Where is the TPMS reset button on Chevy Malibu?
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) reset on a Chevrolet Malibu usually doesn’t require a dedicated physical button on modern models. In many Malibus, the system learns automatically after tires are inflated to the correct pressure or is reset through the driver information center (DIC). If your Malibu does have a physical reset control, its location can vary by year and trim.
Does the Malibu have a dedicated TPMS reset button?
Not all Malibu models include a separate TPMS reset button. In newer generations, the reset is typically performed via the Driver Information Center (DIC) or by driving the vehicle at highway speeds after adjusting tire pressures. If you’re uncertain whether your specific year and trim has a physical button, check the owner’s manual or contact a dealer for confirmation.
Possible approaches you might encounter on different Malibu years are described below. Note that many owners will not find a standalone reset button and will rely on the learn process through the DIC or simple driving.
- There may be a small TPMS reset button located near the left side of the dash, often by the hood release lever. Some older GM models used this location, but it’s not universal in the Malibu lineup.
- Other years may omit any physical button entirely, placing TPMS relearn purely in the vehicle’s Driver Information Center (DIC) menus.
- In some trims, a recessed button labeled “TPMS” or “SET” can appear on the lower dash or near the steering column, though this is not guaranteed for all model years.
In short, check your specific model’s manual or consult a dealer to confirm whether a physical TPMS button exists on your Malibu. The general relearn methods apply regardless of whether a button exists.
How to reset via the Driver Information Center (DIC) or through driving
If your Malibu relies on the DIC or simple driving to relearn TPMS, follow these common steps. They are representative of current practice for many mid-2010s to 2020s Malibu models, but always verify with your manual for your exact year and trim.
- Inflate all tires to the recommended cold tire pressures listed on the door placard. Do not rely on warm readings after driving.
- Turn the ignition to ON with the engine OFF (or start the vehicle if your model requires it for the learn menu access).
- Access the Driver Information Center using the steering wheel controls. Navigate to Tire Pressure or Tire Monitor settings.
- Choose the option to Learn or Start Tire Pressure Monitor Learn. Confirm if prompted.
- Once the learn mode is active, drive at a steady speed of around 50 mph (80 km/h) or higher for about 10 minutes. The TPMS indicator should blink and then settle to solid once the relearn is complete.
- Once complete, pull over safely and turn off the vehicle, then restart to confirm the light remains off.
These steps reflect standard practice for relearning TPMS in many Chevrolet Malibus. If the light stays on after attempting the learn procedure, or if you don’t see a Learn option in the DIC, a tire shop or dealership can perform a relearn with their diagnostic tools.
What to do if the TPMS light stays on after attempting a relearn
If the TPMS warning persists after following the relearn procedure, try these checks before seeking professional help.
- Re-check all tire pressures to ensure they match the door placard values on each corner when cold.
- Inspect tires for punctures, slow leaks, or damaged valves that could keep pressures from stabilizing.
- Ensure a spare tire (if equipped with a TPMS) is properly inflated if your model uses a full-size spare with TPMS.
- Consider a professional TPMS scan tool check to verify sensors are functioning and the system is correctly programmed.
Failing TPMS reset can indicate a faulty sensor or a need for sensor programming, which a service center can verify and correct.
Summary
Most Chevy Malibu models today do not rely on a universal physical TPMS reset button. Instead, you’ll either use the Driver Information Center to initiate a Tire Learn or you’ll complete a relearn by driving at highway speeds after inflating tires to the recommended pressures. If your model does have a physical button, its location is not guaranteed across all years and trims, so consult your manual or a dealer. In all cases, ensuring correct tire pressures is the first and most important step, and if the warning persists, a professional inspection may be needed.
Where is the TPMS reset button on a Chevy?
There is no single TPMS reset button for all Chevy models; the location varies, but it is often found on the dashboard or steering wheel cluster. The reset procedure typically involves using the vehicle's driver information center (DIC) and the "set/reset" button, a trip odometer stem, or a dedicated button on the steering wheel, according to Express Chevrolet GMC and Capital One. For models from 2012 and newer, a special TPMS relearn tool is often required to activate each tire's sensor after the initial reset is initiated.
This video demonstrates how to reset the TPMS on some Chevy models: 59sTruck MasterYouTube · Apr 11, 2025
Common locations for the reset button or control
- Below the steering wheel: Look for a small button, often labeled "TPMS," under the steering column.
