Where Is the TPMS Reset Button?
There isn’t a single place for it—because many newer vehicles don’t have a physical TPMS reset button at all. If your car does, it’s most commonly under the dashboard near the steering column or inside the glove box; otherwise, the reset is done through the instrument-cluster or infotainment settings. Below is a detailed guide to finding it—or performing a reset if your model uses menus instead of a button.
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What the TPMS Reset Button Does—and Whether Your Car Has One
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) alerts you when one or more tires are underinflated. Older and some budget models with “direct” TPMS (wheel sensors) sometimes include a physical reset button to reinitialize the system after adjusting pressures. Many vehicles from the mid-2010s onward dropped the physical button; they either auto-learn while you drive or provide a reset within vehicle settings. Models with “indirect” TPMS (uses ABS wheel-speed data) almost always use a menu-based reset, not a standalone button.
Common Places Automakers Put a Physical TPMS Reset Button
If your vehicle does have a physical button, these are the places owners most often find it. Look for a small button labeled “SET,” “TPMS,” or a tire/tire-exclamation icon.
- Under the dashboard near the steering column (low, left side of the driver’s footwell)
- Inside or along the edge of the glove box (sometimes behind a small access panel)
- Lower center console area or beneath the infotainment stack (rare on newer models)
- Side of the dashboard exposed when the driver’s door is open (behind a trim cap)
- Inside the fuse/relay kick panel cover (occasional on older Japanese models)
If none of these locations turn up a button, your car likely resets via the instrument cluster or infotainment menus—or it relearns automatically after proper inflation and driving.
How to Reset TPMS When There’s No Physical Button
Most late-model cars handle TPMS resets through on-screen menus or by automatically relearning after you set pressures correctly. The exact names vary by brand, but the flow is similar.
- Set cold tire pressures to the door-jamb placard (driver’s door). Don’t use the max PSI on the tire sidewall.
- Turn ignition to ON/run (engine can be off) and open the vehicle settings menu:
– Look for Vehicle, Settings, Driver Assist, or Tire Pressure. - Select TPMS Reset, Initialize, Calibrate, or Store pressures. Confirm when prompted.
- Drive at 30–50 mph for 10–20 minutes to complete relearn, unless your manual specifies otherwise.
If your system is fully automatic, simply inflating to the placard and driving steadily will clear the light after a few miles. Some trucks and SUVs require a sensor relearn tool; see your owner’s manual.
Brand-by-Brand Quick Guide (Recent Models)
Below are typical approaches for mainstream brands sold in the 2016–2025 timeframe. Exact steps vary by model and year; always verify with your owner’s manual or in-vehicle help.
- Toyota/Lexus: Older models may have a “SET” button under the dash or in the glove box. Most newer models reset via the MID (meter display): Settings > Vehicle Settings > TPMS/Initialize.
- Honda/Acura: Use the steering-wheel buttons and cluster menu: Settings > Vehicle > TPMS Calibration (or Tire Pressure). Some older Hondas have a reset within the i-MID or infotainment.
- Hyundai/Kia/Genesis: Typically menu-based in the cluster or infotainment; some models auto-learn after proper inflation and driving.
- Subaru: Mostly automatic relearn; some trims allow initialization in the menu. No physical button on late models.
- Ford/Lincoln: Use cluster menus (Settings > Driver Assist > Tire Monitor). Many trucks support a dedicated TPMS training mode and may require a relearn tool for sensor rotation.
- Chevrolet/GMC/Cadillac/Buick: Cluster menus handle resets; trucks often need a TPMS relearn tool after rotation. Older GM may initiate training via key fob lock/unlock hold, then use a tool at each wheel.
- Volkswagen/Audi: Indirect systems use “Store tire pressures” in the infotainment/cluster. Direct systems may have a similar menu-based reset; physical buttons are uncommon on newer VAG models.
- Nissan/Infiniti: Typically menu-based or automatic relearn; some models require driving at speed after properly setting pressures.
- BMW/MINI: Reset via iDrive: Vehicle Status > Tire Pressure Monitor > Perform reset, then drive.
- Mercedes-Benz: Use the cluster/MBUX: Service > Tire Pressure > Reset; then drive to complete initialization.
- Mazda: Newer models use menu-based initialization; older models may have a button on or under the dash labeled “SET.”
- Volkswagen Group (Skoda/SEAT): Similar to VW—use “Store” or “SET” in the infotainment tires submenu.
- Tesla: Service menu on-screen: Service > Wheel & Tire > Tire Pressure, then drive to relearn; physical buttons are not used.
If your brand isn’t listed or your menus differ, search your owner’s manual for “TPMS,” “tire pressure,” “initialize,” or “calibrate.” Automaker apps and in-car help often mirror the manual.
When the TPMS Light Won’t Go Out
If the light stays on after a reset attempt, it may indicate a fault or a condition that prevents relearn. The blink pattern helps: a flashing light on startup often means a system error; a steady light typically indicates low pressure.
- Incorrect tire pressures or temperature swings (recheck PSI cold, ideally in the morning)
- Faulty or missing sensor (including on the spare tire if your vehicle monitors it)
- Recently rotated tires without relearn on systems that require a tool
- Dead sensor batteries (typical lifespan 7–10 years)
- Wheel/tire changes without compatible sensors or IDs programmed
- Indirect TPMS not properly initialized after pressure change
If problems persist, a tire shop or dealer can scan TPMS sensor IDs, battery status, and signal strength, and perform a proper relearn with the correct tool.
