What is the tire pressure warning on a Chevy Equinox?

The tire pressure warning on a Chevy Equinox is the TPMS indicator that alerts you when one or more tires are underinflated or when there is a TPMS fault. It’s designed to help you avoid underinflated tires, which can reduce fuel efficiency and increase the risk of tire damage.

Understanding the warning

The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) continuously monitors the air pressure in the vehicle’s four main tires. If any tire’s cold inflation pressure falls about 25% below the vehicle’s recommended pressure, the TPMS warning light on the dashboard will illuminate. In addition, a TPMS malfunction can trigger the warning if a sensor is faulty or if there’s an issue with the system itself. The warning lamp typically appears as a tire-shaped icon with an exclamation mark inside or a similar flat-tire symbol.

Common indicators you’ll see

These signs help distinguish between a simple low-pressure condition and a possible TPMS fault.

• A tire pressure warning light comes on after you’ve inflated to the recommended level, or remains on after inflation.


• The light may flash briefly after startup if the system detects a fault, then stay on.


• The light can accompany a message on the instrument cluster indicating which tire needs air or that TPMS is malfunctioning.

When the warning appears, address the cause promptly. Driving on underinflated tires can compromise handling, fuel economy, and tire life, and it may increase the risk of a blowout.

What to do when the warning appears

Before taking action, ensure tires are cold for an accurate pressure reading. If you’ve just driven, the readings may be higher than normal until the tires cool down.

What to check and how to address the warning:

• Check all four tires with a reliable pressure gauge to confirm their inflation levels.


• Inflate each tire to the cold-inflation specification printed on the driver’s door jamb placard or in the owner’s manual. Do not rely on the tire sidewall maximum pressure for daily driving.


• If the light goes off after inflating to the correct pressure, you’re done. If it remains on, try driving briefly (a few miles) to allow the TPMS to recalibrate. Some models require a specific reset procedure.


• Inspect tires for punctures, leaks, or damaged valves. If a tire can’t be held at the recommended pressure, have it repaired or replaced as needed.

If the warning persists after inflating to the correct pressures, or if the light flashes and then stays on, there may be a TPMS sensor fault or sensor battery issue. In that case, contact a Chevrolet service center for a diagnostic and possible sensor replacement.

Model-year specifics and TPMS reset

Recommended tire pressure sources

The exact cold-inflation pressure for your Equinox is shown on the driver’s door jamb placard and in the owner’s manual. Tire sizes and trim levels can affect the recommended pressure, so always use the placard value for accuracy. As a general reference, many Equinox models use a cold-pressure range around the mid-30s psi, but verify your vehicle’s spec for your tires.

Resetting or relearning TPMS

Some model years require a manual TPMS relearn or calibration after rotating tires, adjusting pressures, or replacing sensors. Common methods include navigating to Settings > Vehicle > TPMS > Calibrate (or Relearn) on the infotainment system, or driving at highway speeds for a short period to trigger automatic relearning. Always consult the owner’s manual for the exact procedure for your year and trim, since steps can vary.

Safety notes and practical tips

Regularly checking tire pressure, especially with seasonal temperature changes, helps maintain optimal handling and fuel economy. Remember that the TPMS monitors only the four primary tires; the spare is typically not monitored, so a tire in the spare may not trigger the warning if it becomes underinflated.

Summary

The Chevy Equinox tire pressure warning is the TPMS indicator that signals when tires are underinflated or when the system has a fault. Check and adjust tire pressures to the placard specification, inspect for leaks or damage, and perform any required TPMS reset procedures. If the light persists despite proper inflation, seek service to diagnose possible sensor or system faults.

Is it OK to drive with TPMS light on?

