Honda TPMS Warning Light Meaning & Diagnosis Guide

You can diagnose, calibrate, and reset any Honda TPMS light from home, regardless of your model. All you need is an understanding of Honda dashboard symbols and about 30 minutes of your time. Whether you drive a brand-new Accord, a gently used Civic, or a well-loved Odyssey, we’ve got your Honda TPMS light answers.

Our Bravo Honda technicians know how frustrating a sudden Honda TPMS sensor light can be, so we created this DIY guide to teach you the basics. We’ll cover how a TPMS module functions, what a Honda TPMS light means, why it might turn on, why the TPMS alert matters, and how to fix it. Now, let’s get your tires refilled and your check-tire-pressure light reset!

What Does TPMS Mean on a Honda?

TPMS stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System, though some drivers call it a Honda Tire Pressure Measuring System. If your vehicle’s TPMS module senses tire pressure that’s too low or too high, Honda warning lights will indicate that your tires need attention. Since 2008, all new Hondas have been equipped with TPMS capabilities – and a few models produced before 2008 have the system, too.

What Does a Honda TPMS Light Look Like?

Honda dashboard icons are supposed to be easy to understand, but the Honda TPMS light can be tricky to decipher. On many models, the TPMS alert looks like a flat tire or a horseshoe with an exclamation point inside. This symbol is commonly found on your vehicle’s instrument screen. Some Hondas also display a “Check Tire Pressure” message on their infotainment screens to capture your attention.

What Causes a Honda TPMS Light to Turn On?

• Low tire pressure
• Defective TPMS module or sensor
• Low or dead sensor battery
• Software glitch
• Hardware malfunction
• Drastic temperature changes

Why Does a Honda TPMS Light Matter?

Most drivers prioritize dashboard alerts, whether they realize it or not: Check Engine lights usually prompt a service center appointment, but TPMS alerts are often ignored. The trouble is, ignoring your Honda TPMS light can lead to several bad outcomes, including reduced fuel efficiency, uneven tire wear, and potentially dangerous blowouts. Bravo Honda recommends addressing a Honda TPMS light as soon as possible before it impacts your safety or the longevity of your tires.

Two Types of Honda TPMS

It’s common to assume that all Hondas have the same TPMS. While their basic function of monitoring tire pressure is the same, Honda TPMS systems are not identical across all Honda vehicles. Your model’s specific type of TPMS and its Honda TPMS sensor location can vary. Here’s how:

• Direct TPMS: TPMS sensors are attached to tire valves for the most accurate tire pressure readings. If your automobile has a direct TPMS system, your tire valves will likely be made of metal to support the weight of the attached TPMS sensors. Direct systems can measure individual tire pressures and identify exactly which tire needs more or less air.
• Indirect TPMS: Wheel speed sensors and an outside temperature sensor work together to estimate tire pressures. Indirect systems tend to have traditional rubber tire valves because no sensors are directly attached; instead, they are incorporated into your model’s anti-lock brake system. An indirect TPMS cannot pinpoint which tire requires support, so check all four.

Which TPMS Module Does Your Honda Have?

Since the TREAD Act of 2007 was passed, all new vehicles must be equipped with a TPMS, but the type of system was not mandated. Per this law, most 2008 to 2012 Honda models use a direct TPMS, while newer variants have an indirect system. This means that a 2009 Accord would come with a direct TPMS alert, while a 2014 Civic would be fitted with an indirect TPMS module, for example.

TPMS Solid Light vs. TPMS Flashing Light: What’s the Difference?

Every time you start your car, your Honda TPMS light will be visible on your instrument screen, but only briefly. If the light remains solid or begins flashing, here’s what it means:

• TPMS Solid Light: You have low or high tire pressure.
• TPMS Flashing Light: Your Tire Pressure Monitoring System has a problem.

Important Note: Sometimes, the TPMS alert will flash for 60 to 90 seconds and then turn solid, which also indicates a system issue. This often occurs when you see the Honda TPMS light on, but tires are fine.

How To Fix TPMS Issues

Using the information above, were you able to make a TPMS light diagnosis for your vehicle? If so, here’s an overview of the most common issues and the steps to fix them:

• Low Tire Pressure: Visit a gas station or our South Texas Honda dealer to access compressed air, park your car and turn it off, remove the tire’s valve stem cap, attach the compressor hose, and fill up the low tire(s) to the recommended pressure.
• High Tire Pressure: Park your automobile and turn it off, remove the valve stem cap, use a small tool or your finger to press the metal pin inside the stem, and allow air to escape.
• Tire Tear or Hole: Park your vehicle and turn it off, locate your car jack, safely elevate your automobile, remove the torn tire, and replace it with your spare.
• Faulty TPMS: After making sure all tires are properly filled, use the Reset or Home buttons or your touchscreen’s Vehicle Settings menu to reset or recalibrate your TPMS system. If problems persist, visit our service center for help.

