How to Reset a Tire Pressure Sensor

Since drivers do not all check the inflation pressure of their tires regularly or know how to check the tire pressure correctly, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rules require Tire Pressure Monitor Systems (TPMS) in all cars as of 2008 to help prevent tire blowouts while driving. Tire pressure sensors warn the driver with a message or a light if the tire pressure drops below a certain level. You must reset the tire pressure sensors when you rotate or replace your tires. Different vehicle makes have different ways to reset the sensor.

Things You'll Need

  • Tire gauge
  • Ignition key

Toyota

  • Use a tire gauge to make certain you inflate all four tires with the recommended tire pressure before resetting the sensor. Refer to the recommended tire pressure in the vehicle owner's manual or on a label inside the glove box.

  • Find the reset button inside the glove box.

  • Turn the ignition to the "On" position.

  • Press the reset button and hold it for three seconds. The system will reset when the TPMS warning light blinks three times.

  • Turn the ignition to the "Off" position after waiting five seconds to allow the TPMS to learn the new tire pressure readings.

2006 Volkswagen Jetta

  • Check all tires with your tire gauge to ensure you have them inflated according to the recommended tire pressure in the owner's manual.

  • Park the car for at least 20 minutes.

  • Drive the Jetta at 16 mph or more for at least seven minutes. This resets the TPMS. Notice the TPMS warning light go out when the TPMS learns the new pressure settings.

Ford

  • Check the tires before you reset the tire pressure sensor to ensure you inflated the tires with the suggested tire pressure according to the owner's manual.

  • Turn the ignition of your Ford to the "Off" position.

  • Press and release the brake pedal.

  • Switch the ignition from the "Off" position to "Run" three times. End in the "Run" position.

  • Press and release the brake pedal once again.

  • Turn the ignition to the "Off" position.

  • Switch the ignition from the "Off" position to "Run" position three times as you did before, ending in the "Run" position. The TPMS light will flash and the horn will beep if you performed this procedure correctly. If your vehicle has a message center, you will see "Train LF Tire" as the TPMS learns the new pressure settings. Then the message "Tire Training Complete" will appear on the display.

  • Turn the ignition to the "Off" position to verify the training's success if your vehicle does not have a message center. Repeat the entire procedure if the horn beeps twice after you turn the switch to the "Off" position.