Safety and Legal Notes
Never defeat or ignore the TPMS lamp; it’s a safety system and required by law on modern vehicles in many markets. Always inflate to the door placard, not the tire sidewall max. After any tire service, rotation, or seasonal changeover, confirm a reset/relearn per your model’s procedure.
Bottom Line
If your car has a TPMS reset button, it’s usually under the dash near the steering column or in the glove box; otherwise, use the vehicle’s settings menu to initialize or simply drive after setting pressures correctly. When in doubt, consult the owner’s manual for your exact model and year.
Summary
There is no universal TPMS reset button location. Many modern cars lack a physical button and use menu-based or automatic resets. If a button exists, check under the dash or in the glove box. Otherwise, set pressures to the door placard, use the vehicle’s TPMS/Initialization menu, and drive to complete relearn. Persistent warnings typically indicate a sensor or setup issue that may require a professional scan and relearn tool.
Can AutoZone reset TPMS?
Yes, AutoZone can help with Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) issues by providing diagnostic services, advice, and selling replacement parts and tools, but they typically do not perform a full TPMS reset or recalibration for you. Instead, they offer a “Fix Finder Service” to diagnose issues and may refer you to a professional shop for complex recalibration or repair, as they primarily sell the parts and tools you or a technician would use to perform the reset yourself.
What AutoZone can do:
- Diagnose TPMS issues: They offer a free service to read TPMS trouble codes and provide information on potential issues with your vehicle’s TPMS system.
- Sell TPMS tools: AutoZone carries various TPMS scan tools and activation tools that you can purchase and use yourself to perform a reset or recalibration.
- Provide replacement parts: They have replacement TPMS sensors, bands, and other parts for sale if a sensor is damaged or faulty.
- Offer expert advice: Their staff can provide guidance on troubleshooting and advice on how to use the tools you purchase.
What AutoZone typically does not do:
- Perform TPMS resets: They do not typically provide the service of actually performing the recalibration or reset of the system on your vehicle.
- Complex recalibration: For persistent issues or specialized recalibration, you may need to visit a professional technician with the necessary expertise and tools.
When to seek help from AutoZone:
- You need to understand the specific error codes related to your TPMS.
- You want to purchase tools or replacement parts.
- You are seeking advice on how to troubleshoot a TPMS light.
What to do next:
- Visit AutoZone for a diagnostic check: Use their free “Fix Finder Service” to understand the problem.
- Purchase the correct tools and parts: If needed, buy the appropriate TPMS tool or replacement sensor from their store.
- Perform the reset yourself: Follow the instructions for your vehicle’s TPMS reset, which often involves driving for a period to recalibrate the system, as detailed on their website and in informational videos.
Do all cars have a TPMS button?
TPMS got its big break in 2000, when the Clinton Administration enacted the TREAD (Transportation Recall Enhancement Accountability and Documentation) Act. Among other transportation safety improvements, the TREAD Act mandated that every new car sold in the United States after September 2007 be equipped with TPMS.
Why is my TPMS light on if my tires are fine?
In some cases, the TPMS warning light might come on due to communication issues between the sensors and the vehicle’s onboard computer. This can happen if there is interference with the signal or if the receiver is malfunctioning. Such communication breakdowns can cause the system to erroneously trigger the light.
Where is the TPMS reset button on a Ford Focus?
A physical “TPMS reset button” on a Ford Focus is not always present; for models with a display audio system, you typically navigate through the menu system to the TPMS calibration or reset function under “Settings” or “Vehicle”. For models with a button, it’s often located to the left of the steering column. After finding the button or menu, you’ll generally need to inflate tires to the correct pressure, and then activate the reset process (either by holding the physical button or selecting it in the menu) until the TPMS indicator blinks.
This video demonstrates how to reset the TPMS light on a Ford Focus using the dashboard menu: 48sDIYDalyYouTube · Jun 26, 2020
For Models with a Physical TPMS Reset Button
- 1. Inflate Tires: Make sure all your tires, including the spare, are filled to the correct PSI, found on the driver’s side door jamb.
- 2. Locate the Button: Look for a button labeled with the TPMS icon to the left of the steering column.
- 3. Activate Reset Mode: With the ignition on (but the engine off), press and hold the TPMS reset button until the TPMS indicator light in the instrument panel blinks twice.
- 4. Start the Vehicle: The calibration process will then begin.
For Models with a Display Audio System (No Physical Button)
- Inflate Tires: Correctly inflate all tires, including the spare.
- Navigate the Menu:
- Press the Home button on the display.
- Touch Settings.
- Select Vehicle.
- Next, find and select TPMS Calibration or a similar option.
- Start the Calibration: Choose Calibrate or Reset to begin the process.
After Resetting
- The calibration process takes time, and your car may need to be driven for about 30 minutes at speeds between 30 and 60 mph for it to complete.
- If the light continues to stay on, or if a flashing light appears, there might be a sensor fault that requires a special tool or a technician to diagnose.
This video shows how to activate reset mode on a 2011+ Ford model with a push-button start: 54sProTreeVideosYouTube · Nov 5, 2020