How To Reset the TPMS Light on a Honda: Direct TPMS

Direct tire pressure monitoring systems only have to be reset, not recalibrated. Resetting your Honda TPMS light is simple if you know which buttons and menu items to choose. Here’s a step-by-step Honda TPMS sensor reset procedure. Keep in mind that, in 2019 or older models, the Reset button will be located to the left of your steering wheel, and the Home button will be on your steering wheel.

• Turn on your vehicle but keep the engine off.
• Remain parked but release the parking brake.
• Press and hold the Reset or Home button until your Honda TMPS light blinks twice.
• Special Note: If tire pressure isn’t the problem but a faulty TPMS is, we recommend an additional OBD relearn procedure after replacing a direct system sensor. Contact our dealership technicians for details.

How To Perform a Honda TPMS Calibration: Indirect TPMS

Indirect tire pressure monitoring systems need tire pressure calibration, a procedure that should be performed any time you add air to your tires, rotate them, or replace a tire or TPMS sensor. You generally won’t require any tools for a TPMS calibration. Remember that 2020 or newer Honda models typically don’t have Reset or Home buttons, so use your center touchscreen to complete the following directions:

• Turn on your car but keep the engine off.
• Remain parked but release the parking brake.
• Push the Reset button near your steering wheel or navigate to Vehicle Settings on your infotainment screen.
• Tap TPMS Calibration followed by Calibrate.
• Your system should calibrate, and your Honda TPMS light should turn off within 20 to 30 minutes of normal driving.

Professional TPMS Light Diagnosis at Bravo Honda

Bravo Honda is proud to be your local solution for any Honda TPMS light problems. Call or use our online scheduler to book a TPMS appointment today, where our technicians can diagnose and fix any tire pressure or sensor issues. We make it easy to schedule service online.

While we work on your ride, feel free to browse the new Honda vehicles for sale in our showroom!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to drive with the TPMS light on?

Yes, it’s generally safe to continue driving for a short distance with your Honda TPMS light illuminated. However, you should stop as soon as possible to visually inspect each tire and find the source of the TPMS alert. Then, you can take steps to remedy the problem before it becomes dangerous: Either refill the low tire, swap it for a spare, or schedule service at Bravo Honda for further support.

How do I turn off the TPMS light in my Honda?

Your Honda TMPS light should turn off after completing these steps:

• Check pressure in all tires.
• Add air to affected tires or replace with a spare.
• Start your vehicle and remain in Park.
• Press and hold the Reset or Home button until your Honda TMPS light blinks twice.
• If there’s no Reset or Home button, select Vehicle Settings on your center screen.
• Choose TPMS Calibration, then Calibrate.

Where is the TPMS reset button on a Honda CR-V?

The location of your Honda TPMS sensor reset button in your Honda CR-V varies by model year. Most CR-Vs produced between 2017 and 2019 have a TPMS button left of the steering wheel. If your CR-V is a 2020 or newer, use your steering wheel Home button or tap your touchscreen to navigate the Vehicle Settings menu and perform a Honda TPMS sensor reset.

How do I check the tire pressure on a Honda Civic?

Honda Civic tire pressure is checked like any other vehicle: First, identify your model’s recommended tire pressure, which is usually listed inside the driver’s door jamb. Then, press a tire pressure gauge against one tire’s valve stem and read the pressure. If the reading is low, add air using a compressed air source. Continue until all four tires have been checked and adjusted.

How do I replace a TPMS sensor?

If you are very familiar with the inner workings of your car, you might be able to replace a TPMS sensor yourself, but you’ll need the right tools, including a lug wrench, jack, tire iron, valve core removal tool, and possibly a TPMS programming tool. You can also make an appointment at our Bravo Honda service center, where we can diagnose, repair, and reset any TPMS issues.

How long do TPMS sensors last?

The longevity of your TPMS sensors depends on the type of TPMS module your vehicle has. Older-model Hondas with direct TMPS sensors will need replacements every five to ten years because direct systems rely on their own batteries. Newer Hondas with indirect systems should never require a TPMS replacement, only occasional recalibration, because they are connected to the ABS and do not use batteries.