- Steering wheel controls: Some newer models use buttons or a scroll wheel on the steering wheel to access the TPMS menu in the driver information center.
- Instrument cluster: Check near the instrument cluster, where you might find a knob that you can press and turn to navigate through menus, as shown in this YouTube video.
- Trip odometer reset stem: In some cases, the trip odometer reset stem is used to navigate the menus and start the reset process, says TPMS Direct.
General reset procedure (consult your owner's manual for model-specific instructions)
- Enter "service mode" or turn the key to "On": Don't start the car. For a push-button start, hold the start/stop button without your foot on the brake for about five seconds. For a keyed ignition, turn the key to the "On" position.
- Locate and press the "relearn" or "reset" button: Use the buttons on your steering wheel or dashboard to navigate to "Tire Pressure," "TPMS Calibration," or "Relearn Tire Positions" in the driver information center (DIC).
- Start the learn mode: Press and hold the "set/reset" button or the trip odometer reset stem until the horn chirps twice and the "TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE" message appears.
- Use the TPMS relearn tool (if required): Start with the driver's side front tire. Hold the tool against the valve stem until the horn beeps, indicating the sensor has been learned. Repeat for all four tires in the correct order (e.g., front right, rear right, rear left).
- Finish the process: Turn the vehicle off, then restart it. The TPMS light should be off.
How to clear a tire pressure sensor light?
To reset a TPMS light, first inflate all tires to the correct pressure, then use your car's TPMS reset button, drive for a bit, or perform a full system reset by disconnecting the battery. If the light remains on after these steps, check the tire pressure again, inspect the sensors, or take it to a professional.
This video demonstrates how to reset the TPMS light on vehicles with a display audio system: 1mHondaYouTube · May 15, 2019
Method 1: Use the TPMS reset button
- Inflate tires: Ensure all tires are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended pressure.
- Turn the ignition on: Insert the key and turn the ignition to the "ON" position without starting the engine.
- Press the reset button: Locate the TPMS reset button (often near the steering wheel or on the dashboard) and press and hold it until the TPMS light blinks three times.
- Start the car: Start the vehicle and wait for the system to refresh, which can take about 20 minutes.
Method 2: Drive to reset
- Inflate tires: Make sure all tires are at the proper inflation level.
- Drive for at least 10 minutes: Drive the vehicle at a speed of 50 mph or higher for about 10 minutes. The system may reset automatically the next time you start the car.
Method 3: Perform a hard reset
- Disconnect the battery: With the car off, disconnect the positive battery cable using a wrench.
- Discharge the system: Turn the car on and press the horn for about three seconds to discharge any remaining power.
- Reconnect the battery: Reconnect the positive battery cable.
If the light stays on
- Double-check all tire pressures, including the spare.
- Visually inspect tires for any leaks or damage.
- Have the sensors checked, as one might be faulty.
- Take the vehicle to a professional for a diagnostic check.
How do you reset the TPMS on a Chevy without the tool?
For vehicles with the TPMS reset button instead, it's as simple as pressing and holding the TPMS button (under the steering wheel) until the yellow TPMS lights blink and turn off.
Why is my tire pressure light still on after filling tires on my Chevy?
Your Chevy's tire pressure light may still be on because the TPMS needs to be reset, the new pressure hasn't been read yet, or there is a problem with a sensor. You can try resetting the system by holding the TPMS button until the light blinks, then driving for about 20 minutes. If the light remains on, a faulty sensor is the most likely cause, which requires a mechanic to inspect and replace it.
Potential solutions
- Wait for the system to recalibrate: It can take a few minutes after filling the tires for the system to read the new pressure and turn the light off.
- Manually reset the TPMS: Find the TPMS reset button, which is often located under the steering wheel, and press and hold it until the light blinks a few times. You may need to consult your owner's manual to locate it. After resetting, drive for approximately 20 minutes for the system to recalibrate.
- Check for a slow leak: Even if you filled the tires, a slow leak could cause the pressure to drop again. Drive for a bit and re-check the pressure. If it's low again, you have a leak that needs to be repaired.
- Get the sensors inspected: A malfunctioning or damaged sensor is the most common reason the light stays on even when tires are properly inflated. Sensors can fail due to age, weather, or impact from a pothole. A mechanic can use a special tool to diagnose and replace a faulty sensor.
If the light is still on after trying these steps
- Take your vehicle to a dealership or a qualified mechanic for a professional inspection.
- A mechanic can check if any of the sensors have a bad battery or are physically damaged and need to be replaced.
