How to Use a TPMS Relearn Tool

When spring arrives, it&#;s time for the yearly ritual of swapping out winter tires for summer treads. But the task can quickly get complicated when cars have a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Here&#;s what you need to know.

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TPMS History

Since , the federal government has required all new cars to come with a tire pressure monitoring system. The device is designed to warn you if a tire is seriously under-inflated. It also helps you maintain correct tire pressure for better fuel economy.

To comply with the rule, carmakers use two different types of TPMS systems, as follows.

Direct monitoring: Most American cars use a direct system, in which a sensor is placed in the tire valve. The device sends a signal to the dashboard when the pressure is low.

Indirect monitoring: Import vehicles commonly use an indirect TPMS method. That process places sensors on the wheel to calculate rotation and speed. Since an under-inflated tire is smaller, the distance traveled for one rotation can be detected. When that happens, the warning is communicated to the dashboard.

As TPMS devices evolved over the years, they were able to show current pressures for each tire on a dashboard display. When you swap your tires (or rotate them), the TPMS system needs to &#;relearn&#; where the devices are and how they communicate. That&#;s why you need a TPMS relearn tool.

Help the TPMS Relearn

Depending on your car model, the process of resetting your TPMS can be super easy or extremely tough.

The first step after installing new tires is to inflate them to the correct pressure. Typically, a sticker on the driver&#;s side door panel will indicate the correct pressure setting (in psi). Use a tire pressure gauge to confirm that you filled up the tires to that indicated pressure.

If you&#;re lucky to own a car with an easy system, just push the reset button under the steering column (or in the menu system). It&#;s best to press that button when the vehicle is stationary with the ignition off. Afterward, as you begin to drive, the TPMS will do its calculations and recalibrate the setting based on the new pressure.

Some models will require using menu settings on the dashboard to initiate the reset process. Your key fob might also work. Consult with the owner&#;s manual for details.

Use a TPMS Relearn Tool

Regardless of the vehicle type, a TPMS relearn tool can help teach the car about the proper tire pressure, tire locations, and identification numbers. A TPMS relearn is essential if you replaced the valve sensor.

The TPMS relearn tool does its job when placed adjacent to each tire valve. But some of them start the process by connecting to the onboard diagnostic (OBD) port. The videos (below) demonstrate the process.

Here&#;s an important warning: Not all TPMS relearn tools work on all cars. Before making a purchase, double-check that the device works on your specific year, make, and model. Unfortunately, if you own vehicles of different makes, you may need to buy more than one device.

TPMS Programming

There&#;s one additional consideration&#;whether to buy a TPMS sensor made specifically for your vehicle versus a universal programmable TPMS. Because sensor specifications vary by the year, make, and model of the vehicle, universal sensors need to be programmed with the correct settings for your car. Think of it as a software update.

Programmable, multi-application TPMS sensors are more flexible because the same sensor can be used for many different vehicles. Many shops sell programmable tire sensors so they can stock only a few sensors that cover most vehicles&#;instead of hundreds of vehicle-specific sensors.

You might also prefer a programmable sensor as well. For example, if you want a set of snow tires to be used different vehicles, a programmable sensor means the tire with its TPMS can be swapped.

TPMS programing devices are usually more expensive. That&#;s because they employ technology to read the sensor ID number, battery level, tire pressure, and tire temperature. Some of them offer the ability to clone the settings from one TPMS to another.

Here our two helpful videos that demonstrate how the relearning process works for GM vehicles:

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While most shops work with TPMS on a daily basis, use this as a refresher and a tool for new hires - even as information to share with your customers if they want to learn more about the complexity of the relearn process.

Partnering with an OE sensor manufacturer is one of the most important decisions you&#;ll make when it comes to your TPMS program. OE manufacturers simply know more than non-OE manufacturers and working directly with OEM&#;s gives OE TPMS suppliers an edge when it comes to bringing new OE technology to the aftermarket. An OE TPMS supplier can give you the latest technology sooner and with higher quality than a reverse-engineered aftermarket part. 

All vehicle makes and models have different service requirements, including the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). When TPMS sensors are replaced or wheels have been rotated, a relearn procedure is required. Relearns can be tricky, and if not fully understood, they can cost your shop time and ultimately money. Each vehicle manufacturer has created their own requirements for TPMS relearn procedures, and they are a crucial step to turning the TPMS light off on the dashboard. 

The purpose of the relearn is to share the new TPMS sensor IDs to the vehicle. This allows the sensors to &#;talk&#; to the vehicle and alert the driver if any tires have low air pressure or if there is a malfunction with the TPMS system.

If you take advantage of a universal TPMS sensor solution, then keep in mind that by the time you are ready to relearn the vehicle, you should have already programmed the sensor to the proper MMY of the vehicle being serviced. Service professionals often confuse &#;programming the sensor&#; with &#;relearning the vehicle.&#; These are different actions and the vehicle must still be relearned after the sensors are programmed.

The first necessary step of performing a relearn is to decipher which type of relearn procedure needs to be completed on that specific vehicle: stationary, OBD, or automatic. 

A stationary relearn requires a specific sequence designated by the vehicle manufacturer. This can include turning the key a few times, pressing or holding the brake, and many other actions and combinations. Once the sequence is completed correctly, the horn may chirp or lights might blink, signaling that the new sensor IDs have been correctly relearned.

An OBD relearn requires you to connect to the vehicle&#;s computer via an OBD cord attached to a compatible TPMS scan tool. Once you are connected to the vehicle&#;s computer, you can then place the vehicle in relearn mode to complete the procedure.

An automatic relearn is actually a bit deceptive in its name as it does require the service professional to drive the vehicle for a certain amount of uninterrupted time at a specified minimum speed. Once those requirements are met, then the sensors are &#;automatically&#; relearned to the vehicle.

Keep in mind that there are some special cases. You may need to do a combination of relearn types to complete the relearn. For example, you still might have to drive the vehicle for a specified amount of time after completing a stationary or OBD relearn. 

Some vehicles may also require an extra step or an extra tool to complete a TPMS relearn procedure. Nissan, for example, requires a reset tool to properly complete a relearn procedure. Some Lexus models have a main and second switch that must be added into the step-by-step procedure. More specifically, the Honda Civic requires a &#;pressure drop&#; to relearn, where you have to lower the pressure in each wheel and tire assembly below 8 psi for at least one minute before re-inflating. With unique vehicle relearn procedures, it is important that you are always referencing a reliable source for TPMS service. 

There are many ways to find out which type of relearn is required for any specific vehicle. You can check sources such as the Tire Industry Association flip chart, the vehicle&#;s manual or manufacturers&#; websites. In addition to these resources, some TPMS scan tools have these instructions located directly on the tool.

The most important thing you can do when it comes to relearns is to ensure no corners are being cut and every single step is taken in the proper sequence. Some steps may seem small, but skipping them is enough to make you have to start over, wasting time and money.

Written by Jacki Lutz for Tire Review

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