s target pressures and triggers warnings if any tire is underinflated beyond a preset threshold or if a sensor fault is detected. Depending on the model, you may also be able to view individual tire pressures on the dash display.

Direct TPMS vs Indirect TPMS

Direct TPMS uses physical sensors installed in each tire’s air valve, transmitting pressure data to the TPMS control unit. Indirect TPMS uses ABS wheel-speed sensors to infer underinflation by detecting differences in tire circumferences. Honda has shifted toward direct TPMS in most recent models, but some markets or older trims may still employ indirect TPMS.

What the TPMS warning means

A TPMS alert typically indicates one or more tires are underinflated beyond the threshold (usually around 25% below the recommended cold pressure). It can also signal a sensor fault or battery issue with a wheel sensor. Depending on the model year, you may see a single warning light or a listing of each tire’s pressure on the information display.

Key features of Honda TPMS

Here are the core capabilities you should expect from Honda’s TPMS in most models:

• Direct tire pressure sensing with wheel-mounted sensors in each tire


• Wireless data transmission to the TPMS control unit and the instrument cluster


• Display of individual tire pressures on supported models


• Low-pressure alerts and sensor fault detection


• Calibration after tire rotation, replacement, or sensor service


• Sensor batteries typically last several years; sensors are not user-replaceable

With direct TPMS in place, drivers receive precise readings and timely alerts to prevent underinflation and related tire issues.

Understanding potential variations

Some Honda models, especially older or budget trims in certain markets, rely on indirect TPMS. Here is how to distinguish and what it means:

• Direct TPMS provides actual tire pressures from sensors in each tire


• Indirect TPMS estimates pressure by monitoring wheel speeds and tire circumferences


• Honda’s global lineup has generally migrated to direct TPMS in recent years, but always check your model/year manual

Knowing which type your Honda uses helps you interpret warnings and maintenance requirements accurately.

Practical tips: reading and resetting TPMS

To ensure the system remains accurate after tire maintenance, use these practical steps:

• Check all tire pressures with a reliable gauge and inflate to the cold pressures shown on the door jamb sticker


• After inflating, drive for several minutes at normal speeds to allow the system to update


• If the TPMS warning persists after inflation, a calibration or reset may be required


• For models with a TPMS calibration option, access it via Settings > Vehicle > TPMS Calibration (the exact path can vary by model)

Always refer to the owner's manual for model-specific steps and button locations; many Hondas require either a dedicated TPMS button or a menu-based reset.

Troubleshooting common alerts

When TPMS alerts appear, here are common causes and quick checks:

• Tire underinflation due to a slow leak or temperature changes — recheck after inflating


• Sensor battery failure or a damaged sensor — may require service and sensor replacement


• Post-rotation or post-tender tire changes — calibration may be needed


• Fault codes or dash indicators — diagnostic at a Honda service center

Regular checks and timely calibration help ensure TPMS accuracy and reliability, supporting safer driving and better fuel efficiency.

Summary

Honda’s TPMS helps drivers maintain proper tire inflation by monitoring pressure with either direct wheel sensors or, in some cases, an indirect method. Modern Hondas largely use direct TPMS, offering precise readings and individual tire pressure displays, along with calibration requirements after tire work. For model-specific steps, icon meanings, and calibration procedures, consult your owner’s manual or a Honda-certified technician. Regularly checking tire pressures and performing necessary resets keeps the system effective and your tires safer.

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. 

Can I replace a TPMS sensor myself?

Yes, you can replace a TPMS sensor yourself, but it requires specialized tools and knowledge, and the process can be more difficult than it appears, especially without a tire machine to break the bead of the tire. The process involves removing the wheel, deflating the tire, breaking the tire bead to access the sensor, replacing the sensor, and then re-inflating and re-training the new sensors. 
Steps for replacing a TPMS sensor
This video demonstrates how to replace a TPMS sensor yourself: 57sklowny1969YouTube · Jan 24, 2019

