As a Honda owner, seeing the yellow TPMS warning light suddenly appear on your dashboard can cause anxiety. This tire icon with an exclamation mark not only indicates a potential safety issue but could also mean additional repair costs. Don’t worry, this guide will help you understand the TPMS system and provide a complete solution to quickly resolve the issue.
What is TPMS and How Does It Work on a Honda?
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) is an important safety feature in vehicles that monitors tire pressure in real-time. When the system detects that one or more tires have significantly low or high pressure, it triggers a warning light, alerting you to take action.
Honda vehicles primarily use two types of TPMS systems：
- Direct TPMS: Each tire has a sensor that directly measures tire pressure and sends data to the onboard computer via wireless signals. It can display the exact tire pressure on the dashboard.
- Indirect TPMS: This system does not use physical sensors but estimates tire pressure by monitoring wheel speed changes using the ABS system.
Why Is Your TPMS Light On?
There are several common reasons why the TPMS light might be on:
- Low or High Tire Pressure: If tire pressure is too low or too high, the TPMS light will illuminate.
- System Needs Calibration: After inflating the tires or changing them, the system may need manual calibration.
- TPMS Sensor Failure: The sensor may fail due to battery depletion (usually after 5-10 years), damage, or improper installation.
- Slow Leak: A punctured tire caused by nails or sharp objects can lead to slow air loss.
How to Troubleshoot and Fix TPMS Issues
Step 1: Check and Adjust Tire Pressure
- Pull Over Safely: Ensure you stop the car in a safe place.
- Check Tire Pressure: Use a tire pressure gauge to check all four tires and the spare tire (if your vehicle monitors it), referring to the standard cold tire pressure value found on the B-pillar of the driver’s side door or in your vehicle’s manual.
- Adjust Tire Pressure: Inflate the tire if the pressure is low, or release air if it is too high.
- Observe the Warning Light: After adjusting the pressure, drive for a few minutes and see if the warning light goes off. If it does, the issue is resolved.
Step 2: Perform TPMS System Reset (Calibration)
If the light remains on after adjusting the pressure, the system likely needs to be manually reset to learn the new tire pressure data.
General Reset Method (for most Honda models):
- Turn the vehicle to the “ON” position but do not start the engine.
- Find the “TPMS” or “SET” button located on the left side of the steering wheel or near the center console.
- Press and hold the button until the TPMS light blinks 2-3 times, or you hear a “beep” sound.
- Release the button, and then drive the vehicle for 10-20 minutes to allow the system to automatically complete the calibration and turn off the warning light.
Note: For some newer models (like the Accord, CR-V, high-trim Civic), the reset option may be integrated into the “Vehicle Settings” menu on the touchscreen.
Step 3: Identify the System Type and Further Diagnosis
If the light remains on, flashes continuously, or does not display tire pressure values, the issue may be deeper. You need to identify which type of TPMS system your car uses.
| Feature | Direct TPMS | Indirect TPMS |
|---|---|---|
| How It Works | Each tire has a sensor that directly measures tire pressure and sends data via wireless signals. | No physical sensor, uses ABS wheel speed sensors to estimate tire pressure. |
| How to Identify | The dashboard displays individual tire pressures. | The dashboard only displays a warning light, without showing exact tire pressures. |
| Common Models | Most newer Honda models, such as Accord, CR-V, Civic, HR-V, Pilot, etc. | Some older or lower-trim models. |
Diagnosis Based on System Type:
- If your car uses [Indirect TPMS]: After ensuring tire pressure is correct and resetting the system, if the light stays on, it may be due to system misjudgment or an ABS sensor issue. It’s recommended to visit a professional repair shop.
- If your car uses [Direct TPMS] (most common): This typically means the tire pressure sensor itself is faulty. Possible causes include:
- Sensor Battery Depleted: Each sensor has a built-in battery, usually lasting 5-10 years. When the battery depletes, the sensor stops working.
- Sensor Damage: The sensor may have been damaged during tire changes or puncture repairs.
- Failed Pairing: After replacing the sensor, it hasn’t been successfully paired with the vehicle’s system.
Solution: You need to contact a Honda dealership or professional tire shop. They will need to use diagnostic tools to read the fault codes and determine which sensor is faulty, then proceed with replacement and re-pairing. It’s recommended to use genuine sensors to ensure compatibility.
Step 4: Inspect the Tires Themselves
During troubleshooting, never overlook the physical issues with the tires:
- Slow Leak: Check if the tire is punctured by nails or other sharp objects.
- Valve Stem Aging: Inspect if the valve stem is cracked or aging and leaking air.
TPMS Operation Details for Different Honda Models
While the working principle is the same, the reset method may vary slightly among different models:
- Honda Accord/CR-V/Civic/HR-V: Most models can reset via the “Vehicle Settings” menu on the touchscreen.
- Honda Fit/XR-V: Some models still retain the physical “SET” reset button.
- Honda Pilot: Reset can be performed through the menu key on the steering wheel.
Best Tip: Your vehicle manual is always the most accurate and authoritative guide.
Direct TPMS Failure: Replace the Sensor
If your Honda model is equipped with Direct TPMS (such as Accord, CR-V, Civic, etc.), and you find that the tire pressure monitoring system is malfunctioning continuously, even after inflating the tires, or if the tire pressure values are not showing, the most likely cause is a faulty tire pressure sensor. To ensure the system functions properly, it is recommended to replace the sensor.
Why Replacing the Sensor is Important?
Direct TPMS relies on sensors within each tire to monitor tire pressure and wirelessly transmit data to the onboard computer. If the sensor is damaged, it cannot read tire pressure accurately, causing the system to fail.
Solution:
- Replace the Sensor: It’s recommended to use genuine sensors to ensure quality and compatibility with the system.
- Pairing Learning: After replacing the sensor, the new sensor needs to undergo a pairing learning process (usually completed through diagnostic tools or vehicle settings) to ensure it transmits data correctly.
It’s best to contact a Honda authorized service center or professional repair shop for inspection and replacement to ensure the accuracy of the TPMS system and the safety of your vehicle.
Summary
Don’t panic when the TPMS light comes on! Follow this simple flow:
- Check Tire Pressure -> 2. Reset the System -> 3. If Ineffective, Consider Sensor Failure -> 4. Consult a Professional Technician.
Regular tire pressure checks are the best way to prevent warnings. We hope this guide helps you resolve issues efficiently and safely!