It is not safe to drive with a TPMS light on, as it indicates a tire is significantly underinflated (at least 25% below the recommended pressure). While you may be able to drive short distances, it's best to pull over as soon as possible to check your tire pressure with a gauge and inflate it to the recommended level. Ignoring the light can lead to uneven tire wear, poor handling, reduced fuel efficiency, and a dangerous tire blowout. 
This video explains why it's bad to drive with low tire pressure: 55sABC11YouTube · Dec 13, 2017
What to do when the TPMS light comes on

• Don't ignore it: The TPMS light is a warning about a potentially unsafe condition and should not be ignored. 
• Pull over safely: As soon as it is safe to do so, pull over to the side of the road. 
• Check your tire pressure: Use a tire pressure gauge to check the air pressure in all four tires. Check the recommended pressure on the sticker located on the driver's side door jamb or in your owner's manual. 
• Inflate if necessary: If a tire is low, inflate it to the recommended pressure. If it was just a minor temperature drop, this may resolve the issue. 
• If the light stays on: If the light remains on after you have filled the tires or if all tires are at the correct pressure, there may be a fault in the TPMS system itself. 
• See a mechanic: If the light continues to stay on, or if a tire consistently loses pressure, take your vehicle to a professional to have the system and tires inspected. 

How do you reset the tire pressure light on a Chevy Equinox?

To reset the Chevy Equinox tire pressure light, first, ensure all tires are properly inflated. If the light remains on, you can reset it by navigating to the "Tire Pressure" menu on the driver information center and holding the "Set/Reset" or "Check" button until the light flashes or you hear a chirp, which can take up to 20 minutes to clear after driving.
 
Before you begin

• Inflate all tires to the manufacturer's recommended pressure, which is typically found on a sticker in the driver's side doorjamb. 
• Ensure the ignition is in the "On" position and the parking brake is set. 

This video demonstrates how to perform a tire pressure reset on a Chevy Equinox: 49sDan’s Pro ShopYouTube · Jul 3, 2024
Reset procedure
If you have a button near the steering column 

1. Look for a button with the TPMS icon on the left side of the steering column. 
2. Push and hold this button until the TPMS indicator light in the instrument panel blinks twice. 

You can watch this video to see how to reset the TPMS using the button near the steering column: 21sDanTheCarManYouTube · Feb 2, 2016
If you have a display audio system or no button 

1. Press the Home button.
2. Tap Settings.
3. Select Vehicle.
4. Navigate to TPMS Calibration or a similar option.
5. Touch Calibrate. The system may take 30 minutes of driving at speeds between 30 and 60 mph to complete the calibration. 

This video shows how to reset the tire pressure indicator using the display audio system: 52sHondaYouTube · May 15, 2019
Alternative method for older models (2010-2020)

1. Turn the ignition on. 
2. Press the MENU button to select Vehicle Information in the DIC. 
3. Use the arrow keys to select Tire Pressure. 
4. Press the SET/CLR button to start the relearn procedure. 
5. When prompted, press SET/CLR again to select YES. 
6. A horn chirp and an "TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE" message will appear. 
7. Use a TPMS relearn tool to activate the sensor on the front-left tire. A single horn chirp will sound when successful. 
8. Repeat the process for the other three tires (front-right, rear-right, and rear-left). 
9. You will hear two horn chirps to indicate that the relearn process is complete. 

This video demonstrates the alternative reset procedure for older Chevy Equinox models: 56sToolBox TipzYouTube · Jul 25, 2023
If the light doesn't turn off

• Drive the vehicle at or above 50 mph for about 10 minutes; this may allow the sensor to reset on its own. 
• If the light remains on, there may be a problem with a sensor. It's best to take the vehicle to a dealership or a qualified mechanic to have it diagnosed. 
• A flashing tire pressure light may indicate a sensor battery is low or a sensor has been damaged. 

Why is my tire pressure light on when my tires are fine on my Chevy Equinox?

The TPMS light typically turns on due to a malfunctioning tire pressure sensor. If one or more sensors are not communicating properly, they will likely require replacement or reprogramming. Each sensor costs around $30, and most tire shops charge approximately $20 for installation and programming.

What is the tire pressure for a Chevy Equinox?

The recommended Equinox tire pressure is generally between 30 and 35 psi, with 35 psi being common for newer models. However, the exact PSI can vary by model year, tire size, and trim. Always check the sticker on the driver's side doorjamb or your owner's manual for the precise recommendation for your specific vehicle.
 
Where to find the correct tire pressure

• Driver's side doorjamb: Open the driver's door and look for a sticker on the pillar of the door frame.
• Owner's manual: Consult the manual for your specific model year. 

Why it's important

• Safety: Underinflated tires can lead to premature wear, overheating, and potential blowouts. 
• Performance: Correct tire pressure improves handling, traction, and fuel efficiency.