How to Reset Tire Pressure Light

Man driver checking air pressure and filling air in the tires of car

If you’ve inflated your tires and the tire pressure light doesn’t turn off, you’ll have to reset it. It’s important to remember that your tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) should be always activated in order to ensure your safety. However, if the TPMS light stays on even after you’ve addressed the pressure issue, follow these simple steps to reset it, or bring your vehicle to the Triple J Guam service center near you to have our professional auto techs take a look at it. Whether you need to perform a Mazda tire pressure light reset or Honda Civic tire pressure light reset, the guide below can help.

Schedule Service Contact Us

How to Fill Tires with Air

First things first, if you have not yet inflated your tires to the proper car tire pressure, you will need to do so to ensure safe driving and maximum tire longevity. How much air should I put in my tires? It really depends on your particular make and model. This information should be found in your owner’s manual. Once you know the the correct car tire pressure for your vehicle, you will need to know how to fill tires with air. Simply follow the steps listed below:

  • Pull up to the air dispenser at your local gas station. 
  • Make sure you can reach all four tires with the air hose.
  • Remove the cap from the tire valve on the first tire.
  • Use your tire gauge to check the air pressure in the tire.
  • Repeat this process for the other three tires.

Avoid over-inflating the tire. Use the air hose to add air in short bursts and make sure that you only top off what was lost before visiting the dispenser. If you end up over-inflating the tire, press the pin on the tire valve with the back of the air hose nozzle, or use the small knob on the back of the rounded end of the tire gauge to release a bit of air. 

Resetting Your Tire Pressure Light

Now that you have achieved the proper car tire pressure, you may be wondering how to reset the tire pressure light. The TPMS light should turn off once you’ve added the correct amount of air to your tires. In the event that it remains on, try these steps:

  • Drive the car for about 10 minutes at 50 mph. Often this will reset the sensor, and the next time you start the car the TPMS light should be off.
  • Turn the key to the “On” position without starting the car. Press and hold the TPMS reset button until the tire pressure light blinks three times, then release it. Start the car and let it run for 20 minutes. This should reset the sensor. The tire pressure monitor reset button is usually located beneath the steering wheel. If you can’t find it, check your user’s manual.

These next two steps are a bit more involved, and are only recommended if you are comfortable with working on cars:

  • Inflate each tire to 3 PSI over the recommended amount, then deflate them completely. Make sure to do this with the spare tire as well, since it may also have a sensor. Once all tires have been deflated, re-inflate them to the recommended tire pressure.
  • Turn the vehicle off, then open the hood and disconnect the positive battery cable. Turn the key to the “On” position and honk the horn for about three seconds to discharge any power still stored in the vehicle. Then reconnect the battery.

What Does a Flashing Tire Pressure Light Mean?

Now that you know how to reset a tire pressure light, you may be wondering about what to do if your tire pressure light is flashing. If your tire pressure light is flashing, it could be a sign that either the sensor battery needs to be replaced or that one of the sensors is malfunctioning. With a flashing or blinking TPMS light, it’s best to schedule service at Triple J Guam in Tamuning to have our technicians diagnose exactly what the problem is and take care of it for you.

Get Expert Auto Care at Triple J Guam Today

Our service team is always happy to help address any issues your vehicle is experiencing, from resetting your check engine light to rotating your tires and checking your transmission fluid. Find out how often you should have your oil changed, and learn some tire care tips, then explore our service specials to find money-saving deals on a wide range of maintenance services. Please contact our service center if you have any questions, or stop by one of our dealerships on Guam today! We would be more than happy to show you how to perform a Honda Civic tire pressure light reset or Mazda tire pressure light reset.