1. Safety first: Park on a flat surface, engage the parking brake, and wear safety glasses and gloves. 
2. Remove the wheel: Use a lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts, then use a jack and jack stands to lift the vehicle and remove the wheel. 
3. Deflate the tire: Use a valve core removal tool to let all the air out of the tire. 
4. Break the tire bead: This is the most difficult part without special equipment. You can use a tire machine or manually break the bead by using leverage with tools like a 2x6 piece of wood to push the tire away from the rim. 
5. Remove the old sensor: Once the tire bead is broken, you can access the sensor behind the valve stem and unscrew the nut that holds it in place. Some sensors have a thicker rubber stem that is pushed through the hole and may require a special tool to remove. 
6. Install the new sensor: Screw the new sensor into place, making sure to tighten it properly to avoid damage. 
7. Re-mount the tire: With the new sensor in place, it's time to put the tire back on the rim. This is often done by hand or with a tire machine. 
8. Inflate the tire: Fill the tire to the correct pressure as listed on the driver's side door jamb. 
9. Re-train the sensors: The new sensor needs to be programmed or "re-trained" to the vehicle's computer. This process varies depending on the make and model of the vehicle and often requires a special TPMS tool to get the system to recognize the new sensors. 
10. Re-install the wheel: Put the wheel back on the vehicle, lower it, and tighten the lug nuts. 
11. Check tire balance: Some DIYers claim you can skip re-balancing if you put the tire back in the same position, but others recommend re-balancing the tire for safety and a smoother ride. 

Considerations before replacing a TPMS sensor yourself

• Tools needed: You will need a TPMS programming tool and a valve core removal tool, as well as a jack, lug wrench, and tire iron. 
• Difficulty: Breaking the tire bead manually can be challenging, especially with certain types of tires, such as all-season tires. 
• Cost: While you can save money on labor by doing it yourself, you still need to purchase the replacement sensors. 
• Vehicle compatibility: Ensure you purchase the correct sensor for your vehicle, as some universal sensors may not be compatible with all makes and models and could cause false alerts. 
• Tire balancing: If the wheel is not re-balanced after replacing the sensor, the tire may not be balanced properly, which can lead to vibrations at higher speeds and a shorter tire lifespan. 
• Safety: Always prioritize safety. Work in a well-lit area and use caution when using a jack and other tools. 

How does the Honda TPMS system work?

Honda's Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) works by using either indirect or direct methods to alert you to low tire pressure. Indirect systems (common on recent models like the Civic and Accord) use the car's ABS wheel-speed sensors to estimate tire pressure based on wheel-rotation speed. Direct systems use physical sensors inside each tire that transmit actual pressure readings. When pressure is too low, a dashboard light will illuminate to warn you to add air.
 
This video explains how Honda's indirect tire pressure monitoring system works: 49sHonda Canada Inc.YouTube · Dec 13, 2017
How Honda TPMS works

• Indirect TPMS:
  • This system doesn't have sensors in the wheels. 
  • It uses the ABS wheel-speed sensors to measure how fast each wheel is rotating. 
  • If a tire is underinflated, its diameter is smaller, and it will spin faster than the other tires. 
  • The car's computer detects this difference and triggers the TPMS warning light. 
  • This system requires a manual reset after inflating tires or rotating them. 
• Direct TPMS:
  • This system uses sensors mounted on the inside of each wheel, near the valve stem. 
  • These sensors directly measure the air pressure in each tire. 
  • They send the data wirelessly to the car's computer. 
  • The system can pinpoint exactly which tire has low pressure. 
  • After a tire is properly inflated, this system often recalibrates automatically after driving a short distance. 

What happens when the light comes on

• A low tire pressure light on the dashboard indicates that one or more tires are underinflated. 
• If the light is flashing, it indicates a more serious problem and you should get the tires inspected immediately. 
• You should check the tire pressure as soon as it is safe to do so and inflate them to the pressure listed on the placard inside the driver's side door jamb. 

Recalibrating the system

• If you have an indirect system, you must recalibrate it after adding air or rotating the tires. 
• For vehicles with a TPMS button: Press and hold the button (often with a tire-with-exclamation-point symbol) until the light on the dash flashes twice. 
• For vehicles with a touchscreen: Go to the "Settings" or "Vehicle" menu, select "TPMS Calibration," and then "Calibrate". 
• The system will recalibrate itself after you have driven the vehicle for about 30 minutes at speeds between 30 and 60 mph. 

What are common TPMS problems on Hondas?

Common TPMS Error Codes
Some common error codes you might encounter include “TPMS sensor not detected,” “TPMS sensor malfunction,” or “TPMS system failure.” These codes can appear on the dashboard or infotainment screen, or they may require a specialized scan tool to retrieve.