What is the TPMS on a Dodge Challenger?
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) on a Dodge Challenger is a sensors-and-computer system that continuously checks each tire’s inflation and warns you if any tire is underinflated or if there’s a system fault. In most modern Challengers, this is a direct TPMS with wheel-mounted sensors that transmit real-time pressure data to the vehicle’s computer and instrument cluster.
What TPMS is and how it works
TPMS is designed to help drivers maintain proper tire inflation, which affects handling, fuel efficiency, and tire wear. In the Challenger, the system is typically a direct TPMS, meaning each wheel has a pressure sensor that measures the actual air pressure inside the tire and transmits the data to the TPMS control module and the dash display. The vehicle compares each tire’s current pressure to the manufacturer’s recommended cold inflation pressure printed on the driver’s door placard. If a tire drops below the threshold or if a sensor data fault is detected, the TPMS warning light illuminates on the instrument cluster.
Direct TPMS vs Indirect TPMS
Direct TPMS uses physical pressure sensors in each wheel and provides an actual pressure reading for each tire. Indirect TPMS, by contrast, doesn’t measure pressure directly; it infers underinflation from differences in wheel speeds and tire circumferences detected by the ABS system. The Dodge Challenger lineup largely relies on a direct TPMS approach, which offers explicit tire pressures and sensor status, but some earlier or base configurations could rely on indirect methods. For precise behavior on your exact year and trim, consult the owner’s manual or a dealer.
- Direct TPMS components include wheel-mounted sensors, a TPMS control module, and the instrument cluster warning.
- The sensors monitor pressure (and sometimes temperature) and transmit data wirelessly to the vehicle.
- Sensor batteries have a finite life and may need replacement if a sensor fails or becomes inactive.
Understanding these mechanics helps explain why you’ll see a tire warning light when a tire is underinflated or when a sensor isn’t reading correctly. Regular tire inflation checks remain important even with TPMS, since the system serves as a safety reminder rather than a substitute for routine maintenance.
TPMS indicators in the Challenger
The Challenger’s instrument cluster uses familiar TPMS indicators to communicate with the driver. Knowing what these symbols mean can help you respond quickly and safely.
- Low tire pressure warning: a tire icon with an exclamation point or similar symbol appears when one or more tires are underinflated.
- TPMS fault or malfunction: a warning light indicates the system itself isn’t reading correctly, which may require service or sensor replacement.
- TPMS learn/relearn indicator: some trims show a relearn prompt when tires are rotated or replaced and sensors must be re-mapped to the wheels.
If the light stays on after you’ve inflated tires to the recommended cold pressures, or if it changes state (flickers or remains lit) without a clear tire pressure issue, a sensor or module problem may exist and should be inspected by a professional.
Maintenance tips for TPMS
Keeping the TPMS accurate involves both tire maintenance and understanding how the system learns new sensors. Here are practical tips to keep TPMS reliable on your Challenger.
- Regularly check tire pressures when tires are cold and inflate to the vehicle’s door placard recommendations.
- Inspect tires for damage or leaks, since a rapidly changing or abnormal pressure can trigger the TPMS warning.
- Rotate and balance tires as scheduled, understanding that sensor learnings may be required after wheels are swapped or tires replaced.
- If you replace a tire or wheel, plan for a TPMS relearn so the new sensor is properly recognized by the system.
Following these practices helps prevent nuisance warnings and ensures the system provides accurate alerts when you truly need to adjust tire pressure.
TPMS relearn and tire changes
When you install a new tire or wheel, or if you’ve rotated tires among positions, most Challenger models require a TPMS relearn to re-associate each sensor with its wheel. The relearn procedure can vary by year and trim, so it’s best to follow the owner’s manual or have a dealer or tire shop perform it. The general idea is to wake up the sensors, put the system into learn mode, and then drive or operate the vehicle so the sensors’ IDs are registered by the TPMS module.
- Ensure all tires are inflated to the recommended cold pressures listed on the door placard.
- Turn the ignition to ON (engine off) and access the TPMS relearn option in the vehicle settings, if available, or locate the Learn/Reset procedure described in the manual.
- If your model uses a physical Learn button, locate it (often behind the glove box or near the driver’s side kick panel) and initiate the relearn; you may hear a confirmation chirp or see a notification on the dash.
- Drive the vehicle at a moderate speed for several minutes (often 10–20 minutes or the time specified by the manual) to complete the relearn; the TPMS light should extinguish once successful.
- If the light remains after relearn or you suspect a faulty sensor, have a professional diagnose with a scan tool, as some sensors may be damaged or have weak batteries.
Because exact steps can differ by year and trim, always refer to your Dodge Challenger’s owner’s manual for the precise relearn procedure and sensor location for your vehicle.
Summary
The TPMS on a Dodge Challenger is the built-in system that monitors tire inflation with wheel-mounted sensors (direct TPMS) or, less commonly, by indirect estimation. It warns you when tires are underinflated or when the system has a fault, helping maintain safety, handling, and fuel efficiency. Regularly check tire pressures, maintain proper inflation, and perform TPMS relearn after tire or wheel changes as guided by your manual or a qualified technician.
Where is the TPMS reset button on a Dodge Challenger?
The TPMS reset button on a Dodge Challenger is located to the left of the steering column, near the steering wheel, or sometimes hidden under the dashboard. If your model has a touchscreen display, the reset is done through the "Settings" > "Vehicle" > "TPMS Calibration" menu instead. After calibrating, the system may need to be driven for a while to fully reset.
This video demonstrates how to reset the TPMS using the steering column button on a Dodge Challenger: 1mHondaYouTube · May 15, 2019
If you have a physical button:
- Locate the button: Look for a button labeled with the TPMS icon to the left of the steering column or under the dashboard.
- Turn the ignition on: With the car in park and the parking brake set, turn the key to the "On" position but do not start the engine.
- Press and hold: Push and hold the button until the TPMS indicator light in the instrument cluster blinks twice.
- Release the button: Let go of the button after the light blinks.
If you have a touchscreen display:
- Navigate the menu: On the home screen, touch "Settings," then "Vehicle," and then "TPMS Calibration".
- Start the process: Select "Calibrate" to begin the process.
After resetting:
- Drive the vehicle: The system takes time to recalibrate. You may need to drive for up to 30 minutes at speeds between 30-60 mph for the process to complete.
If you can't find the button:
- Check the owner's manual for your specific model year.
- Look in the glove compartment or other areas under the dashboard.
This video shows the location of the TPMS fuse in a Dodge Challenger, which is a different system than the physical reset button: 1mElectrical Car Repair LIVEYouTube · Sep 12, 2022
What is the TPMS frequency for a Dodge Challenger?
433MHz
Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, Hellcat, SRT8 Upro TPMS Sensor 68406529AA 433MHz.
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.
What is the TPMS light on a Dodge Challenger?
An indicator light (low-line TPMS system) or each tire pressure will show on the dash (high-line TPMS system). When a sensor is replaced for one or more wheels of a Dodge Challenger, a TPMS relearn is recommended to transfer the new TPMS sensor IDs to the vehicle's ECU.
