All Acura vehicles from 2007 onwards come equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). This system alerts you if any of your tires have low air pressure by illuminating the TPMS warning light on your dashboard. Sometimes, even after you’ve filled your tires with the correct air pressure, the TPMS light may still remain on.
To reset the TPMS and turn off the warning light, follow these steps:
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Step 1: Check Tire Pressure
First, ensure that all your tires, including the spare tire if applicable, are at the correct air pressure. If the tires are properly inflated and the TPMS warning light persists, you’ll need to proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Reset the TPMS
You can usually reset the TPMS yourself without visiting a service center. Here are four suggested methods to reset the Acura TPMS:
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Drive for 10 Minutes: Drive your vehicle at a speed above 50 mph for 10 minutes. Often, this simple action can reset the TPMS, and the warning light will turn off the next time you start your vehicle.
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Turn-Key Ignition: For vehicles with a turn-key ignition, turn the key to the “on” position without starting the engine. Press and hold the TPMS reset button until the TPMS light blinks three times, then release the button. Operate the car for 20 minutes to reset the system. You can usually find the TPMS reset button on the left side or under the steering wheel. If you need assistance locating the button, refer to your Acura owner’s manual.
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Inflate and Deflate Tires: Inflate all tires with a TPMS sensor (including the spare tire) to 3 psi over the recommended pressure. Then, completely deflate all the tires before filling each one to the correct pressure.
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Disconnect Battery: If none of the above methods work and you haven’t visited a service center, you can try disconnecting the positive battery terminal while the vehicle is off. Press the horn button for at least three seconds to discharge any stored power. Then, reconnect the battery.
Flashing TPMS Warning Light
If your TPMS light is flashing, the issue may not be related to tire pressure. It could be a dead sensor battery or another problem. In this case, it’s best to seek assistance from a professional auto or tire service center.
This is what the TPMS sensor in each wheel of your Acura looks like.
Two Types of Acura TPMS
Acura vehicles use two types of TPMS: direct TPMS and indirect TPMS.
1. Direct TPMS: This type uses battery-operated sensors in each tire (including the spare tire). These sensors read tire pressure and transmit the information to the vehicle. If a tire loses more than 25% of the recommended pressure, the TPMS warning light will illuminate. The batteries in the tire pressure sensors typically last 7-10 years or 100,000 miles.
2. Indirect TPMS: Indirect TPMS utilizes speed sensors from the anti-lock braking (ABS) system to measure the rotational speed of each tire. If one tire rotates faster than the others, it indicates a loss of pressure, triggering the TPMS light. The threshold for activation is 25% below Acura’s recommended tire pressure. Indirect TPMS cannot pinpoint which tire has low air pressure and requires calibration whenever tire air pressure is adjusted or changed voluntarily to maintain accuracy.
TPMS and Air Pressure Checks
Although the Acura TPMS is an essential feature, it’s crucial not to rely solely on it. Regular monthly tire pressure checks are still necessary.
Both types of TPMS systems will only activate the dashboard warning light when there is a 25% decrease in recommended tire pressure. However, even a small 5% underinflation can negatively impact fuel economy and increase internal tire temperature. It’s important to remember that these effects can occur before the TPMS warning is triggered.
Therefore, incorporate manual air pressure checks using an accurate tire pressure gauge as part of your routine. Consider the TPMS alert as a warning for a severe condition.
Other TPMS Considerations
If the batteries in the direct TPMS sensors die, they cannot be replaced. A weak or dead battery, as well as tire sealants or corrosion, may require sensor replacement. Professional assistance is necessary because the vehicle must be programmed to recognize the new sensors.
Internal tire pressure can fluctuate with temperature changes. A sudden drop in temperature can trigger the TPMS warning light. If the temperature change is small, it may indicate that the tire pressure is close to the lower limit of the recommended range.
Remember, for more detailed information about Acura TPMS or any other topics, check out 5 WS.
