Why is my TPMS light on in my Acura?
The TPMS light in an Acura usually means one or more tires are underinflated or there’s a problem with the Tire Pressure Monitoring System itself. Start by checking all tires to the vehicle’s recommended cold pressures, and if none are low, have the system diagnosed by a professional.
Understanding TPMS in Acura vehicles
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) in Acura cars can be either direct (sensors in each wheel report pressure) or, less commonly, indirect (uses ABS wheel-speed data to infer pressure). A direct TPMS will illuminate the warning when a tire drops below a predefined threshold, typically about 20-25% below the recommended cold pressure. An indirect TPMS can light up after a tire change, rotation, or if sensor measurements lose alignment. Temperature changes and driving conditions can also cause pressure to fluctuate enough to trigger the warning.
Common causes for the TPMS light
Here is a concise list of the most frequent reasons your Acura’s TPMS light might come on. If any of these apply, you can take targeted steps to verify and fix the issue.
- Low tire pressure in one or more tires
- TPMS sensor fault or a dead sensor battery in one or more wheels
- Recent tire rotation, replacement, or wheel change that requires a system relearn
- Tunctured or slow-leak tire not obvious on inspection
- Extreme temperature changes affecting tire pressure
- TPMS control module or wiring issue
When the light comes on, it’s important to check all tires, including the spare if your model supports monitoring it. If you inflate tires to the recommended pressures and the light stays on, the issue may be with a sensor, the control module, or the relearn process. A vehicle-specific diagnosis is often required.
How to diagnose and fix the issue
Before you dive into a shop visit, here is a practical, model-agnostic approach to diagnosing and fixing TPMS warnings on Acura models. The steps assume you’re dealing with a typical modern Acura that uses a four-wheel TPMS with a relearn option.
- Check tire pressures with a reliable gauge and compare them to the manufacturer’s recommended cold pressures found on the door jamb placard or owner’s manual.
- Inflate any underinflated tires to the recommended pressure. Remember to measure when the tires are cold (before driving or after at least three hours of not driving).
- Drive the car for 10–20 minutes at highway speeds to allow a possible auto-relearn if your model supports indirect or automatic relearning, and observe whether the light goes out on its own.
- If the light remains on, consult the vehicle’s TPMS relearn procedure. Some Acura models require a specific button sequence or a menu selection to initiate a “TPMS Learn” in the instrument cluster or infotainment system. Check the owner’s manual for exact steps.
- If relearning is not available or does not clear the light, inspect sensors visually for damage, corrosion, or loose valve stems, and consider having the sensors tested with a scan tool at a tire shop or dealership. A failed sensor battery or faulty sensor is a common culprit.
After completing these steps, if the TPMS light still glows, or if the tires show no pressure issues but the light remains, professional service is recommended. A technician can pull TPMS codes, verify sensor health, and perform a dedicated relearn or sensor replacement as needed.
When to seek professional help
There are scenarios where a pro should handle the issue rather than continuing to troubleshoot at home. If you inflated the tires to spec and the light stays on, if you notice a telltale leak in a tire, or if the warning persists after a relearn attempt, schedule service. A dealership or qualified tire shop can diagnose sensor faults, replace transmitters, or address electrical or module faults. Sensor battery life typically ranges several years and is a common reason for a persistent TPMS warning.
Tips for Acura owners by model year
While the general approach remains the same, the exact reset steps and relearn procedure can vary by model year and trim. Acura owners should consult their specific owner’s manual or the official service information for procedures tied to their model, whether it uses direct TPMS sensors or an indirect system. If you recently replaced tires or wheels, a relearn is almost always required.
Summary
The TPMS light in an Acura usually signals underinflation or a system fault. Start by checking all tires to the recommended cold pressures, inflate as needed, and attempt a relearn if your model supports it. If the light remains after these steps, or you suspect a sensor or module issue, have the system inspected by a professional to read TPMS codes and replace faulty sensors or perform the proper relearn. Regular maintenance and timely tire pressure checks help keep the system reliable and your vehicle safe on the road.
